Page 181 of Carnal Games

We came to Rosalie’s home an hour ago for a little get-together with Ro, Nova, Dash, and Bianca once I told her Nathan was in town. They’re all in the living room while I came to the kitchen for a glass of water and to check my phone. Except, I couldn’t bring myself to go back.

“Hi,” says Nathan.

“Hi.”

“Where did you go?” Slipping his hand into mine, he squeezes. “Tired?”

His touch feels wrong.

So,sowrong.

A burning sensation prickles the corners of my eyes. “No, I was just thinking.”

“Are you upset about this morning?”

I tense. Did he sense anything between Kian and me? “No.”

“You’ve been distant the entire day. It’s not like you to be so quiet when you’re with the girls. I thought being around them would cheer you up,” he says. Removing his hand from mine, he pushes it inside his pocket and locks down his expression. “Is it me? Should I not have come?”

Oh gosh! My heart deflates, and I hurriedly say, “Are you serious? I’m glad you’re here, Nathan.”

His chest moves as he slowly exhales. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I reach for him, cupping his arm. “How could you even ask that? I know how important the merger is for you, especially with the board’s eyes on you. So, the fact that youcame all this way to be by my side means a lot to me. I’m sorry if I made you feel otherwise. I swear it’s just stress.”

As happy as I am with his arrival and his sweet gesture, he couldn’t have visited at a worse possible time. I wish he had warned me.

On the positive side, it’s the perfect chance for me to talk to him about our arrangement. I can’t do this anymore.

Pretending I’m head over heels for him when I’m not.

All I’m aching for at the moment is to be back in Kian’s arms while we cook in the kitchen and snuggle in his bed later.

Nathan nods and caresses the side of my face. “Do you want to go home?”

“No, I want to stay until dinner.”

“Okay.” He smiles. I take a step to find my friends when Nathan reveals, “I’m staying here until the man is caught. I don’t want you to be alone.”

I force myself to maintain my composure. “I appreciate it.”

Bianca and Rosalie jump from the couch when we reenter the living room and sprint to my side.

“Were you both making out in the kitchen?” teases Bianca with a grin.

Rosalie slaps her shoulder, retorting, “Not everyone’s a hussy like you.”

“Hey! It was once, and in your driveway.”

Nathan backs away. “That’s my cue to leave.”

As he joins the guys, the three of us skip to the pool in the backyard, with Rosalie’s paw army trotting behind us. I pick up the littlest one we saved from the side of the road before plopping down on one of the lounge chairs.

“Why didn’t you call or text us yesterday, Iris?” Bianca asks in a voice laced with hurt and concern. “We would’ve come to take care of you.”

“I know that,” I reply, petting the puppy’s fur to avoid their inquisitive gaze. “I didn’t want to worry you both. Besides, Kian was with me.”

“Of course we worry!” cries out Rosalie. “We love you.”