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
IrisEzra’s face is slightly flushed as he stands across the room, flexing his biceps. I can tell he’s caught somewhere between trying not to laugh and being downright embarrassed by his choice of portrait.“Are you sure this isn’t too much?” he asks for what I’m pretty sure is the tenth time since
Arthur doesn’t move a muscle until we hear the sound of the front door open and close. I don’t move at first, either. Only once we’re certain Ezra is gone does he turn to me, but I’m already shaking my head and turning to pick up the drawing pad with the half-finished portrait on it.“Iris—”“You’re
IrisLater, once Miles is asleep, I’m in my studio, preparing my supplies, when the studio door creaks open. Arthur steps into the room, wearing a plain t-shirt and trousers. I gesture to the seat I’ve prepared by the window.“Take a seat. And take your shirt off.”I busy myself with lining up my ch
But I don’t—because after everything, I have no intention right now of getting back together with him.“An apology would be a start,” I finally bite out.Arthur doesn’t hesitate. He suddenly stands, crossing the room, and grabs my hands. I drop my charcoal pencil as he tugs me away from my easel.Th
IrisThat night, I receive a text from Alice regarding the lecture series with Abbott Gallery. She’s attending a tour tomorrow afternoon and asks me to come, which I agree to. When I tell Arthur about it, he insists on watching Miles himself, as he has the day off. I hesitate at first, but I know he
“Alice, you didn’t have to stand up for me like that.”The curator waves her hand. “Like I said, we’re friends,” she replies, glancing up at me. Her cheeks are slightly flushed. “I mean, I assume we’re friends…”I can’t help but smile. I never expected to make friends with anyone here, but the thoug
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