Page 98 of Illicit Games

“Does Nathan know you were in love with Kian?” comes from Bianca, a crease appearing in her brow.

“He does. I told him a while ago.” I give them the half-truth.

Rosalie frowns. “Why is he so angry then?”

“Is he in love with you?” Bianca gasps, eyes going round.

“Oooh, a love triangle.” Rosalie claps her hands. “The plot thickens.”

“No!” I scoff, horror etching on my face. “I called off the engagement, which didn’t go well. It’s why he’s mad at me.”

“That’s unfair,” snaps Rosalie, angry on my behalf. “He can’t fault you for what he already knew. Why would he make you marry him when you’re in love with Kian?”

“It’s very complicated.” I hold the tears at bay, which spring up every time I think about Nathan’s betrayal. “I desperately wanted to talk to you guys so many times, but I forced myself to stay quiet. I was worried you might take his side too.”

“Oh, babe,” whispers Bianca, scooching closer and putting her hands on my knees, “Rosa and I are always on your side.”

“The three of us,” says Rosalie, capturing my hand. “Nothing and nobody can tear us apart.”

“I know, it just took me a while to realize it.”

Mischief sparks in Rosalie’s gaze. “Had you told us about your crush on Kian, we would’ve helped you, sexpot.”

I chuckle. “Silly me.”

Taking my other hand, Bianca consoles, “Nathan will come around.”

Dread constricts my chest as I half-heartedly reply, “Hopefully.”

“At least now we know why you were so distant and threw a fit whenever we talked shit about Kian.”

“He is an amazing man, Ro.” My heart races as butterflies cheer in harmony in my stomach. “The world is completely wrong about him.”

My best friends’ expressions soften.

“You’re protective of him,” Bianca states.

“Very.” I have been ever since I saw him standing alone under the tree in the park. “My love for him… it’s unconditional and intense. It makes me crazy, possessive, and demanding. I think it’s because I waited for so long for him to be mine.”

“That’s what love is, babe.” Rosalie sighs. “Every emotion becomes tenfold around him.”

“Before you know it, they become your entire world,” adds Bianca, an all-knowing smile on her lips.

“Yeah,” I whisper.

With a tilt of her head, Rosalie asks, “We know your feelings. What about Kian? How deep are his?”

“Just so you know, he’s going to have to pass some of our tests,” utters Bianca, all businesslike. “He’s perfect in your eyes. But as your best friends, we’ll decide if he’s worthy of you or not.”

Rosalie nods seriously from beside her. “He's gotta impress us.”

“He bought Sole Symphony, making me the ambassador for the new line.” Their jaws go slack again. I smirk. “Does that impress you?”

“Holy crap!”

“The million-dollar shoe brand?” exclaims Bianca.

“All I had asked for was one pair.”