5. Playing Along

Iris's POV:

 "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that" he said pulling back and shaking his head sideways. Okay I know he would say that. But I enjoyed the kiss a lot. And everyone knows I am as inexperienced as a just born baby and I don't mind that though.

I had my high tides and I had my lows. I was kept away from my family for my own security. I have been kept away from everyone I have grown with and everyone I trusted with my soul. I don't know what I could do back then. Everything changed a lot in these 12 years. They are not the same and I am not the same. But my feelings for him never changed. The moment he stepped into my room, I was all mushy and when he kissed me, I was on damn clouds.

"I am really very sorry Iris. I-" he said scratching his head. Okay just play along. So, I just glared at him and softly giggled at his flushed face. He looks even more cute now. I know what he is thinking now and I know what I should be doing now and I know what he'll be doing now.

"I'll be going now. I gotta go check on dad" he said getting up from the bed and headed towards the door. He looked back at me for hundred times, but I just stayed silent. I wanted to ask him to stop, but you know what he needs rest. I know what happened to him and I blame myself for what's happening to them.

But I need them. They are my everything and I love them all.

"Nicky, I'll drop you. Please" I said making my best puppy eyes and he looked down sighing. I know you can't resist man.

"See, I know why you all are hiding this from me and I appreciate your concern, but I hate it when you guys do that" I said starting the car. He nodded and looked out.

"Iris, I am sorry" he said looking down at his hands that have been resting on his lap. "It's okay Nicky. I missed you too" I said smirking and he rolled his eyes. "Wasn't that the same thing you told everyone?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. 

"Hell yeah I told that to everyone and even gave them a hug. You know and then Eli came. I missed him a tad bit more than others coz I have been seeing him more often than you all" I said with a smirk playing on my face.

"You love him right?" he asked with a playful tone and I know he knows the story. But who am I to give in that easy? "Yeah and you know I hate lying to you but I am fine with lying to the others right. I just wanted to save Eli's ass from them though" I said swaying my hands in the air.

I could hear his frustrated groan.

"Well, we are here. Get your ass out so, I can go meet my man" I said pushing him out and then reversed the car. "Fuck this though. I have to meet your dad" I said hopping out of the car and a huge grin made way on his face. I know I know. You are my man and you know that I am playing with you. Just wait for tomorrow though. I'll play this better.

"Hello my dear handsome uncle" I said walking straight into his office with a smirk on my face. Yeah is the most handsome man in his age. First came a gun, then a gasp, then a shocked expression and finally a smile. 

He stood up from his chair and he rushed to my side. "Look at you little angel" he said ruffling my hair a bit and pulled me to his chest. I heard Nick clear his throat from behind, but I just stayed in Uncle's embrace. 

"I have missed you soo much angel" he said caressing my cheek. I looked into his eyes and gave him a small smile saying "Same with me. I missed you more than anyone. And I missed these hugs soo much" I said snuggling my face into his chest. He held me tight and kissed my head. Meanwhile, Nick was glaring at both of us.

"Here I was thinking I am my father's favorite all these years only to learn that his favorite had been far away" he said narrowing his eyes towards me. I stuck my out and turned back to Uncle Vince.

"Just stop this already. As far as I know he would have been the first one to see her and practically pull her away from everyone" Uncle Vince said smirking.

"Actually uncle, he was the last one to come see me though" I said pouting "and you know he didn't miss me much too. He had his fun in doing other things" I said narrowing my eyes at Nick.

They both shared silent words and Uncle Vince looked worried for a sec before he masked it. So much for trying to hide your emotions from me. I know you both well. "Okay, I'll be leaving. I have to go shopping tomorrow to buy clothes and then some furniture for my room. I'll see you around Uncle Vince" I said giving him one last hug and rushed past the door not even glancing in Nick's direction.

"Oh, I forgot to mention that I have baked some cupcakes and cookies. I'll leave them on the counter. And not even a single bite goes to this grumpy old man" I said jumping on the steps. They both peeked their heads of the room and saw whom I was referring to and both broke in smiles. Hah. Mission accomplished.

I turned towards Giovanni and glared at him for a while he did the same. We are having a staring competition and no backing downs now. "Let go princess. It's already late. Until you are thinking about staying here for the night" Nick said whispering into my ear which made me close my eyes.

Asshole. "Because of you, I lost" I said pointing my fingers to him. He caught my fingers in his and pulled me to his chest. "Maybe the first thing I have done after seeing you after these many years was wrong, I don't regret it and for a million times, I would repeat the same" he said in a husky voice making me shiver down the spine. 

Damn his voice and damn hi eyes. Yeah and maybe next time, I would kiss you back I thought to myself and turned towards smirking Giovanni. Ofcourse he heard and ofcourse he knew. 

"Yoo grumpy old man, how have you been" I asked with a small smile forming on my face. "Good I guess my little bear" he said taking a step towards me and engulfing me in his grip. I hugged him back and chuckled. We both always fight and then, he had been like a family to me. He is Uncle Vince's personal guard and even to Nick. 

I pulled back and gave him a small smile and looked at him. I saw blood dripping down his head. "Gio, what happened?" I asked looking at him frantically. "Ahh, nothing much. You should have seen the other guy" he said waving his hands in air. 

"Training?"

"Mhm, fight"

"Street fight? Illegal?"

"Nope angel. A mission" he said laughing.

"Okay, I have to leave. I have to be back home before dad thinks the boys kidnapped me" I said giving them a shy smile and rushed to the front door. "Eat them" I said pointing towards the box and jumped into my car when I was out.

When I went home, dad and Arius were frantically roaming around the house. "Daddy, Rius, what's wrong" I asked approaching them slowly. First, they were relived and then a serious look took place on both their faces.

"Where have you been?" Dad asked in a dreadfully low tone. "Umm, I went to the Ivanov manor to drop Nick. He had been shot. So, I thought it- it" I stuttered when I saw dad's angry face. But later he smiled.

"Did they send you alone?" Arius asked in a curious tone. "Ofcourse no. It is uncle Vince and Nick we are talking about. Giovanni who had a bleeding head followed me" I said scrunching up my nose. They both laughed and shook their heads smiling a bit at my face.

"Go to bed angel" dad said placing a kiss on my forehead and Arius did the same. 

I have a long ass shopping day tomorrow. I went to look on Nonno and smiled when I saw him sleep peacefully.

All these years of pain and suffering have come to an end.