Playing The Game - Book Four in The WSU Series

- Chapter Eighteen -

"Please join the Bliss Family this evening at seven o'clock of cocktails, dancing, and celebrations."

"Your family are really something," I say and I hold the invite up for Kian to see, he mutters something under his breath before making his way over to me. Returning my gaze back to the mirror I continue sectioning my hair. "You're a part of the family now," he says as he stops behind me, my heart beats quicker.

I can't fall for his charm again, I have to keep reminding myself of that.

Before I could start straightening sections Kian lightly grips my wrist, "don't." I look down at his hold on me before gazing back up at the man standing behind me. Because he isn't a boy anymore— he isn't the boy I fell in love with, I have to remind myself of that. "Don't what?" I question, "leave your hair curly." I place the straightener down on the desk, "why?" I question, I take in his outfit— always wearing black, from his blazer to his shoes. His black shirt unbuttoned showing his necklace, the necklace I gave him in a moment of weakness— a moment I won't forget.

"I like it when your hair is curly, it's wild," he smirks before leaning down closer to me, I stop breathing thinking he's about to kiss me, but he stops an inch away from my lips, "I prefer when you're untamed," he speaks slowly, "free."

"Free?" I question, Kian doesn't back away as he replies, "yes."

"Then let me go," I whisper— despite my mission, despite the justice I need, I also want my freedom. Freedom away from my father, and as fucked up as it is— Kian can give me that. "Never," he admits before closing the distance between us, his lips touching me quickly and softly I feel like one more push and I'll be over the edge. "You're so possessive, and you have no right to be." I state, "I have the right as your husband." He smiles before pulling away slightly, enough to look me in the eyes, the blue that was once there— gone. Just like his innocence, just like my love for him, gone— and to never return.

Husband.

He's never outright said the word before, he is my husband, as am I his wife.

My father thinks I'll fall again for Kian's tricks and games— what Kian doesn't know is that I'm the one playing him. He won't hurt me again, I won't allow it. He'll be the one left with a broken heart, and then I laugh to myself. No, he won't— his heart is frozen, he has no feelings. This whole thing between us is just a game— one he won't admit, he just doesn't like the thought of me hating him. The only person who knows him, the real him, and hates him for it.

"You like when I'm overprotective," he mutters before his lips touch mine once again. The quick kiss consumes me— like poison, you only need a drop before you're infected. I lean back, "we should go," I offer a small smile before turning off the straightens and standing up. Kian lets out an audible groan before backing away from me, his gaze travels up my body, and suddenly it's like I'm naked. His stare is dangerous— he's dangerous, I can't forget that. "You trust me, don't you?" He asks and he already knows the answer, no. Never again, Kian extends his hand for me to hold which I take, "you look," he pauses, searching for the right word. "Out of this world." I shouldn't blush but I do, I quickly mask it as I lead him out of our hotel room, once in the elevator the tension between us changes.