Page 123 of Carnal Games

“Iris, are you okay?”

Bianca’s voice cuts through my morose musings. I blink, smiling at her and Rosalie. “Sorry. I’m sleepy from all the pills.”

The three of us huddle on the king-sized bed while an inquisitive Bunny trots around the room, sniffing every corner and wagging his tail.

“I can’t believe you brought him, Ro,” I utter with a laugh.

Rosalie props her chin on her bent knees as she sits in front of me. “I’m leaving him here with you.”

“What? Why?” I ask. Both Bianca and I stare at her with matching frowns.

“In case Kian the captor tries to pull anything.”

“Wouldn’t he have done it already if that was his attention?”

“Kian is harmless,” shares Bianca. “You of all people know not to believe rumors. Yes, he’s scary, but if he were as heartless as everyone says, he wouldn’t have done me a favor two years ago.”

“The ‘favor’ made him fifty million richer after selling those shares once the stock market went up. I don’t trust him, Bee,” replies Rosalie in a hushed tone. “I mean, don’t you find it amiss that he offers Iris a job, instead of doing the simple interview?And then she gets attacked. Let’s not forget he hangs around some very dangerous people. Keith Ray and his friends are bad news. I’ve met the man and he even scared me with those vacant eyes.”

“What are you trying to say, Ro?” My tone is offended on Kian’s behalf. “That Kian tried to hurt me? He saved me and then he spent the entire night awake taking care of me. He’s a good man and I trust him.”

“He is a red flag. Be careful is all I’m saying. Looks and behavior can be deceiving.” A desolate darkness fills Rosalie’s eyes. “Trust me, I know that better than anyone.”

The anger in my veins thaws as I remember what she went through last year. I thought I was going to lose my best friend. Seeing me like that must be hard on her. I reach for her hand and hold it. “I know you’re worried about me and looking out for me. I love you for that. But Kian is not the enemy. I mean, we don’t even know if someone’s after me. It could be a random attack. Maybe I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“I hope so. Because I don’t ever want to receive the call that you’re in the hospital, Iris. I imagined the worst had happened to you.”

Bianca nods, murmuring, “Both of you need to stop scaring me like that.”

“I won’t,” I vow.

“Have you talked to Nathan or your parents?” Rosalie asks.

“No. I don’t want to worry them for no reason.” My family has had a rough year. The last thing they need is more stress. Plus, my dad will demand I come home. As for Nathan, I haven’t had a chance. But I will text him, lest he find out from Nova.

“Maybe tell Nathan,” Bianca softly suggests.

“I will.”

“So, what’s it like working for your captor?” quips Rosalie, lightening the mood.

“I may have climbed him up like a tree on the second day.”

“You what?” they shout at the same time, wearing comical expressions.

Laughing, I spend the next two hours telling them all about my assistant gig. The drama with Arjun and meeting Yukta. During our gossiping session, an impassive Kian shows up to remind me to take my medicine and exits just as quickly.

However, his thoughtfulness isn’t missed by my best friends.

***

Rosalie and Bianca leave with a reluctant Bunny, who claimed the couch as his favorite place. Before going, they bring me a change of clothes and bathroom necessities from my apartment next door.

There’s minor pain when I walk, but it’s not so unbearable that I have to stay glued to the mattress. I also desperately want to wash off yesterday’s ugliness. Carrying a fresh outfit, I stroll to the extravagant bathroom, finding an extra towel and electric toothbrush at the vanity.

I can only imagine what the rest of this place is like. I’m so tempted to explore Kian’s entire apartment. It’s my version of wonderland. It’ll be a shame if I don’t take advantage. Especially the master bedroom where Kian sleeps.

Will he allow me inside, though?