Page 45 of Carnal Games

“He left.”

My heart deflates like a popped balloon.

“Did you wanna meet him?” asks Bianca, both of them wearing curious expressions. Though, Rosalie has a deeper look in hers.

“No.”

Straightening the strap of my blouse, I ask, “Where’s Nathan?”

“You haven’t told Nathan,” Rosalie states.

Bianca’s gaze ping-pongs between us. “Told what?”

“Iris,” Rosalie urges.

I meet Bianca’s eyes. “I have to submit an article about Kian to my editor as part of my internship, which includes interviewing him.”

Nathan is an open book. Except when it comes to his older brother.

Every time I’ve broached a topic about him, he shuts me out. I’ve been looking for a chance to warn him about me meeting Kian so he doesn’t feel blindsided. I’m already guarding one secret from him, for three years now. I don’t want to add another to the list.

It’s why I’m so torn.

Someday the truth will come out. When it does, I don’t want it to be so bad that we can’t come back from it.

When my editor—Harshita—first told me, I was in utter disbelief. It felt like a cosmic sign, so I jumped at the opportunity before she could pass it to someone else. It was a selfish decision, based purely on my infatuation.

I thought it was finally going to be my chance to be a part of Kian’s life.

However, my hope turned to dust when all my attempts at setting up a meeting got rejected. I couldn’t even make it past the receptionist, let alone his assistant.

It was my first reality check in the land of journalism.

The clock is ticking.

I need to get telling Nathan out of the way before I can focus on securing an interview with the most unapproachable man on earth.

Until yesterday, I didn’t have a way in.

I do now.

Even if I’ll hate every second of using it.

“You need to tell Nathan before you arrange a meeting, Iris.” Bianca mirrors my thoughts. “It’s not worth ruining your marriage before it starts.”

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime.” In more ways than one. “I’m not passing it up, Bee. I’ve worked too hard for this.”

She winces and rushes to say, “I didn’t mean choosing him over your career. All I’m saying is, don’t do anything behind his back. Talk to him, even if it’s hard.”

“Don’t delay it longer,” murmurs Rosalie.

“Delay what?”

We break apart at Nathan’s curious voice and turn around to face him. Nathan walks straight toward me, curling an arm around my waist. Dash and Nova trail right behind him, moving toward their wives. Until we’re all standing in a big circle.

“What’s wrong, wifey?” Dash demands as soon as he pulls a tense Bianca against his chest.

She gives him a small smile, caressing his jaw. “Nothing, darling.”

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