Page 55 of Illicit Games

Iris

Applause thunders around the cavernous room once Rosalie finishes her heartfelt speech. A proud and starstruck Nova stands two steps behind her, clapping the loudest.

“You better pull out your checkbook, Mr. Stern,” Bianca says to Dash teasingly.

Kissing the side of her head, he murmurs, “Yes, wifey.”

Nathan’s body heat teases my back as he stands behind me. I half expected him to disrespect my wishes and touch me under the pretense of us being a couple. It’s not like I would’ve been able to stop him, lest I make a scene.

However, he shocks me by being courteous as we interact with his business associates. He stands close but never lays a hand on me as people meet and congratulate us on our engagement.

It’s a good thing we were never touchy-feely in the past, or people would’ve been suspicious, especially my best friends.

Yet tonight has been the hardest performance of my life. I put on a fake smile and shared a hollow laugh while my heart suffocates behind my ribs.

I didn’t even get a chance to reply to Kian.

Nova and Rosalie get off the stage, immediately ambushed by the riveted crowd.

“Iris, do you wanna get a drink?” Bianca asks, nudging my arm.

“Oh yes,” I reply, a little too excitedly.

Looping her arm around my elbow, she pulls me in the direction of the open bar. Before we can even take a step, Dash seizes her other elbow and dips his head to press an indecent kiss against her lips.

Bianca stares up at him in a daze after he ends it.

“Don’t take too long, kitten,” he commands huskily.

Blushing, she nods.

When we finally walk away from our respective men, I take my first relaxed breath. Bianca waves at the bartender who’s busy serving on the opposite end. Turning sideways toward me, she asks, “You seem distracted tonight. Everything cool?”

I swear no one is more attuned to people’s moods than Bianca. She’s the most caring person I know. It’s a shame her parents didn’t appreciate this quality of hers.

“Yeah, I’m great.”

Tilting her head, she gingerly says, “I hope you’re still not upset with Rosa and me from the last time we chatted. You left in such a hurry before either of us could apologize. We didn’t call to give you some space.”

Because I was desperate to explain to Kian that there was nothing romantic between Nathan and me. The way they’re constantly doubting Kian didn’t help my anxiety that night either. It’s not their fault. They don’t know him like I do. Plus, their loyalty is to Nathan.

“I am not, Bee,” I murmur, squeezing her hand. “I know you guys were just looking out for me. I love you both for it.”

Her beautiful face brightens, eyes shimmering. “Oh, I’m so relieved.”

The bartender appears. “What can I get you ladies?”

“A gin and tonic, please,” orders Bianca.

“I’ll have a cranberry vodka.”

Tapping the counter, he politely says, “Coming right up.”

As he goes to make our drinks, I lean against the bar, surveying the crowd. The whole city might be here. Except for the man who completes my world.

Over the years, every time I attended these lavish and glittering parties, my eyes religiously searched for a glimpse of my scary reaper. He was the only reason I never missed a single one of these events. Even though there was never any guarantee he’d come.

I can count on one hand the rare times he showed up. His appearance would create such a buzz among the guests that there was no way to miss him. He would never stay for long and would always be alone.