Scandalous Games (Arranged Games Book 1)

I shake myself off the memory of Dash saving me outside the club.

Ever since he took care of me last week, it’s like I’m reliving the past with new eyes, one not brainwashed by Niall. My ex, who didn’t even ask me the next day about how I got home from the club. Not even apologizing for ghosting me at a party he invited me to.

I am, however, madder at myself that I never confronted him. I was blinded by what I thought was love. It was the first red flag that I shouldn’t have ignored. Because things only escalated from then onward.

If I’m being completely honest, things shifted between us after the first night Dash crashed into our lives.

The niggling fear in the back of my mind warns me that Dash crashing into my world has always led to destruction, chaos, and heartbreak.

That this one may not be so different either.

And yet, there’s no stopping me from falling headfirst. Even if I wanted to, he won’t let me go. Besides, we’ve come too far to jeopardize everything now. Especially as I listen to Arya tell me about her conversation with our dad the other day.

“I have a feeling he will say yes, Bee,” she says in a singsong voice. “As soon as your engagement party is done, I will ask Aryan to talk to him.”

“At least wait a couple of weeks before you ask him to pop the question,” I reply, halting her daydreaming. Once Arya gets excited about something, she becomes like an unstoppable bulldozer. “And shouldn’t he propose to you first?”

When my sister insisted she wanted to come with me to my dress fitting appointment, I was over the moon. Because with each passing day, I’m getting more and more of my old sister back. The utter joy it brings me is indescribable.

I have invited my best friends, too, but only Iris will be coming since Rosa had to travel for a charity event with her future parents-in-law. Mostly, it’s a publicity move to portray an ending to the long rivalry between the two families. The public believes it was a recent decision. Except, they don’t know it has been years in the making, since the day Rosa turned fifteen.

“He’s old-fashioned, Bee,” answers Arya, pulling me from my thoughts. “He would like our dad’s blessing first.”

The exact opposite of my broody and intimidating husband. Whoa… I’m getting way too comfortable and casual with the word husband.

“What about my blessing?” I tease her.

She abruptly stops in the middle of the sidewalk and I would’ve fallen had our arms not been intertwined. Gazing at me, she nervously questions, “Do you not like him?”

“I was kidding, Ari. He’s perfect for you.”

Her bright smile returns as we resume walking, only a few minutes away from the store. Warmth spreads through my chest that my opinion matters to her.

“I know I’ve been a bad sister lately, but I love you, Bee.” Her confession has my heart thudding and I give a small smile. “I’m glad you found your soulmate too.”

The pressure on my chest returns tenfold. If only she knew how far from the truth she is. Thankfully, our arrival to the wedding dress store saves me from replying to her. The doorman holds the door open and the moment we cross the threshold, a bubbly Iris in a pretty summer dress greets us.

“You’re here,” she exclaims, wrapping me in a hug. “God! I want to buy everything in here. If only I could afford it.”

“Nathan needs to spoil you more,” comments Ari in a teasing tone.

Iris chuckles. “He does plenty.”

Nathan and Iris are very private about their relationship. It even took a while for her to open up to Rosa and me. It’s only when she’s drunk that she spills the dirty deets about Nathan, who is very much like his older brother Kian: reserved and tends to keep to himself. His relationship with Iris began with friendship and it shows every time they are together.

The three of us are huddled together chitchatting that we almost forget the reason why we’re here. It isn’t until one of the assistants clears their throat that we remember with a sheepish grin.

“Please come this way,” says the lady. “I have your gown ready in the dressing room for you to try on.”

We follow after her and I can’t wipe the excited grin off my face. Unlike my friends, I’m a certified shopaholic. In my opinion, there is no such thing as too many clothes. So, even though the engagement is all for show, I couldn’t help myself.

In Paris, I was too overwhelmed and enraptured by Dash that the thought of shopping never crossed my mind. He had already spoiled me enough. Also, had I tried to buy anything, he probably wouldn’t have let me pay for it. And I didn’t want to be indebted to him more than I already am.

