Hateful Games: (An arranged marriage billionaire romance) (Arranged Games Book 2)

Chapter Eighty-nine

(December)

My tenacious husband, intent on winning me back, has become a regular volunteer at the shelter ever since that day. It doesn’t matter if I take the morning, afternoon, or evening shift, he’s always there when I am. Winning over everyone with his charm while I’ve been referred to as a moody grump.

Doesn’t he have his own company to run or something?

Billionaire extraordinaire by day and stalker by night.

What did you expect, Rose?He’s nothing if not a man of his word. One time when I had frustratingly snapped after failing to get rid of him, all he reminded me was that he did give me a warning. I gave him the silent treatment for the rest of the day, which was a task in itself.

He was unperturbed and highly amused.

He’s enjoying our little war.

Except, this isn’t about hate. Completely the opposite.

Although, I haven’t made it entirely easy on him. Since I’m usually in charge during my shifts, I give him the tasks the others turn their noses at. Hoping he’ll get annoyed and be on his merry way. But it becomes a flop show every time.

I would start to feel bad, low-key feeling like a bully, only to recall his confession about stalking me from afar. I was under the impression he was moving on, except he had been keeping tabs on me via Nathan, who gets his information from Iris.

I wasn’t as mad as I should’ve been.

And that pisses me off even more.

Pushing thoughts of him out of my mind, I focus on giving meds to one of the sick dogs with a little fever. I mix it in his food because unlike some, he doesn’t easily take the pills without spitting them out. Once done, I give in to the temptation to find Nova. He came here an hour ago and I sent him to clean the backyard with poop and all.

As I reach the back, I hear Sami and Iris snickering among themselves.

Curious, I make my way over and see what the fuss is about. Only to hold back my own laughter and a bit of pity.

Nova’s face is scrunched even though he’s wearing a mask and gloves as he uses the scooper to clean the small garden area before dumping its contents in the trash can to the side. Somehow, he stills looks sexy without even trying and picking up garbage.

Or maybe I’m biased.

Iris catches me staring and shakes her head. “What are you doing to that man, Ro?”

“Not giving him special treatment.”

“You aren’t scaring him away.”

I raise one eyebrow. “Are you on his side now?”

“I’m on yours,” she says, taking a pause before smirking mischievously. “And I’m all for making his life hell until whatever this is ends. Don’t miss the golden opportunity while you have him on his knees.”

“Do you think I should take him back?”

“Babe, you still haven’t divorced him, nor have you taken off the wedding ring.” Smiling softly, she murmurs, “You can’t take someone back that you never let go in the first place.”

She and Sami walk past me while I glance back to Nova, who is also making his way over. Hands clean and mask gone. His expression is intense as it runs down possessively over my leggings and cropped shirt. My go-to outfit for working here.

He stops, towering over me and shading my face from the sun. His voice like smooth silk, caressing and teasing at once. “Anything else for today, Rose?”

I shake my head, still amused over the task I set for him.

“Something funny?”

“Actually, yeah. I don’t think you’ll share the same sentiment.”

“As long as it makes you smile, I’ll be your errand boy anytime.”

Kissing my cheek, he walks inside. He’s been doing that a lot lately, much like everything else.

What do I do in return? I let him.

(January)

The winter weather reaches its peak in the first week of January, making me spend extra long hours at the shelter. Lately, my life has become all about spending time volunteering, the pet project—still working on its name—writing late at night, and hanging out with my friends.

Although, Nova has taken residence in my head twenty-four seven. Doesn’t matter if he’s around or not, I’m obsessing over him. He hasn’t pushed the topic of us being together again, but every time I find those chocolaty eyes on mine, I can read the desire and longing plain as day.

Yet, he never says anything.

I don’t even know what to call whatever this is happening between us. More than him, I’m afraid to admit my feelings to myself. Because this time, I know it’ll be forever.

A sharp knock comes at my door, jerking me from my reverie. I check the time on my laptop and it’s eleven at night. My dogs become alert at the sound. Bunny trotting behind me as I walk to the front door.

I look through the peephole and become nervous when I see it’s Nova.

Of course, he knows where I live.

Has his patience run out?

Swinging open the gate, I don’t get a chance to greet him before Bunny goes crazy happy at the sight of him. He slams his body into Nova’s, who scratches and rubs behind his ears. At Bunny’s excited yelp, the little ones come running and then it’s chaos in the hallway.

I lean against the wall as the four of them reunite.

