Page 146 of Carnal Games

Taking that as my cue, I put myself into motion and step toward my door when I hear my name from behind.

“Kian, where are you going?” Iris sweetly questions. I turn around and she waves me over. “Come meet my mom.”

I’m confused that she wants to introduce me. I’m not her boyfriend. Hell, I’m not even boyfriend material, let alone someone you take home to meet your parents. Realizing I’m standing in the same spot mutely, I walk to them.

Leave it to my little rainbow to make me meet her mother for the first time while I’m sweaty and shirtless. Talk about an unforgettable first impression.

Thank God my dick went down from when I had Iris pressed against me. Or it would’ve been awkward.

“Ma, this is Kian. He’s min—my boss and Nathan’s older brother.”

My heart stammers. Was she about to saymine?

Why would she stop? It’s akin to taking away the last sip of water from a dying man.

She looks anywhere but at me, while I wonder what it would be like to belong to her. Not just for a week, month, or year, but forever.

“Oh yes!” exclaims Iris’s mother. “I remember you telling me about him.”

“Namaste, Mrs. Mannan,” I say politely. “Nice to meet you.”

“God bless you,beta.” She smiles, no ounce of malice on her face. “And please, no need to be so formal. You’re family. You weren’t at the engagement party, but I hope to see you at the wedding.”

Iris and I both tense imperceptibly.

“We haven’t even picked a date, Mumma.”

That’s news to me.

“And it won’t be until next year.”

Why do I feel relieved and hopeful?

“Yes, I know, I know,” sighs Iris’s mom playfully. Suddenly, her attention goes south, and she frowns. “Iris, where’s your ring?”

It’s burning a hole in my pocket.

Iris’s wide blue eyes slide my way, chewing on her lip.

I make no move to return the damn ring. Telling myself it’ll raise unnecessary questions, not because I’m being petty and jealous.

“I took it off before I went to do Yoga,” lies Iris. “I haven’t lost it. Don’t worry.”

Oh, she should worry. I’m tempted to keep it hostage until she gives up on the idea of marriage to Nathan before I’m forced to take extreme measures.

“Let’s go inside.”

I step back, clearing my throat, “I’ll let you both—”

“I’m cooking breakfast. Join us,” cuts in Iris’s mom. I open my mouth, only for her hand to rise. “Not taking no for an answer.”

Iris suppresses an amused smirk.

I control the urge to kiss it off her plump lips. I’m at the end of my rope with her tormenting me since morning.

“Of course,” I reply. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Back in my apartment, I shake my head. No wonder my tempting siren has been able to sneak her way into my life so effortlessly. She gets it from her mother.