Ruthless Games

Nero doesn’t answer, he just strides up the front steps and enters a code on the security pad. I follow, looking curiously around. I would never have expected Nero in this part of town: It’s all quiet luxury, with tree-lined streets and designer boutiques nearby.

I follow him across the threshold. Inside, it’s gorgeous, the foyer tastefully furnished with fine art and modern furniture. The walls are white, and there’s tons of natural light coming in through the big windows, opening up to a huge living room, and an open kitchen beyond with warm oak cabinets and a glass wall overlooking the backyard.

A backyard! In Manhattan!

“What is this place?” I ask, looking around and feeling a stab of envy. It’s pretty much my dream house, right down to the colorful, elegant furniture in velvets and leather.

“Home.”

Nero’s reply is curt. I double-take in disbelief.

“What?”

“Welcome home, Princess.”

There’s nothing welcoming about his voice. “I don’t understand…”

“I’m a married man,” he replies, still scornful. “Moving up in the world. Why wouldn’t I live in luxury with my darling wife?”

“Nero…”

“Your things will be brought. Do what you will.”

I glance to the stairs. The bedrooms beyond. He catches my look.

“Which room is mine?” I venture.

“You mean ours,” he smirks.

“No.” I gulp.

“Oh really?” Nero strolls closer. “That’s not what you were screaming the other night. Yes, you begged me. Yes. Please. More.”

I shake my head, tears stinging in my eyes. He’s mocking me. Mocking our passion.

“That was before.”

“Before you stabbed me in the back.”

“Nero,” my voice cracks. He turns away, like he’s disgusted by my tears.

“Pick whatever room you want. Tell yourself you’ll be sleeping alone…” he looks back at me, with a new knowing smirk on his face. “But we both know that’s a lie. You’ll be at my door soon enough, begging for another dirty screw. Desperate to get that tight pussy throbbing, the way only I can get it wet.”

“No.” I shake my head, even as my pulse kicks from his filthy words.

He lets out a harsh laugh.

“We’ll see about that, Princess. Just try getting off without me. Fucking was all we were ever good for, so why not be honest with yourself? Admit there’s still something you want out of this marriage. My cock.”

He walks out before I can throw something at him, leaving me alone in the house.

My new house.

I sink down on a chaise and let out a long breath, my emotions in a whirl as I look around the luxurious furniture and serene décor—the opposite of the chaos I’m feeling inside.

In just a few hours, my whole world has changed. Again.

Is this really what I have in store for me now: A lifetime of hostility with Nero?

Nero. My husband.

Oh God, what have I done?