Page 18 of Illicit Games

“Love always is.” My gaze widens as I fight to keep my expression neutral. Her face becomes imperceptive. “You’ve both fallen for each other, haven’t you?”

“What makes you say he’s fallen?”

“He has let you in, honey.”

My heart skips a beat.

“An impenetrable man like him wouldn’t do it if the girl didn’t mean the world to him.” Voice taking an ominous edge, she warns, “Be careful, though. When shit falls apart, the woman always pays the price.”

***

“What’s bugging you,Guddu?”

I snap my gaze to mydadu, who’s regarding me with a concerned frown on his forehead. My heart hurts seeing him lie on the bed. He’s become frailer than before. The bones in his cheeks protruded, his skin a little ashen, and his body weak and thin. His eyes still have their spark, keeping my hope alive that he will get better.

“Nothing,Dadu,” I answer him, forcing a smile on my face.

Once Sonya had left, I couldn’t stay cooped up at the apartment and came to visit my parents’ house. Of course, Seth brought me here and is waiting outside in the car parked down the street, so my family doesn’t see him and ask questions.

They’re still in the dark about the epic disaster my life has become lately.

I’m being hit by one bullet after another.

I feel bad about not being able to invite Seth inside since it’s over thirty-five degrees outside today, despite it being four in the evening. I suggested he leave and I’d message him once I’m ready to go back. However, he takes his duties very seriously and turned me down.

Mydadu’sgaze narrows. “Since when do you lie to me?”

“I’m not!”

“You’re sad, sweet pea.”

“I’m fine. How are you feeling?” I switch the topic. “How’s the nurse? Are you liking her?”

He doesn’t miss my sly attempt, but he also doesn’t call me out on it. “She’s good. Then again, I’m being the best patient she could ever have.”

I laugh. “Oh yeah?”

“Being this old gives me a free pass to be a cranky and stubborn man. I could give her a run for her money. Then I remember mygudduwent to trouble to bring her here and take care of me. I could never be mean.”

“It was all Kian.” This time the smile on my lips isn’t forced. “He made it happen.”

“Tell me about this boy.”

“He’s Nathan’s older brother and my boss.”

“How come I didn’t meet him at the engagement party?”

“He lives separately.” I shift, masking my agitation. “There’s some bad blood between him and his parents. So, he stays away.”

My grandfather goes quiet after nodding once. “I would like to meet him. Hopefully at the wedding.”

The wedding! The bane of my existence.

“There’s that face again,”Daduexclaims, becoming serious. “Are you stressed about the wedding? Worried I won’t be there?”

“Dadu!Don’t say things like that,” I scold.

He sighs, gaze softening. He reaches for my hand and I meet him halfway. “I know all of you constantly worry about my health, but yourdaduis stronger than he looks. I will be here to see you as a beautiful bride, Iris. I promise.”