Page 206 of Carnal Games

It’s time to face the consequences of my self-serving actions.

My heart is thudding and my hands are clammy as I push open the door and enter the apartment at eight in the evening.

Before leaving the office with Seth dropping me off, I had texted Nathan to meet me here. He probably thinks I want to talk to him about the impromptu kiss in the morning. However, it’s the last thing on my mind since it’ll be the least of our worries tonight.

Dropping my purse on the couch in the living room, I find Nathan on the balcony. Hands pushed inside his pockets, he stands still facing the skyline. For a second, he looks just like his older brother, tall and unshakable.

Lonely.

At the sound of my heels, he turns around.

I can’t make out his features in the dark, but the energy pouring off him raises my hackles and my nerves plummet.

The cutthroat version of Nathan that he saves for the media is standing before me.

As if he had a sixth sense that told him we’re not about to have a pleasant conversation.

“Hey, you,” I greet softly, a tightness slowly lodging in my throat. “Did you come straight from work?”

“You said it was urgent.”

“It is. Would you come inside?”

Regarding my face for one intense beat, he obliges and joins me in the living room. Neither of us takes a seat, the foreboding tension surrounding us unmistakable. I clasp my hands together in front of me and look at him. “I have something to tell you, Nathan.”

“You want to end the engagement,” he says with no intonation, beating me to the punch.

I don’t deny it.

His expression remains the same, making it difficult for me to read his mood. Whether he’s upset, mad, or hurt. Or all of them.

Gathering courage, I explain, “I hate doing this—”

“Is this because of the kiss?” he cuts me off. “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have.”

“That’s not why.”

A crease forms on his forehead. “Then what is it?”

“I met someone.”

Nathan stills, gazing at me with a blank expression. A terse second passes before he utters dryly, “I see.”

“I realize I’m leaving you in the lurch, especially because it was my idea in the first place. I know what’s at stake for you. But I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t believe he was the one, Nathan.” Summoning courage for the hard part, I carefully speak, “I’ve had feelings for him for—”

“Kian.”

My face falls. “What?”

“He’s the man,” Nathan accuses. “Isn’t he?”

“How do you…?”

“I saw the way he looked at you this morning.” A mocking, almost cruel smile tilts his mouth. “His reaction after I kissed you only confirmed it.”

I blink back in shock. “Is that why you kissed me?”

He shrugs in confirmation, then taunts, “Kian doesn’t have as strong a poker face as he thinks he does. Then again, what man would while watching his girl get kissed by another man?”