Christian puts everything together in an instant – where this grate leads, what, precisely, that noise he just heard was. I give another panicked squeak and push myself away – but I’m unbalanced now and can’t quite push myself back to the dresser on my exhausted arms. I gasp, looking down at the flo
For a long moment I just stare at his hand, so long that Christian takes another step forward, holding it closer, insistent. And then I reach for him, slipping my fingers against his palm, letting me pull me to my feet. “Are you all right?” he murmurs as I find my balance, realizing that my legs a
When I wake up the next morning I…have no idea what to do. I mean, the penthouse is totally quiet – you’d honestly think that I was here alone. But…I was ordered to my room. Am I allowed to…leave it? I spend about five minutes wondering and then I huff a frustrated sigh, tossing my blankets of
I sigh but nod again, agreeing to it. “And second, you lie your ass off, telling them that you broke up with Steven and had to leave everything behind at your house and that you simultaneously got a really prestigious internship that’s going to take up a great deal of your time. You’ve borrowed th
“You,” Frankie says tiredly, pointing at me as he closes the door behind him, “are not allowed to ask anything about this. You got that? Also, you never, ever saw it. I was here all night.” I put my hands up, letting him know that I agree to these terms. “Good,” Frankie murmurs, and he sighs wit
“Nico,” I sigh, shaking my head at him, “I sincerely doubt any strippers give you any real insight into their lives, especially after you run out of money.” Frankie laughs at me, glancing at Nico, before nudging me with his foot and holding out his phone. “What do you want for lunch?” I take the
I stare up at Christian’s face at a complete loss for words. Christian’s expression instantly softens as he sees the true hurt in my eyes. “Shit,” he murmurs, stepping forward and shaking his head, reaching for me. “Iris, I –“ But I take a step back, not wanting him to touch me now. “Is that…is
I stare unblinking at him for a moment, captivated by his dark eyes, the serious set to his mouth, the feel of his calloused hand on my cheek. “All right,” I whisper, nodding once. “But in exchange…I need more.” Christian cocks an eyebrow at me. “You can’t have more, Iris. This is it. I’m sorry.