Page 114 of Illicit Games

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Kian

They say when it rains, it pours.

After a rough month of watching Iris mourn her grandfather and have bad days, she’s just gotten her spark back. She’s smiling and laughing, dancing to Spanish songs in the kitchen while cooking.

Last night, as we lay in bed—me reading and Iris binge-watching her nerdy scientist show—halfway into it, she crawled into my lap and sweetly begged me to make love to her with my glasses on. So, I gave my beautiful little siren what she desired—slow and sweet until we came together.

Today is her first day back at work. Instead of being a peaceful and boring day, everything has gone off the rails.

“Hey, is everything okay?”

I drag my gaze away from the worrisome text I received from Zenith and focus on Iris as she enters my office. Her face is etched in concern, so I soften my expression. I don’t want to alarm her, which she inevitably will be once she finds out. I’d rather have a plan in place before I tell her.

“Yeah. Just a small hiccup with a merger.” Putting my phone down, I rotate my chair as she rounds my desk. Tugging her between my thighs, I roam my hands up the backs of hers and toy with the hem of her flowy skirt. “How is my girl? Are you feeling good?”

The blue color of her eyes deepens when I call her mine. Her small hands perch on my shoulders, fingering my collar as she replies, “I’m happy to be back and busy. I have so many tasks to catch up on.”

My phone buzzes twice in a row, interrupting us. I sigh in frustration and stand up. I need to be downstairs in the conference room. Silencing my notifications, I focus on Iris as she smiles in understanding that I’m needed elsewhere.

“It’s fine, Kian,” she assures me. “I actually came to tell you that I need to go see my mentor atSahara. I’m having Seth drive me, so you don’t need to worry. I’m not sure how long the meeting will be. I’ll text you once it’s over.”

“If it runs late, have Seth drive you home.”

“Okay.” Leaning against my desk, she curiously prods, “Do you have to be at The Mirage tonight?”

I used to go regularly, but lately, I’ve taken a step back. Unless a game night is happening and I have to show my face to the patrons, I let Zain manage it. “No. I’m all yours, baby.”

“Perfect.” Excitement lights up her face. “Rosalie suggested a new restaurant for a dinner date. I was hoping we could go out. We never got another chance since Seattle.”

My mind replays the text, making me hesitate to say yes. But as I gaze at her joyful expression, I don’t have the heart to postpone our date. I’ll share the news with her tomorrow after I have more information.

“I’d never say no to a date night with you, Rainbow. Text me the name and I’ll make a reservation.”

“Will do.”

“I can’t wait to see you dress up for me.” She blushes. Giving her a quick peck on her cheek, I walk into the adjoining conference room to grab my jacket. “I’m sorry I have to go. It’s a last-minute meeting.”

“I understand.”

She watches raptly as I unfold my sleeves and do the cuff links. Her feet are rooted to the same spot while her thighs press together. I recognize the need rushing through her plain as day, even as she tries to bury it when her eyes lift to mine.

She’s aching to kiss me, with the same authority and passion she did the day she was high with her friends.

What’s stopping her? Can’t she see I crave it too?

Is a small part of her still intimidated by me? Does she think I’ll brush her off? It isn’t the first time I’ve caught her holding herself back. I assumed it was because our relationship was a secret. It’s not anymore, so why is she behaving this way?

Shrugging on my suit jacket, I finally say in a desperate voice, “You can touch and kiss me anytime and anyplace you want, Rainbow.”

She goes still after a sharp intake of breath. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she says, “Don’t say it unless you mean it.”

“Everything I say to you I mean with every fiber of my being.”

“It’s a dangerous power to give me the freedom to touch you as I please. I’m a very affectionate person, Kian. I’m needy and clingy and everything in between. So, you better think twice because once I have the power, I’m not living without it. You’ll be stuck forever with my clingy ass. I’ll be the human version of a koala bear.”

My lips twitch at her little speech. She’s the only woman on the planet to make affection sound like a disease or a menace. “Are you done threatening me? Because I’m still waiting for my kiss.”