Page 56 of Carnal Games

The movement draws my attention to his slim lips surrounded by a light stubble that I itch to feel on every part of my body. I rip my gaze away, realizing I’m blatantly staring at his lush mouth, and focus on the conversation. “My fiancé doesn’t tell me what to do.”

“Maybe he should.”

My brow rises in bewilderment, and I scoff. “That’s sexist.”

“I meant it more for your own self-preservation,” he retorts, unoffended.

“How so?”

“I told you the other night I’m not someone your fiancé would like you to associate with. Perhaps if it came from him, you’ll listen.” Every word is carefully crafted before spoken from his mouth.

Oh, he believes I’m meeting him behind Nathan’s back. I’m more than delighted to shatter his illusion. “Nathan knows I’m here, Kian.”

I don’t know what causes him to jolt and his fist to tighten.

The revelation about Nathan or hearing me say his name for the first time.

“It doesn’t change the fact,” he says, recovering fast. Like his shock was a figment of my imagination. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“Youletme up here.” Again, I might be imagining but the color of his eyes turns molten. Before I lose the sudden courage, I lick my lips and speak. “I’m thankful for it since I know you’re a very busy man.”

Arching a brow, he lowers his hand to the table and leans back. “It’s not often reporters call themselves my family to slither past my employees.”

Now it’s me who’s completely off guard by the turn of events. He knows what I do. For how long?

“It wasn’t a lie,” I defend myself. “I’ve tried getting an appointment several times.”

“I’m aware.” The hint of deeper meaning behind his affirmation makes me sizzle. Only for the flames to douse in the next second. “What I’m interested to know is what was so important that you had to resort to threatening my receptionist, who was just doing the duties she’s hired for.”

“I work forSahara Timesand would like to interview you for our upcoming issue.”

“I don’t do interviews, which you’d know if you’d done your research.” He pauses to let his rebuff sink in. “Like an intelligent journalist should.”

Did he just… insult me?

I bristle in my seat and keep my shoulders squared. “Why am I here then?”

“I invited you into my office to tell you personally that I would like for you to stop harassing my employees, Miss Mannan.”

The formal greeting grates on my nerves. Like he’s purposely creating distance between us. The taunt, which is the last thing I want to mention, slips past my lips before I can hold it back. “I’m your brother’s fiancée. Surely you can call me by my first name.”

“Surelyyou know I haven’t been a part of the family for a decade. Again, quick research on the internet would’ve informed you.”

“Why are you so averse to reporters?”

“My experience has taught me they hardly have pure intentions, no matter what they portray on the surface.”

It takes herculean effort to not flinch or reveal guilt that he hit the bull’s eye.

If it were anyone else, I’d push and convince them I don’t have an ulterior motive. But I can’t bring myself to lie to him, even at the cost of losing my dream job.

Was Harshita right? Am I really not cut out for this field?

No. I didn’t come this far to go down without a fight.

It’s not just the fear of losing the job that motivates me. It’s the soul-crushing possibility of never seeing Kian again.

Instead of defending myself, because it’s more likely to make me look guilty, I try one final time. Maybe if I sound earnest, he’ll make an exception. “Even if I let you screen the questions first?”