The second we round the corner, both Ari and Iris gasp in awe at my beautiful golden lehnga, glittering as it hangs in the middle of the room. The moment I laid my eyes on it, I fell in love and knew it was the dress. The color is so rich that it takes your breath away at first glance.

“Fuck! That is so pretty. You’re going to look gorgeous,” praises Ari.

“Dash won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” teases Iris.

“Oh, he’s going to be fighting off other men who dare to stare at you.”

“He does give off possessive vibes, doesn’t he?” says my best friend with amusement lighting her eyes. Iris has let me know on more than one occasion that she wants Dash and me to become a real couple, especially after I poured my heart out over the video call in Paris.

Ignoring their bickering at my expense, I admire my lehenga which is sexy yet elegant. The skirt is big with a short train flaring at the back but it was the side slit reaching to the top of my thigh that sealed the deal for me. The cropped blouse with the sweetheart neckline and slim shoulder straps, on the other hand, complements the skirt perfectly. The back is held by two strings that tie in a knot in the middle.

“Hurry, Bee. I’m dying to see it on you,” an eager-looking Iris says while my sister nods from beside her.

They both lounge on the large sofa placed in the middle while I go to the changing room with the assistant following behind me with the dress. She waits while I remove my jeans and top until I’m in my panties and bra to help me into the dress. The fit is perfect in all the right places and the skirt is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

When I return, Ari and Iris are gossiping and laughing over champagne. I clear my throat and as soon as they see me, they go speechless. With a smile, I give them a twirl and hear their intake of breath.

“I have no words,” cries Ari.

“I would marry you myself.”

“As if Nathan will let you,” I tease Iris.

Setting aside her flute, Iris aims her phone toward me and points her finger before ordering, “Come one, show us those curves.”

“Shake that ass,” hoots Ari, making me laugh.

“This isn’t a strip show, you two.” They continue to chortle, not at all ashamed, and I think the champagne has gone to their heads. “Hey! Click some pictures on my phone too.”

“Why? You wanna send one to your dear husband?”

“Shut up.”

“Send some in the sexy lingerie I saw.” A mischievous glint appears in Iris’s gaze. “Or… there’s always the infamous naked selfies. I bet he’ll come running.”

Yep. She’s definitely drunk.

“Never mind, return my phone.”

She shakes her head and orders me like she’s my personal stylist and shopper, “But seriously, you must try them. Wait, I’ll bring them.”

She’s gone before I can say a word. Her hands are full with different sets and colors, more each daring than the last, and she dumps them all in my arms. Twisting me around, she pushes me in the direction of the changing room while instructing, “Try and take your time. We’ll be here.”

“Yes, your highness,” I mutter, making her and Ari chuckle.

This is the best day ever. Tons of shopping and hanging out with my favorite people. I only wish Rosa were here too. At least she’ll be back for my reception party this Saturday. I can’t believe a month went by so fast and all the arrangements are done. I’m just praying there’ll be no drama, which always seems to be the case when Dash and my parents are in the same room.

After managing to take off my dress all by myself, I rifle through what Iris chose for me and silently curse under my breath. My sneaky friend has selected the most daring lingeries I’ve ever seen. They’re either completely see-through or barely keeping my goods covered. One even has a slit in the panties for easy access. My cheeks flame.

Although, Dash would probably love them.

Before I know it, I’m putting on the red lace set with the secret slit. I might as well be naked but I won’t deny it’s super sexy. Oh well. I might as well buy it. I try on a few more pieces. I also like a sheer purple baby doll but it’s small and my breasts spill out of the cups. So, when I try to remove it, the zipper in the back gets stuck.

“Damn it.” Pulling aside the curtain, I peek outside and shout, “Iris, I need help.”

At the sound of footsteps, I leave the curtain halfway open and face the mirror. Bending down, I’ve just touched my fallen top when a pair of shiny black leather shoes come in my line of sight. With a shocked gasp, I almost tumble forward when they come closer and strong hands grip my waist possessively.

“Need help, kitten?” a husky voice whispers.