Page 135 of Carnal Games

Too bad I haven’t had a chance to take advantage of it.

Stepping into the office with hardwood floors and the air cloaked with a rich, spicy fragrance, I walk up to his desk.Finding a piece of paper, I sit in his chair and jot down the list. He hasn’t barred me from any part of his place despite teasing me about sneaking around in his bedroom.

If he knew I’ve been stalking him for three years, he’d be singing a different tune.

I’ll cross that bridge when it comes.

Back in the kitchen after a few minutes, I hear Sonya cleaning in the living room. So, I leave the list on the island under a glass.

Since the weather is nice today, I decide to go swimming. On my way, an incoming call draws my attention to my phone. I halt in the middle of the hall when I see it’s Nathan calling me. I pick it up, his protective voice filling my ear.

“Iris.”

I breezily reply, “Hey, Nathan.”

“Don’t hey me.” He sees right through me. “Please tell me it’s not true that you were attacked.”

“Umm.”

“Fuck!” he angrily barks. “I’m coming to see you.”

“What? No.” I panic. I haven’t told him I’m living with his brother. If he returns, I’ll have to leave, making Kian raise his walls back up. “Don’t cut your trip short. I am okay and safe.”

“Why did I hear it from Nova, Iris? You should’ve called me right away. How badly were you hurt?”

“I looked worse than I was. All that matters is that I’m healed.”

He exhales before demanding, “Did Kian catch the guy? Did you file an FIR?”

“He’s looking into it, Nathan.” I bury the shame at keeping yet another secret from him. It’s too risky to reveal I’m covering a story for the newspaper company I work for. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I swear the week went by in a blur and I was mostly on bed rest.”

“I hope you’re not staying alone. Go to Rosalie’s or Bianca’s.”

“They’ve been by my side. Don’t worry.”

“Keep me updated,” he orders. “Call me anytime if you need someone to talk to. I don’t care what time it is. And I’m just one flight away, okay?”

“I know, Nathan.” Leaning against the wall, I switch the topic. “How are you? Is the merger going well?”

“It would if my dad didn’t keep intervening from halfway across the world.” Frustration and stress make his voice sound heavy.

“What is he doing now?”

“He wants to be in on all the meetings via video. After I let him join, he questions every point I make.”

“He’s trying to undermine your authority.”

“Yeah. He’s being difficult, like always,” grunts Nathan. “Once the board votes in my favor, I won’t have to worry about him. Just need to tolerate him until we get married next year.”

My heart bottoms out. Guilt is eating me alive because I’m here plotting a way out of our engagement. My anxiety triples because if I succeed, it’ll be at the cost of Nathan’s career. I open my mouth to reply when I hear someone call his name.

“I have to run,” sighs Nathan, like he wants to talk more, “but I’ll call you later.”

“Okay.”

“I miss you.”

I clutch the phone tighter. “I miss you too.”

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