Page 6 of Scandalous Games

“Find him?” Rosa says this like I’m being silly. “His goons must have already tattled that I’m here. He’ll be by my side soon enough. As for us going further inside, who will be stupid enough to stop his fiancée?”

I can’t help but smile because she’s right. Nobody will dare stop her since everyone is too scared of her family. Despite having grown up beside her my whole life, I’m still not used to the power behind her last name.

“I still don’t understand why I had to dress up for this…”

“You’ll know soon enough,” says Rosa before smiling. “Come on.”

She guides me past the subtly elegant lobby, down a well-lit hallway toward a black door. Our heels clap on the tiled floor and we pause as Rosa opens the door like she’s done it many times before. I expect to see a private elevator or stairs leading upstairs, but instead another lobby greets my sight.

It’s completely opposite to the one we just walked through and is painted a deep shade of red while the floor is covered with a plush brown carpet. I feel like I’ve stepped into another era as chandeliers hang from the ceilings while a wooden door waits for us at the end.

“What is this place, Rosa?”

“Rich and bored men’s playroom, apparently.” Her voice comes out flat, unimpressed.

Meanwhile, I can’t help but admire the way it resembles the eighteenth century’s era with a touch of modern. The decoration and architecture is subtly inspired by it and the interior designer in me can’t help but appreciate its beauty.

“Stop drooling, Bee. I can’t have you losing it when we go farther.”

“Hey! I can’t control it.”

She tugs me forward when my feet stay rooted to the spot. Even the door has intricate designs woven into it as we prowl closer and I shove it slightly. I’m surprised yet again when I notice steps leading underground.

“Don’t tell me the playroom is a dungeon,” I deadpan. “I feel like I’m walking into a lion’s den.”

“Jeez. Relax. It’s just an underground club to make men feel like kings,” says Rosa from behind me. “Don’t worry. We won’t be staying for long.”

Our quiet breathing fills the space as we carefully take the stairs and as we go lower, I hear soft music playing. Soon, we reach the landing in front of a double door. It’s like a freaking maze with too many unnecessary doors. Though this one is locked and heavy.

Rosa knocks twice and a second later, it pulls open and a heavy bodyguard takes us in before hardening his gaze.

“Who allowed you two in here?” he demands in a cold voice.

I shift to the side as Rosa steps forward and commands in a steel voice, “Move.”

He stills at being spoken back to but before he can say anything, a beautifully dressed tall woman rounds from behind him. I’m guessing she’s the hostess.

“Good evening, Miss Kapoor,” she politely greets my friend before meeting my gaze, “Miss Chopra. I’m Tasha. Come this way, please.”

The guard blinks in recognition at hearing our last names and swallows thickly. I bite my lip to hide my smile. He backs away as we walk past him and follow the hostess.

“I’m sorry about the guard, Miss Kapoor,” says Tasha.

Rosa nods once before speaking smoothly, “We can find our way, Tasha.”

The woman hesitates like she’s conflicted and offers, “I can arrange a private—”

“That won’t be necessary,” Rosa cuts her off and the poor woman becomes nervous. “You can let Mr. D’Cruz know I wanted to be left alone.”

Tasha appears shocked at first, then it twists into fear and guilt at having been caught. Her position at being stuck between their war has me feeling pity for her. Knowing Rosa won’t budge, she finally relents and leaves us alone.

“I think it’s safe to say you’ve ruined Nova’s night just by being here.”

The dark victory shining in her eyes is unmistakable as she shrugs and says, “Not yet. My date was a pussy but the men here aren’t. He can’t scare or manipulate them so easily.”

“You’re playing with fire, Ro.”

“Just because I’m forced into a marriage with him doesn’t mean I’ll make it easy for him. Either he lets me go or I make his life a living hell.”

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