Page 167 of Carnal Games

The elevator door opens on our floor. I carry her to my apartment and cross the threshold. Instead of taking her to the guest room, I bring her to my bedroom. It’s where she belongs. I’m done pretending she’s anything but mine.

“Kian,” she gasps, wide-eyed, as I place her on my bed.

I uncurl her small hands from around my neck, not answering. Shifting lower, I remove her heels. One of them is broken, leaving me to wonder how she ran in them. After ensuring her ankles aren’t hurt, I tug the blanket from the edge and pull it over her lap. Kissing the top of her head, I command, “Stay here.”

Going into the bathroom, I grab the first aid kit and come back out.

Her eyes track me all the way till I’m by her side and sitting down. Her breathing turns shallow as I lean forward and tilt herchin. I inspect the corner of her mouth, red and swollen where the tiny cut is. I gently graze it with my thumb, earning a low hiss. “Still hurting?”

“A little,” Iris whispers.

I drop my hand, jaw clenching at seeing her in pain. Opening the lid of the box, I pull out cotton and antiseptic cream. “I should warn you.”

“About?”

“Me.” Scooping a tiny amount of cream, I apply it over her lip while answering, “I’m about to become more insufferable.”

“How?”

“By not letting you out of my sight for even a second.” Like I should’ve done all this time. “I can’t give you details but you are in extreme danger, Iris. Someone vicious is after you. This is the second attack. Until I handle them, you can’t go anywhere alone. If you don’t like Seth, I’ll hire someone else.”

A strange look flashes in her orbs. She blinks it away before I can decipher what it is. Her throat bobs as she swallows and asks, “Will you go to the police?”

“No.” They won’t serve the justice I’m aiming for.

Trepidation crosses her features. Hesitantly, she probes, “Then what do you meanyou’llhandle them?”

“It means I’ll stop them until they’re no longer a threat to you.” The less she knows about the details, the better. “That’s all you need to know.”

The doorbell rings.

I stand up and leave the room. It’s the doctor on the other side when I open the door. I guide him to the master room and have him examine Iris. She answers his questions. Except for a few bruises and scratches on her arms and legs, she’s healthy. He tells her to stay hydrated and rest before I walk him out.

When I return, she’s back to being talkative and fires a line of questions. “Are you going to keep me locked in here? Can Icome to work? I lost my phone and purse. What am I going to do? I need to call Nathan. I-I was on a call with him when the man came at me from behind.”

By the end, her tone is high-pitched and panicky.

I cross the room to her side and put my fists on either side of her hips, bending inches from her face. “Take a deep breath.”

Beautifully trusting, she follows my command.

“Good.” Softening my expression, I answer her, “You’re not a prisoner here. You can come and go as you please. Just not without protection. We’ll drive to work together every day. I’ll send the doorman for your purse and phone once you tell me the location. If they are lost, we’ll get you a brand-new phone.”

“I don’t have money saved for a new phone.” Tears well in her eyes at the unexpected stress. “I was saving my salary to buy formal clothes for work.”

“Did I say you’ll purchase it? It’ll be from me.” Anything she ever needs and desires will be fulfilled by me.

Her bangs flutter as she shakes her head. “No, I can’t.”

“Yes, you will.” I plan to spoil the fuck out of her. Not to buy her affection or flaunt my money, but for the simple pleasure ofhavingsomeone to spoil. A reminder that a soulless man can win a beauty like my little siren.

She opens her mouth to argue, but I shush her with a fingertip.

Straightening, I pull out my phone and unlock it. Locking down my expression, I hand it to her with Nathan’s number pulled out. “Here, call or text him. I’m going to talk to the doorman about your stuff and order takeout for dinner. Take a shower and meet me in the dining room.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

I don’t stick around to hear her converse with my brother.