Ruthless Games

It’s pretty obvious who he’s calling.

When we arrive at the club, I breeze through the bar, faking a confidence I don’t really have. I head down the hallway to Nero’s office—then stop.

His door is open, and I can see him inside behind the desk. With Avery.

Her head is bent close to his, signing some papers, and he laughs at something she says, looking relaxed. At ease.

I feel an unfamiliar feeling strike, hot in my chest.

Jealousy.

I don’t know Avery well. She’s beautiful, and young, and has a close relationship with him, I know, I just don’t know for sure how intimate it is. But as I stand in the hallway, I can’t help noticing how easily they interact with each other. They’re talking and joking. It’s toofamiliar. There’s an ease to this interaction that the two of us never have. Not since we were teenagers.

Avery makes another joke, and Nero rolls his eyes, pushing her playfully.

Before I can think twice, I march straight into the office.

“Lily?” Avery looks up, surprised.

“What are you doing here?” Nero asks, narrowing his eyes. I don’t reply, I just walk right up to his desk, lean over, grab him by the collar and kiss him.

Hard.

Our lips meet, hot and sweet, and the familiar rush washes over me. Fuck. But that’s not what I’m here for. I force myself not to fall into his arms, instead, I kiss him slowly and deliberately.

Marking my territory.

Then I reel back, stunned. What the fuck did I just do?

Avery clears her throat. “I’ll, umm, talk to you later.” She shoots a smirk at Nero, and then leaves us alone, closing the door behind her.

“Well, that was a surprise.” Nero sounds smug. “Missing me already?”

I clear my throat, flushing. “I need to make myself known as your wife.” I say, trying to sound icy. “Just because our marriage is a sham, that doesn’t mean you can humiliate me by running around in front of everyone. So, if you’re thinking of cheating on me, forget about it.”

Nero looks even more satisfied. “Any time you want to come consummate our marriage, Princess, you let me know. But until then…” he trails off.

I glare. “OK. If you want to go cheat with every woman you see, then maybe I’ll do the same thing. Find myself a nice side piece to keep my bed warm.”

Nero is out of his chair before I’ve finished speaking.

“You won’t do that,” he says, rounding the desk to me. He moves so I’m trapped up against it, his hands gripping the wood on either side of me.

My pulse kicks. I try not to shake at his commanding presence.

“Try me,” I shoot back.

“Oh, I have…” Nero’s predatory gaze skims over my body. I shiver, and in my thin silk sundress, my nipples go hard. “I’ve tasted you… Fucked you… Tried every inch of this sweet body. And that’s why I know you won’t go find another man.”

I swallow, tension tightening my core. “Why not?” I whisper.

“Because nobody can give it to you the way I do.” Nero reaches out and takes my jaw between his fingers. It’s just one touch, but heat suffuses my whole body. He holds my face, forcing me to look at him.

“Nobody fucks you so hard, so damn deep.” Nero growls. “They think you’re a classy princess? Well, my Princess likes it rough, doesn’t she? Pinned to the mattress, moaning, dripping all over my cock.”

I shudder, biting back a gasp.

He grins, dangerous. Eyes locked on mine. “I could put you over this desk right now, just shove that dress up around your waist and bury every inch in that sweet candy cunt. Give you the ride you’ve been waiting for, leave my handprint all over your ass.”