IrisSeeing my son, soaking wet and clutching a fallen tree for dear life, sends such a feeling of horror through me that I move without even thinking.“Miles, hang on!” I scream, kicking off my heels and rushing forward. “I’m coming!”Miles sobs, his arms tightening around the tree. It’s just barel
Miles is hanging onto the branch with both hands, his little legs dangling in the air.“Hang on!” Arthur says, slowly pulling the branch up. Once he’s not leaning precariously anymore, I grab the branch too, helping him haul Miles up. It’s slow and painstaking, inch by agonizing inch, but finally, M
IrisI wake up to the sensation of sunlight hitting my face for the first time in days. The rain has passed, and the birds are chirping in the trees outside, the damp asphalt heating under the sun and sending tendrils of steam curling into the morning air.Miles is still curled up next to me, sniffl
Finally, Arthur responds, his voice slightly clipped. “Regardless, I know you have your own things going on right now and can’t monitor Miles every second of every day. I was thinking of hiring a nanny as well.”I swallow hard. “A nanny…” The thought is intriguing, but I know it won’t be easy to fin
Iris“Mr. Brooks will see you now.”The sound of the receptionist’s voice snaps me out of my deep thoughts. I look up to see her standing beside an open door, a smile plastered across her face. Standing, I quickly smooth down the front of my shirt before I hurry through the doorway.In the conferenc
And finally, there are images of me and Arthur running out of the event, Arthur ahead of me. Arthur’s mask and glasses have fallen off, displaying his identity—and by extension, mine.It makes me sick. I didn’t even notice anyone taking photos, let alone while we were rescuing Miles. Instead of help
ArthurI’m sitting in my office, the orange glow of the setting sun playing across the glass top of my desk. My fingers are flying over my keyboard, eager to finish up my work for the day so I can go home and check on Miles.It’s been a busy day, made even worse by last night’s events. I’m tired and
“They have pictures, you know,” Caleb says, checking his nails. He picks an invisible piece of dirt out from under his thumbnail and flicks it onto the carpet. “Brooks & Lee, I mean. They have pictures of you two last night.”I glance at him, bristling slightly not only at the thought of someone tak
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