Iris & ArthurIrisArthur’s mouth is warm and soft against mine, but his kiss is insistent, hungry, needy. His lips move against mine with a hot, heavy fervor, as if he needs the taste of me to keep on living.I don’t think. I just move, pressing more firmly against his body. My head drops back, giv
Arthur stares at me for a moment, his breath warm across my face in the cramped closet. Then, without a word, he turns and rushes after her, likely to do damage control.Once I’m alone again, a soft whimper escapes my throat before I can stop it. I lean my head back against the wall, staring up at t
IrisWhen I finally work up the courage to emerge from the coat closet, I’m both surprised and relieved to find that the event is going on just the same as it was before. The walls aren’t burning down and no one looks at me as I make my way back to the main area, so I suppose that means that whateve
When I burst into the apartment, Miles is still sitting there, staring at his plate of plain vegetables and steamed tofu. The sight breaks my heart, and I whirl toward Mrs. White, who’s sitting in the armchair in the living room with her arms folded and a smug expression on her face.“He wouldn’t—”
IrisOnce we’re alone, I turn to Miles. He’s already back to being his usual smiley self, happily eating his sandwich and munching on his apple slices. The sight makes the ice around my heart melt just a little, and I ruffle his hair as I move past him.I pour him a glass of milk, then one for mysel
Once I’m certain he’s asleep, I let out a soft sigh and bend down, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.“Goodnight, little wolf,” I whisper. The familiar nickname feels even more ironic now.After changing out of my gown, I’m not even close to feeling tired. Rather, I change into a pair of sweatp
ArthurSelina kissed me.Her lips were on mine before I had a chance to react, her hands cupping my face. The crowd nearby swooned, people clapping and murmuring over the sweet display of affection.But I didn’t want it. I didn’t want her.And worst of all, I couldn’t even shove her away like I real
She painted… us. In the closet. Her mouth turned up in a smile, her eyes closed. For the first time in five years, she looks truly peaceful and happy in this image, and yet for some reason, I found her tearing it to shreds like she’d gone rabid.My throat bobs as I finally look up at her. She’s sitt
Mother scoffs. “I’m not impressed. Maybe if she weren’t so preoccupied with that hobby of hers, she could actually focus on what’s important: her family.”“Painting isn’t a hobby,” I counter. “It’s her profession. And she’s damn good at it. You saw her work.”Father scoffs. “It’s derivative at best.
Iris & ArthurIrisAn awkward silence falls over the table. I shift uncomfortably. The only sound is that of the kitten racing around in the other room, playing with a bottle cap. Wendy glances at the cat with a wrinkled nose but says nothing.Arthur clears his throat and offers me a grin. “Everythi
Emi, who has been stationed in the apartment hallway on alternate shifts with another security guard every day since the debut, has already let our guests in by the time I walk into the entryway.Arthur steps in, looking handsome in a casual sweater and slacks. Behind him are Leonard and Wendy.“Wel
IrisI stand back, wiping my hands on my already paint-stained overalls, and tilt my head to examine the finished piece.It’s vibrant. Alive. The central image depicts a framed dent in a kitchen wall, cracks spider-webbing outward. Yellow sunshine spills across the scene, dust motes floating in the
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