Page 103 of Carnal Games

Christ! That’s what she’s concerned with while sitting behind bars? Way to make me feel like an ass for the lecture I gave her last week.

God knows what happened. I need answers—now. I swear if she’s been harmed even a smidge, whether or not she initiated the fight, the other person is a dead man walking.

“Reschedule my meetings,” I order and push past a confused Arjun.

While I take the elevator down to the parking lot, I make a call to the police commissioner, knowing he’ll pick up since he happens to be a member of The Mirage.

All these men think they’re untouchable and powerful.

Yet I’m the one who holds them in the palms of my hands. Drunk men spill secrets like honey, and I know them all.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I start the car, not bothering with the driver I keep available on standby. Typing in the location on the map, I listen to the directions as I race through the morning rush hour. Speeding up, I make it to the station in less than an hour.

I slide out after parking in an empty spot beside a black Range Rover, from which none other than Nova D’Cruz steps out.

He and his feisty wife’s family were the highlight of every news channel in the country last year. First, it was the marriage, then a few months later, a horror show.

Dark fury contorts his features, which smooths once his eyes fall on me.

What’s he doing here?

If I were a remotely polite person or on friendly terms with the man, I’d ask. Since neither of us has liked each other for more reasons than his best friend status with Nathan, I don’t even feel the need.

Plus, I have a more pressing matter at hand.

Wait, did Iris call him to bail her out?It’s a high possibility with her being best friends with his wife, Rosalie.

Why do I hate that I wasn’t her first choice?

The infuriating woman will pester me for spending time with her on a Sunday, but not when she truly needs me.

I move to walk past Nova, but he doesn’t have any qualms about making small talk as we fall into step.

“Fancy seeing you in broad daylight, Kian,” he drawls.

I ignore him. Nova has never fooled me with his charismatic nature. I’ve always known his true colors. He’s an antagonizer who thrives on mayhem. It’s a craft to him.

“Murder someone lately?” he taunts low, unperturbed by my silence. “Came to surrender?”

“Killing is more your family’s style,” I jibe, knowing he won’t shut up.

An expert in reading people and their body language, I don’t miss the rigidness in his shoulders and concern in his eyes. Or how he’s speedwalking too, like he’s as eager to get inside as me.

Why would he be this restless over Iris?

No, that’s because he’d never be. He’s not here for her. The knowledge doesn’t diminish my nerves. Of course, Rosalie got Iris into trouble. Why were they together in the first place?

“Your wife had better not put Iris in danger.”

“Threaten my wife again and I’ll give you a firsthand experience of my style of killing.” His tone is menacing as he glares before narrowing his eyes. “And do you show this much concern for every employee of yours or is Iris lucky to earn this special treatment? She’s none of your business.”

My fingers curl into fists at the reminder I have no claim over her.

We enter the police station with its pale-yellow walls with peeling paint. It reeks of alcohol and piss, while drunken slurs and yelling dominates the space.

I find her instantly, rage boiling in my veins at seeing her behind bars right alongside a furious and regretful Rosalie.

Iris’s eyes widen into saucers as soon as she sees me and she springs to her feet, holding what looks like a tiny and barely alive puppy in her arms.