Page 193 of Carnal Games

It… It was…. I can’t describe it.

All I know is that it was a million times hotter and filthier than my wildest imagination. I didn’t realize masturbating in front of someone could be this erotic.

The animalistic look on Kian’s face as he drank from the glass is forever engraved in my heart and mind. I don’t remember him pressing it against me.

I want more of his depravity.

I want him to teach me all the ways to bring us pleasure.

Because last night, he eradicated all of my insecurities. I had never felt more beautiful and seen than when he gazed at me like I was the sexiest woman alive.

Most of all, I’m so happy that there is one less secret between us. I don’t regret telling him that Nathan and I aren’t a real couple. I want to be brave and tell him the rest when the time is right.

“Hey, morning!”

I jump at Nathan’s groggy voice from behind me and turn around. He stands across the kitchen in a black tee and sweatpants with bedhead hair.

Seeing my startled expression, he mumbles, “Sorry!”

“It’s okay.” I smile.

Running a lazy gaze down my sleeveless purple blouse and black pencil skirt, he asks, “What time is it? You leaving for work?”

“It’s eight a.m., and yeah, I’m about to leave for work.” Not only did I wake up with lovely memories of last night, but also a text from Kian telling me to meet at his place after I was dressed for work.

“Are you feeling better?” Nathan asks, crossing the room to my side and getting the coffee maker running. Tugging the end of my ponytail playfully, he smiles. “You look good.”

“Thanks. I’m good. Just needed some rest.”

“I’m glad.” Grabbing a clean mug from near the sink, he questions, “What time do you need to be at the office? If you give me ten minutes, I can drop you off.”

“No.” I panic. “That’s okay. I… um… I’m riding with Kian.”

I regret it as soon as I say it because Nathan tenses instantly. Shit. I should’ve hurried out of the apartment instead of stopping for a glass of water in the kitchen.

“So you’re meeting him at his place?”

“Yeah. I am.” I feel guilty for some odd reason. Actually, no, it’s because the whole reason I befriended Nathan finally wants me and I’m looking for a way out of our arrangement like a selfish person. Ashamed, I try explaining, “I still have to workwith him, Nathan. You may find it hard to believe, but he has been keeping me safe and protected. He takes care of me.”

“I’ll believe you when he catches the man after you.” Ignoring his coffee, he takes a step. “I’ll walk you to his door.”

“I can—”

“I’m coming with you.”

Avoiding making him suspicious, I drop the argument and gather my purse and phone from the island. Together, we walk to the front door and step into the hallway. My heart thumps nervously behind my ribs as we ring Kian’s doorbell and wait for him. Nathan keeps his palm on the small of my back, standing close.

It’s like he’s trying to piss his older brother off without even knowing. I hear approaching footsteps from the other side of the door.

I don’t want them to clash like yesterday.

Please, God, don’t let it happen.

At the sound of click, followed by the knob turning, I steel my spine. Kian comes into view, sharply dressed in a charcoal gray suit and his features set in stone. He smoothly takes in Nathan and me. A brief glance at my waist lets me know he didn’t miss his brother’s hand on my back.

I don’t miss the mute flicker of irritation that passes through his eyes either.

“Nathan,” Kian says, staring over my shoulder. “I’m sure Miss Mannan is capable of walking right across the hall alone.”