Page 14 of Carnal Games

“So, he wanted to build something of his own,” I say. “What’s wrong with it?”

“I wish it were that simple. Our dad is the kind of man who is never pleased. Neither Kian nor anything I have ever done has been enough or earned us a few words of praise. So, I understand that he wanted to start his own company, away from the shadow of our father, but what I didn’t understand was him cutting me out of his life without an explanation. He’s alienated me completely as though I’ll steal or sabotage his business. As if he’s worried I’ll tattle to our dad.” Anguish and betrayal pour out his voice. “When all I’ve done is look up to him. I’ve defended him against our parents. He has no clue how his decisions have disrupted my life. I’ve had to give up on my dreams and bear all the responsibilities alone. It’s hard, Iris. Some days, I feel so alone.”

It takes all my restraint to bite my tongue from blurting out what I saw in the park. That my sixth sense is screaming Nathan is missing a very big piece and unfairly blaming his older brother.

After hearing his side, it’s obvious that at one point, they were close before his brother’s decision to be independent drifted them apart.

Because no one cuts someone out of their lives all of a sudden.

Not unless something major has happened.

His brother is hiding something big; I just know it in my bones.

If only I could confess. However, the distrust is deep-rooted in Nathan’s case. He wouldn’t believe me anyways. And why would he? I know nothing about his family besides what he has told me and what I witnessed today.

In the end, I feel bad for both the brothers. “I’m so sorry he hurt you, Nathan. I can’t imagine.”

He turns his head my way and smiles sadly before curiously asking, “Do you have siblings?”

“No.”

“Lucky you.”

“Being a single child isn’t all it’s cracked up to be either.”

“Maybe we should exchange our lives,” he jokes to crack the tension.

I chuckle but we sober up quickly. “I’m not in your shoes where I come from a family with a big legacy, but I do know there’s always two sides to a story. Your brother—”

“Kian,” Nathan interrupts.

“Huh?”

“My brother’s name is Kian.”

My heart goes kaboom, making my thoughts scramble.

Kian.

Kian.

Kian.

I chant Mr. Severe, aka my scary reaper’s name, on a loop, like I’ve finally found the answer to the universe’s biggest mystery. His name, after waiting for what feels like an eternity, sounds so,sodivine. It’s made for him. Fits him so perfectly.

Unique. Masculine. Sharp. Icy.

I could go on and on.

“Iris?”

I jolt at my name, blinking back to earth. My cheeks tinge with a mix of heat and embarrassment as I focus on Nathan. Thankful that the sun has set and only the dim streetlight is highlighting our faces.

“Sorry,” I mumble and clear my throat. “I was saying I may not understand the depth of what you’re going through, but your brother…Kian… must have a reason for his actions. Even if there isn’t and he was just being selfish, maybe he will realize his mistake and make amends in the future. So, don’t give up on him. Even if it means keeping your distance for now.”

Nathan silently absorbs my words, his expression unreadable, before he whispers, “Do you really believe that? Because with each day, I’m resenting him more and more, Iris.”

“Yes, I do. I also believe in second chances,” I earnestly answer. “But that doesn’t mean you should disregard the emotions you’re feeling right now. You have every right to feel hurt and betrayed.”