IrisI wake to the sensation of warmth surrounding me, but it has little to do with the morning sunlight spilling through the window. It’s a pair of arms around me that I feel instead.Warm, sturdy, familiar arms.On instinct, I nuzzle deeper into that embrace, inhaling the familiar scent of my mate
IrisI almost expect Selina to shove me into oncoming traffic or something else that’s equally insane, but to my surprise, she smiles. Perhaps a little too widely, but it’s a smile nonetheless.“Flora! Just the person I wanted to see.”Before I can protest, Selina wraps her arm around my shoulders,
“Lack of media training?” I ask.She nods. “Yes, well, it’s not like you were born in a high-profile household like me, so it’s not really your fault that you didn’t receive the proper training in how to act in public.”“Are you calling me a rube?”“No, no!” Selina laughs flippantly, waving her hand
IrisFor a long moment, I just stare at the television, completely dumbfounded.“It appears that this new artist, who calls herself ‘Flora’, has a bone to pick with our lovely Luna-to-be,” the news anchor says, shaking her head with a sigh. “I mean, what could she possibly dislike about Selina?”The
I have to protect him. And I’ll do whatever is necessary to keep him safe.Suspiciously, Arthur doesn’t come home all day or evening, and I don’t hear from him once. By the time I’m putting Miles to bed and I still haven’t seen or heard from Arthur, I’m beginning to wonder if he’s with Selina.I kno
IrisArthur swings open the front door to reveal an older woman with graying hair standing in the hallway.“Mrs. White,” he says, stepping aside and gesturing for her to enter. “Please, come in.”The woman shuffles into the foyer, clutching a small duffle bag to her chest. She stops in the center of
Arthur’s eyes flash slightly at the mention of Selina, but his voice is calm as he replies, “Mrs. White is aware of the situation, and has promised the utmost discretion. Furthermore, I can pay her even more to split her time between our homes should you choose to move. But if it were up to me, you
IrisThe next morning, I’m holed up in my studio again, finishing up the static television painting. Miles is playing on the floor by my feet—he’s barely left my side all morning, too shy of the new nanny to be alone with her.Not that I can blame him, nor do I mind. It’s nice to hear him talking to
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