Page 45 of Reckless Rival

“No,” the word escaped him as the anger surfaced again.

Nothing can wipe out the pain his mother endured and what he had to deal with during his growing years.

Chapter 15

Nami dreaded her future encounters with her rival, who according to everyone on campus, was now her boyfriend. She had woken up to a post on the newsletter about how Rana Simha was taken and that all the girls who were hoping to be chosen as his partner for the upcoming Simha dance event were out of luck.

She was so looking forward to attending the masquerade party but now her experience was at the mercy of her rival. She hated to admit that his declaration would keep her and her roommates out of trouble from Varun, but it gravely complicated her dynamic with her rival.

Following her routine, she made it to the boxing arena after class and went straight to her tasks. She was behind the desk putting in an order for some equipment when she felt him walk over to her side. It was odd the way he walked over to where she sat and kneeled next to her.

She pushed her chair away a bit. “What do you want?” She was always jittery around him.

He grinned like she told him he won the popularity contest. “I missed you too, sweetness.”

She glared at him before looking back at the computer screen. “Go away. I’m working.”

He stood up but did not move. She looked up at him questioningly, but he kept looking down at her, the stupid, cocky grin on his face. “Have you never had a boyfriend?”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “What the heck? Why do you care?”

“Obviously, you clearly didn’t because you’re boring.” He chuckled victoriously like he had proven his theory.

Nami took a deep breath to calm herself down. Why was she getting worked up because of his stupid comment? Why did it matter what he thought? “None of your effing business.”

“Yes, it is.” He leaned closer, placing his palms on both armrests of the chair, caging her in. “You are my fucking girlfriend, and you will behave like one.”

“Fake,” she hissed under her breath, her chin tilted up to meet his eyes.

His eyes held hers in an intense challenge. “If word gets to Varun that you are my fake girlfriend, no one can save you or your roomies from him.” He always had something over her head. And it got better by the minute. He didn’t even have to use the video anymore, he had new things to use against her to make her life a mess.

“What do you expect me to do? Sleep around with you?” she almost barked.

One end of his mouth twitched. “Unless you are up to do that in public, it will be hard for Varun to see that as proof. Think about something you could do in front of everyone. Maybe try what you are good at… kissing.”

His tone was so insulting she wanted to slap him, and instead, she closed her eyes like she could not even look at him. “I’m not kissing you.”

Rana laughed, making her even more furious. “This is why I know for sure you’ve never had a boyfriend.” He paused like he was going to get another reaction from her, but she didn’t lose her cool. She opened her eyes but kept them away from him. “Don’t worry, Varma, by the time you go back, I’ll turn you into good girlfriend material. Don’t lose hope yet.”

She grit her teeth, stopping herself from wanting to claw his face. She slowly looked up. “What do you want me to do?”

“That’s what I like to hear.” He winked and straightened his back. “Every time you come to the arena, I need you to come see me first before you get started with anything else here. Lesson number one, never ignore your boyfriend.”

“Should I be taking notes?” she snapped. “Or better learn to record like you did.”

He only smiled in return like her anger amused him. “Lesson number two, it’s no good having a sharp tongue if you don’t know how to use it.”

She was disgusted by his words. “Are you for real?”

He shrugged. “I know, right. Too perfect. You probably will never ever have a boyfriend like me. Enjoy it while it lasts.” He leaned a little closer, “Fake or real, kiss me all you want. I won’t stop you.”

Nami was shuddering on the inside. Anger and disgust peaked, but his words had set off something else inside her. Heat emanated from within in response to his words which were purely intended to insult her, but it had a different effect on her.

“Go away,” she said, sliding her chair away from him. “You are such an asshole.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “This asshole is who saved your ass, so you better do as I say.”

She stood up and took a step toward him. “What is left for me to do? I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to do. What’s left?”

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