Page 78 of Scandalous Games

It was at that moment I realized Dash wasn’t as cold-hearted and cruel as Niall claimed. Despite his hard outer shell and perpetual glower, he was protective and affectionate.

His callousness was a layer of defense from the world.

In some ways, he’s still the same. Mysterious and secretive as he was before, one can only tell if they look closely.

Since we ran into each other, he has stolen and invaded my life while keeping his guarded. Despite me wanting to keep our arrangement as impersonal as possible, he ruthlessly tore through the line and took more than I bargained.

He knows my deepest fear and my complicated relationship with my parents, while I know nothing about his. Even Niall wouldn’t tell me anything except warning me to keep my distance.

No matter how much I deny and resist, there’s a burning curiosity inside me to know the man Dash Stern is. I want to dig beneath his heartless exterior, uncover his secrets and unmask the real him that he hides from everyone.

He knows my weaknesses, my vulnerabilities, and I want to learn his.

As his wife—even a pretend and temporary one—it’s my right. At least, that’s the lie I tell myself.

The hallway is dark and quiet until I see light spilling from the door to our bedroom as I get closer.

So, he’s awake...

With my chin held high, I push inside, only to find the huge bed empty with the lamps on each bedside providing some lighting in the room. I glance around for signs of him, when the cold breeze hits my bare legs.

That’s when I see Dash sitting on the balcony, working on his own laptop. It’s a little after midnight so I’m shocked to catch him working so late. I never stay up this late unless I have a meeting the next day or I’m behind on my projects, which is my excuse for tonight.

Then again, I don’t run a billion-dollar company.

He doesn’t even notice my presence until I’m standing right behind him. The light spilling from the laptop screen flits across his concentrated face. His shoulders are hunched and his lips are pursed as he types away. I’m contemplating whether or not to disturb him when he speaks up, startling me.

“Did you need anything, kitten?”

“It’s really late, Dash,” I softly say. “Do you often work till this hour?”

“Yes,” he answers without losing the momentum of his rapid typing, and it’s enough to reveal he’s a workaholic. And come to think of it, I’ve noticed him constantly on his phone either texting or conversing. Just like my dad. He couldn’t bear to be away from work even for a second and I’m well aware what it did to him and the unfeeling man he became as a result.

At this rate, Dash is halfway on the same track.

And I don’t like it.

“It’s unhealthy,” I scold, before inching closer. “Come to bed, Dash.”

His fingers pause instantly and the energy around us shifts and cackles as he raises his green eyes to mine. Underneath the moonlight, they glow like two jewels and appear darker. For the first time, he appears flabbergasted before a soft expression transforms his rugged features. I become breathless and shy under his unwavering stare, like he’s trying to look into my soul. And pulling apart the pieces until he reaches my core.

I desperately wish I knew what he was thinking right now.

“Am I dreaming or did you just invite me to bed, wifey?” he teases. His husky voice, feeling like a warm caress. The nickname, holding more intimacy underneath the starry sky.

“To sleep. Don’t get any dirty ideas,” I warn in a light tone.

“Impossible.” He smirks. “All I have are dirty ideas when it comes to you. Some downright filthy.”

I blame the shiver that dances down my spine on the cool night breeze. “Just come to bed, please.”

I’m ready to snatch his damn laptop when he sighs and nods.

“I have one important email to reply to. How about you get ready for bed and I’ll meet you inside?”

“Fine.”

Returning inside, I pull out my favorite pair of sleep shorts and a loose cami from the closet and go to the bathroom to change. Since I’m super tired, I’m tempted to skip my nightly skincare routine but the fear of an unwanted pimple popping up has me rejecting the idea.

---