Page 28 of Carnal Games

I wonder which one is his fiancée.

The redhead in black scans the room and stills when her gaze lands on us, immediately turning fiery. I peek at Nova and find him locked in a trance. Despite standing on the opposite ends of the ballroom, dark tension cackles in the air between them.

Nathan’s lips graze my ear as he whispers, “Told you.”

I shake my head, amused.

Nova blinks.

The redhead and her friend are gone.

“I’m going for a smoke.” Quirking a brow at Nathan, Nova asks, “You coming?”

“Later.”

“See you around, Iris.”

Once Nova walks away, Nathan turns to me.

“I don’t get it,” I mutter. “Why did they get engaged if they don’t like each other?”

“The marriage was fixed by their parents a while back. It’s a long story. I’ll tell you some other day.” Noticing the empty glass in my hand, he utters, “Let’s get you another drink. Then we’ll sneak away.”

“Where?”

“Ever gotten lost in a maze?”

“A maze?” I grin. “You’re not kidding?”

“Nope.”

We reach the bar and Nathan waves over the bartender, who quickly takes our order. I’m looking around the room when a woman, in a pencil skirt paired with a red blouse, cuts through the crowd and stops right before us.

“Mr. Singhania?”

“What’s up, Urja?” asks Nathan.

“I needed to discuss something about your toast.” Tilting her head, she murmurs, “Will you please come with me?”

“Can it not wait?”

“It won’t take long.”

Nathan gazes at me apologetically.

I smile. “Go. It’s okay. I’ll wait here.”

Ignoring an impatient Urja, who I’m assuming is the event planner, he leans closer. “In case I’m not back within five minutes, just go upstairs and wait in any of the guest rooms. I’ll come find you.”

Caressing my arm affectionately, he turns and goes with Urja.

“Here you go.” The bartender slides the drink toward me right then. “A virgin mojito.”

“Thank you.” I take a sip and hum in pleasure.

“You’re such a wuss!” hisses a sharp voice to my right.

“I am not!”

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