IrisI must look like a wreck as I stare at the three tickets in Arthur’s hand, my mouth hanging open and the front of my shirt splattered with pancake batter, but I don’t care. I’m trying to figure out what Arthur’s angle is.After everything that I said to him yesterday, why would he show up here?
I hate how the way he looks at me makes butterflies flutter around in my stomach.“This one of yours?” he asks, jerking his chin toward the painting. He finally pulls his gaze away from me, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.“Yes,” I say, nodding. I step up beside him, looking up
IrisThe amusement park is a riot of color and noise, families milling about and the sounds of game machines whirring through the air.Miles is perched on top of Arthur’s shoulders high above the crowd, his face is split in the widest grin I’ve ever seen.I can’t help but smile.As we make our way t
He’s staring at me. Intensely.I almost tell him to stop staring, but I don’t—because there’s something in his gaze that gives me pause. Something soft and tender, similar to the look on his face when he was gazing at that painting earlier. Something that reminds me of the man I once loved.It makes
IrisBy dinnertime, Miles is bouncing with energy from his nap. We take our seats at the dinner table, digging into a saucy pasta dish with glistening chicken breast and vibrant vegetables. Miles happily twirls his pasta around on his fork, his tongue stuck out in concentration.For a few moments, w
The next morning, after a sleepless night of tossing and turning and mulling over what to do regarding Miles and Arthur, I get dressed to go to Marsiel Gallery. I have a meeting today to finally sign my patronage contract, which is a welcome distraction from everything else. Miles will be spending t
IrisI consider turning around and leaving the bar, but Arthur spots me before I have a chance, andwaves me over. Partially driven by curiosity and maybe slightly driven by the mate bond tuggingon me insistently, I sigh and make my way over to him.“Iris,” he says, standing as I approach. He pulls
“I did it because I love your work,” he says calmly. “Iris, sit down. You’re drawing unwanted attention.”I scoff, refusing to sit. “Fuck your attention. And I’m calling bullshit, because if you even understood the nature of my work, you would have known better than to use your wealth and status as
He shrugs and goes to pick up the glass again. “It’s just how it is.”I shake my head and move the glass out of his way. “No more of this tonight. You’ve had enough.”Arthur pouts, actually pouts, which confirms my suspicion that he’s drunker than he’s letting on. “But how will I sleep?”The questio
IrisThe baseball bat connects with the wall with a sickening crack as Arthur ducks just in time, letting out a surprised yelp.“Holy shit!” I shriek, the bat slipping from my hands and clattering to the floor. “Arthur! I almost took your head off!”Arthur straightens up, his eyes wide in the dim li
I glance at Arthur, who shrugs. “I’d love to,” he says, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Just one story, though. It’s past your bedtime.”I leave them to it, Arthur’s deep voice following me down the hall as he begins to read one of Miles’ favorite books. Something warm unfurls in my chest at
IrisArthur turns to me as we pull up to my apartment building later. “They seemed to like you.”“Your parents?” I ask, glancing at him. “Yeah, they were nice. Especially after that awkward first meeting.”He makes a noncommittal sound, staring out the windshield for a moment before turning off the
I feel a flush of pleasure at his praise. “Thank you.”“And you have a son together,” Wendy states, leaving behind the subject of my career. “Miles, is it?”I nod, dragging my lower lip through my teeth. I feel like I’m being grilled, one question after another in quick succession.“He’s five,” I sa
Iris“You’re sure you can handle this?” Arthur asks, his hand resting on the small of my back. We’re standing just outside the ballroom entrance, about to make our reappearance.I take a deep breath, smoothing the front of my new black dress. It’s simpler than the emerald gown—a sleek, form-fitting
“I’ve missed you,” he breathes against my skin. “So much, Iris. You have no idea.”I thread my fingers through his hair, tugging him back up to my mouth. “Show me,” I whisper against his lips.His eyes darken further, and he captures my mouth again in a kiss that makes my eyes roll back with pleasur
IrisThe jacket slips from my shoulders, falling to the carpet with a soft thud. I feel my face heat as Arthur drags his gaze over the tattered remains of my dress, lingering briefly on my exposed breasts, hips, and belly, but I don’t try to cover myself again.“The scratches don’t look that bad,” h
“They marked your face,” he says quietly. “They were trying to—”“I know what they were trying to do,” I interrupt. “Make you not want me anymore. Make me too ugly or damaged for you to keep as your mate.” I laugh bitterly. “Like your attraction to me is solely based on my looks.”Arthur’s hands sti