Page 147 of Carnal Games

Stepping into Iris’s bedroom, I grudgingly place the diamond ring on the dresser rather than shipping it off to Nathan with a note that the wedding’s off because his fiancée is now mine.

It wouldn’t be unscrupulous, considering he was stupid enough to leave her alone.

I scoff at the offending piece of jewelry, studying it. It’s too plain, boring, and common. Did he put any thought into it at allwhile buying it? Doesn’t he know his fiancée if he’s been dating her for three years?

Iris isn’t like any other woman, she’s in a league of her own.

So should be the ring she wears.

The rare Blue Moon of Josephine diamond that matches the color of her eyes. I came across one in an auction I attended years ago. Suddenly wishing I had bought it so I could gift it to her.

I’d drape her in all the diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and gold in the world if she weremywoman.

Sighing disappointedly that I may never get the chance, I go to my room and quickly shower before she comes knocking to drag me to her place. I wouldn’t put it past her.

Putting on a pair of jeans and a black button-down shirt, I exit my apartment. Her front door opens before I can knock. Mesmerizing blue eyes knock me sideways as something strange twists behind my ribs.

“You look handsome,” she murmurs, reaching for me but dropping her arm at the last second. I catch it before it can touch her side and tug her closer. A pink hue darkens the apples of her cheeks as I caress the pulse on her wrist.

That fucking blush. Men would go to war for a glimpse of it.

She’s showered and changed into a floral summer dress with a knot behind her neck, holding it together.

“You’ve talked to your mom about me.” Something tells me it was before we met.

“I have.”

“When?”

“A long time ago.”

“Why would you?”

“Why wouldn’t I, Kian?” she softly retorts. “You’re Nathan’s brother. His family. It’s not something I’d hide from my parents.”

“I’ve been dead to my family for almost two decades, rainbow.” My voice is hollow and cold. “Why is it not the same for you?”

“Because I don’t believe them or the world that you’re a bad guy.” She utters it with conviction and protectiveness dripping from every syllable. “I don’t believe that you’re someone who’d walk away from his family or leave his little brother behind. I don’t believe a single bad word anybody says about you. They can’t convince me even if they tried.”

“What do you believe?” I whisper, desperate to know.

“I see you for who you are, Kian.” Tracing her palms up my arms, she stretches on her toes. I bend and meet her halfway, loving the way she leans on me. How she perfectly fits against my hard edges. “I see the parts of you that you try to hide behind your aloof mask. A wonderful, protective, caring, and misunderstood man.”

I’m blown away by her confession. It washes over me like the first ray of light after surviving a hailstorm.

Smirking, she adds mischievously, “A little grumpy, who prefers to live like a caveman with no cable, and whose idea of fun is reading boring historical books. Love the glasses, though. You should wear them all the time.”

I chuckle.

This girl! Only she can make me laugh.

Her eyes light up at the sound before dropping to my mouth. She goes still, gaze becoming hooded a second before I feel the pad of her finger graze my cheek. Unblinking, she rasps in awe, “You… have dimples.”

I do?

I had almost forgotten.

Iris sighs dreamily. “I love them. I’m making it a mission to make you smile more often. Even at the expense of making a fool of myself.”