Page 84 of Carnal Games

Why wouldn’t they? When winning tastes so sweet and the prize—even sweeter. The adrenaline so high, it blinds you. Shoots ecstasy in your system stronger than any drug.

I was in a complete daze the entire ride home, high on Kian’s scent in the back seat of his Jaguar. The daze continued while I showered and the moment I tumbled onto the bed, the surreal moment hit me, and I screamed. Loud. Screeching.Uncaring if the people in the next building heard me. I wanted to shout the news to the world from the rooftop that… I’m. Going. To. Be. My. Scary. Reaper’s. Shadow.

I’ll breathe the same air as him.

I’ll talk to him and listen to his rough voice.

I’ll know him in a way no one else ever has.

Every single day for the next five months.

I asked him for a peek behind the curtain; instead, he invited me into his world. All the waiting I’d endured, hopelessly fantasizing about the day he notices me, has come true. I’m one step closer to my ultimate dream.

A lot of hurdles still stand in my way.

The toughest and most complicated one being my engagement to Nathan.

How will Kian look at me as more than an employee or an irritating neighbor if he thinks I’m in a committed relationship? He doesn’t seem like a man who goes after an unavailable woman. Nor do I want him to be.

I can’t reveal my attraction to him either, lest he think I’m a cheater.

I’m torn on how to end it. Nathan is one of my closest friends and I gave him my word. I can’t just abandon him when he needs me the most. Especially, when he’s been by my side when mydadugot sick. He was my rock.

Regardless, I have to start figuring out a way out of our deal now before we tangle deeper and without anybody getting hurt.

No way I’m going forward with the wedding, which we postponed till after my graduation next year.

I swear if I had an inkling the universe was going to put me in his path, I could have saved myself from being in this sticky mess. Why couldn’t Harshita have told me sooner about the investigation?

A nasty doubt pops up in my head, amidst the other tense ones.

Am I even Kian’s type?

I know I have pretty features and a nice body from doing yoga, but in a room full of women, I’m hardly the center of attention that stops men in their tracks. I’m the girl they find cute, not sexy.

Kian is a powerful and ruggedly handsome billionaire who travels around the world, meeting gorgeous models that are tall, sensual, and stunning. I can’t compete with them. Most importantly, they belong in his high-stakes world.

I’m not being insecure, just stating facts.

I can insert myself into his life all I want, but I can’t force him to fall in love with me. Or force him to be attracted to me.

Glancing down, I study my outfit and wonder if I should’ve worn something different. I went again with a simple pencil skirt and a blouse to err on the side of caution. Until I know about the official dress code.

However, the colors I’m wearing feel too sparky for a formal setting. My blouse is strapless and burgundy, while my skirt is white and sticking to my lower body like a second skin. I should’ve gone with something more understated. But everything in my closet is similar. Too girly and bright and casual.

Ugh… I’ll worry about them tomorrow. This morning, I want to enjoy my well-earned victory, partially owed to Zain.

Another sign my day is going to rock—I see Arjun standing near the reception desk, rather than the snobby receptionist from bitchy town.

Containing my excitement is a hard feat. But I manage as I approach him, donning my best professional smile.

I practiced it in the mirror.

Can’t let anyone know I’m feral for their boss, who left our building quite early because I didn’t run into him. Did he even come home? What did he do after I left his club?

Stop it, Iris.

No getting on the cuckoo train.