Page 24 of Carnal Games

“What? Dating?”

“No. Fake dating.” His expression is suspicious and inquisitive. “Because you’re asking all the right questions.”

“Of course not. Stop being silly.” I laugh. “I’ve dated two guys in school but neither lasted for more than a year.”

“Well, we can tell everyone the truth that we ran into each other. As for changing myCasanova ways, as you put it, all they need to do is take a look at how stunning you are, Iris.”

“You’re a good boost for my ego,” I murmur, unable to meet his gaze.

Our conversation halts when the car slows down to take a swift turn and climbs up a quiet street, with mountains as a backdrop and one lavish mansion after another forming theneighborhood. It seems as if I’ve been transported into another galaxy, far away from my reality.

I stare wide-eyed outside my window, rolling down the glass and letting the night breeze blow my hair. Perfectly proportioned and well-groomed bushes decorate the neighborhood.

My shock heightens as we take another turn and see houses even farther apart from each other and get bigger than I ever imagined.

I swallow, unable to tear my gaze away, while risking looking like a fool in front of Nathan.

In the background, I hear him tell the driver which one is his house. Two houses down at the very end of the smooth road, we finally stop. I’m so momentarily stuck, eyeballing the beautiful street, that I miss Nathan paying for the cab ride.

I jolt when he taps my leg and murmur, “Come on, Iris.”

Blinking and gathering my wits, I grab my string purse, shift, and slide out of car. I haven’t found my speech and it only prolongs the moment as I look up at Nathan’s home. Or shall I say, castle. It is glowing like a jewel in the distance, more blinding than the sun.

Just how rich is he?

I’m quiet as Nathan takes my hand and guides me to the front of his driveway. The two bodyguards situated outside tip their heads at him. We enter through the side door. A circular driveaway, exactly like in the movies, with beautiful scenery, invites us in.

I assume we’ll be walking, which would be hell on my feet in heels.

Instead, I’m left stunned when a black car waits for us and Nathan helps me inside.

“Have you grown up here?” I blurt out as soon as we sit and the car glides forward. I catch a private parking lot, where a line of luxury vehicles sits. Probably the equally rich guests’ cars.

“Yeah. Do you like it?”

I turn to him. “It’s beautiful, Nathan.”

It becomes infinitely more beautiful as we roll down the road with tall pine trees lit up with lights on each side. It reminds me of being at a private resort. A rectangular driveway stretches out in the middle with four water fountains inside it.

I make out more black cars before us, moving at a slow pace and dropping the guests off in front of the entrance, valets opening the doors and handing them a drink.

When it’s our turn, Nathan steps out and rounds the hood of the car, shaking his head at the valet to open my door himself. I’m internally grateful because I’m seconds away from demanding the driver to turn the car around and drop me off at home.

“Iris,” Nathan urges softly.

I blink and place my hand in his on autopilot, letting him help me out. I teeter on my heels and just as I balance myself, Nathan shifts slightly. I notice the people mingling inside and my anxiety soars.

Nathan doesn’t notice it, busy smiling at a couple who he must know. I’m gaping at the red carpet laid out over the short flight of stairs when the waiter offering welcome drinks appears in front of me.

A virgin to alcohol, I resist the temptation and shake my head.

Squeezing my palm, Nathan smiles at me. “Shall we?”

At my nod, we walk down the carpet with everyone’s eyes burning into us. Can they tell I don’t belong here? I press closer to Nathan, my only ally, and step into the foyer with my headheld high. It’s twice the size of my parents’ bedroom, which is the biggest room in my modest-size house.

What do his parents d—

Holly molly mother of God!

---