A warm feeling washing over me when Nova laughs and bends to hug them. Fire demanding extra attention, who Nova pulls onto his lap. They don’t let him up until he eventually has to push them away.

This is what you could have every day.

“Settle down, heathens,” he affectionately tells them, and they listen. “Inside. Now.”

I’m unprepared for the intimate and adoring look he gives me when our eyes lock.

“Hi,” I whisper.

With the backs of his knuckles, he strokes my cheek. “Hey.”

The gray hoodie molds to his chest and washboard abs, while jeans fit against his strong legs. His hair is a sexy mess as if he ran his fingers through it one too many times. As much as I fawn over his casual looks, I miss his power suits just as equally.

“Sorry I came by unannounced.” His mouth says one thing but his mischievous gaze says the opposite. Both of us aware but I don’t call him out on it. “But I wanted to congratulate you in person.”

I frown in confusion.

He chuckles. “You don’t know, do you?”

“Know what?”

“Your latest book made it on the bestseller list, Rose,” he reveals proudly. “It has been there for two weeks now and is still climbing.”

My gaze widens in disbelief. I must’ve missed my agent’s email since I’m back in the writing cave. A giddy and shocked smile hurts my cheeks as I squeal, “Really? I didn’t know.”

Before I know it, I’m throwing myself into Nova’s arms in pure joy. Two of my past books have also been bestsellers on reputable lists but the feeling of hearing it again never gets old.

“I can’t believe this.”

“It’s very much true, sweetheart.”

His voice in my ear brings into focus that my curves, hidden in a thin camisole and lacy shorts, are pressed against him. Shyness sinks in while air sizzles with sexual tension as I slowly pull back. He doesn’t let go, his fingers spanning my waist so I’m stretched on my toes and leaning on him.

Our lips are inches apart when I peer up at him. Yet he makes no move to kiss me or close the gap. I murmur, “Thank you for telling me.”

“I also told your friends. They’re taking you out tomorrow to celebrate.”

“You came all the way here to tell me that?”

“I’ll never waste a chance to come see you, Rose.” Kissing my forehead, he sets me down on my feet. I feel off-kilter, fingers twitching to reach for him. Hovering near the doorway, he turns one last time and smirks devilishly. “Just so you know, I finished the book last night. It’s my favorite one now.”

Fuck. How did I forget?

I didn’t kill his character in my book this time.

Winking at my blushing face, he leaves with a smile.

(February)

It’s Saturday and I’m surprisingly up at nine in the morning. It’s because I kept tossing and turning last night. Today, the judge will announce the results of my father’s case. I chose not to go to the hearing. After an investigation was launched into my father, a lot of horrific crimes done by him came to light. My late uncle a part of half of them. His death a farce so no one suspected them. Apparently, Teresa and the innocent cab driver aren’t their only victims.

I’m going to be jittery all day until I hear the ruling that he’s locked away forever.

At ten, there’s a knock at my door.

I trail after Bunny, who runs ahead. Nova stands on the other side with a grocery bag in one hand. Lifting it out of reach, he greets Bunny. Then the others, before entering my apartment like he belongs there. Although this is only the second time he’s been here.

“What’s the occasion today?” I ask sarcastically. Pretty sure he’s here to distract me from obsessing over my father’s case. Nova also spoke on the stand regarding the blackmailing and threats from my dad.

He doesn’t mention the elephant in the room either. “I’m here to cook and feed you breakfast. Come.”

Taking my hand, he twists me around and strolls inside. My apartment isn’t that big with an open floor plan. So, he easily finds the kitchen. Ordering me to sit on the stool at the island, he takes out the items. Eggs, brown bread, my favorite fruits, butter, and jam.

“What are we doing, Nova?” I finally ask.

He doesn’t pause as he rifles around in my kitchen. “Hanging out.”

“What? Like friends?”

“Yes, as friends.” Meeting my gaze, he sweetly says, “Who love each other.”

My heart skips a beat in agreement about loving him, not the former. “Is that enough for you?”

“Nothing short of having you in my arms, hearing you say you love me, and calling me yours while spending the rest of our lives together will be enough.” His tone becomes deeper with yearning. “Once that happens, we’re going to have children so we can grow our family and you can never leave me again. So no, Rose, this could never be enough.”

I stare at my lap, tears burning the corners of my eyes. “Then why?”

Reaching my side, he tilts my head. Smiling tenderly, he makes me fall in love with him all over again with his next words.

“Because when I have you again, it won’t be because of some obligation or a contract. It’ll be because you chose to be mine and thought me worthy to be your husband.”