Page 46 of Carnal Games

“What were the three of you discussing?” a frowning Nova asks, his arms wrapped around Rosalie’s waist from behind while she leans against him.

“Girl talk,” answers Rosalie. Before the men can interrogate us further, she switches the topic. “I’m craving more dessert. Let’s go, baby.”

Then tugs an amused Nova toward the ballroom.

Dash and Bianca linger.

“I think we’re going to call it a night,” Bianca says.

“Okay,” I murmur.

“Thanks for coming,” says Nathan.

Bianca leans over and hugs me, whispering, “I love you.”

“Love you too, Bee.” I squeeze her.

As soon as they’re gone, Nathan drops his hand and asks, “Are you now going to tell me what it was about?”

“We need to talk.”

Chapter Twelve

Iris

“Why are we here, Nathan?” I ask from the passenger seat of his Ferrari. His sixth car in the last three years. He goes faster through his sports cars than his clothes, the older models collecting dust in the garage. “Don’t tell me you purchased an apartment.”

The giant mansion he owns is basically a mini city with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a theater room, home gym, swimming pool, hot tub, wine cellar, and so much more.

His eyes remain ahead as we enter the basement parking lot of the lavish building. It’s gorgeous and the tallest high-rise on the street, surrounded by lush greenery.

I finally told Nathan about my internship project. Since then, it’s been a total week of silence. Him shutting me out, I expected that. Doesn’t mean it didn’t sting. One thing I pride myself on our friendship is that we can always talk to each other about anything, including his older brother. It’s the foundation of our relationship since day one.

As the years went by, it’s like a switch went off and Kian became a sore subject.

I patiently gave Nathan time and space to sort out his feelings. As long as it didn’t end with me choosing sides. Because it’s one I can never make.

After our small encounter on the night of the engagement, the yearning I was trying to bury has grown into a full-blown need. I’ve replayed those few measly minutes in my head daily. His touch burned me. The eye contact bound me to him, and his voice cast a wicked spell on my soul. Every time I’m alone, the scene flashes before my eyes.

I’ll die if I don’t get more of the same rush.

More of him.

When Nathan showed up at my hostel early in the morning, I was prepared for an ultimatum from him. Instead, all he told me was to get into his car. During the ride, he didn’t say another word and let the music from the radio fill the silence.

Apprehension fills me the longer he doesn’t talk, doesn’t let me in. If the mere idea of me talking to Kian, even on a professional level, is causing him to react this way, how is he going to react if he finds out I came into his life for the sole purpose of tempting his brother?

I suppress a violent shudder at the thought.

A part of me is also hurt by his behavior.

This isn’t the Nathan I know.

“I didn’t. It was a gift,” he finally replies as he parks the car in a private spot. Twisting in his seat, he meets my gaze and stuns me by saying, “Now, it’s yours.”

“What?” I gasp, confused.

I tell him I’m about to get close to his big brother that he hates and he goes and gifts me an apartment?