Page 13 of Carnal Games

The gentlemanly way he’s behaving, I’m unable to reconcile it with the aggressive version I saw of him in the park.It’s like a switch in his personality, going from dark to sunny. I’m sensing there’s more to Nathan than meets the eye.

Exiting the store, understanding passes between us and we walk toward the bench we sat and chatted on yesterday, the connection between us not a figment of my imagination which I felt the last time.

He passes me the ice-cream cone to avoid it melting. I peel off the wrapper and take a bite of the frozen yumminess.

Nathan’s tall stature and drool-worthy looks draw the attention of a group of teenage girls returning from coaching classes. He doesn’t seem to notice them, as though it’s an everyday occurrence.

They must think we’re on a date, which is so far from the truth.

Nathan cuts the silence by asking, “You couldn’t stay away, could you?”

“What?” I scoff and flip my hair so it doesn’t fly and stick to the ice cream. “I didn’t come here to seehim.”

Nathan raises one eyebrow pointedly.

My composure lasts for all of two seconds before my guilty expression gives me away. “Fine! I couldn’t resist.” He chuckles and I wave my hand flippantly. “But today, it’s my turn to listen. So, tell me, what has got you upset?”

“Is this you trying to return the favor?”

“Was it a favor?”

“Of course not, crazy girl,” he replies, licking his vanilla-flavored ice-cream cone. His shoulders lift as he shrugs. “I don’t want you to feel obligated. That’s all.”

“I’m not and I’ll be honest.”Ha. Really, Iris?“I’m not usually so forward when meeting someone new. In fact, I’m downright awkward. But with you, for some reason, it’s easy and I like it. So, if you need someone to vent to, I’m here.”

I’m worried I sound too pushy, but it evaporates when he sighs and runs a hand through his wavy hair. This is the third time I’ve seen him do this. Must be a habit when he’s frustrated or angry.

“It’s my older brother.”

I was right! Theyarerelated.

“What about him?” I probe, once we reach the bench and sit down. Our bodies leaning toward each other’s. “Do you both not get along?”

“No, we don’t.”

“Like never? Or because you had a recent fight or something?”

A sardonic smile lifts the corner of his mouth. “I wish it were just a fight. At least then there would be hope for us of one day making up. But sadly, he’s decided he doesn’t want me in his life.”

“Why?” The question just falls from my lips.

“Because he’s a selfish bastard.”

I barely hide my flinch, the sweet flavor of the strawberry turning poisonous on my tongue. My scary reaper couldn’t be selfish, not after I saw him crumble with my own eyes when he thought he was alone. My nails dig into my palm as I hold myself back from defending him.

“Are you sure it’s not a misunderstanding?” I murmur cautiously.

“How many ways there are to interpret the words ‘stay away’?” His tone is angry and wounded, painting Mr. Severe as the bad guy. “Or being ignored? Being treated like a nuisance? I’m a glutton for punishment for going back for more. I’ve finally learned my lesson today.”

Fuck. I didn’t think their relationship would be this bad and troubled.

I’ve barely touched the crux of it.

Our ice creams sit forgotten, melting in our grip, and I discard mine before it runs down my wrist. Nathan throws his in the trash can next to him after a beat.

“What did he do to you?”

Nathan faces forward and leans back against the bench, hands steepled on his lap. “He’s decided our family name, especially our dad’s, isn’t good enough for him. We were supposed to lead our granddad and dad’s legacy together one day, but instead he’s chosen to become our rival.”

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