Page 149 of Carnal Games

Interesting. “She didn’t.”

Her mother continues, “I can’t tell you how many times I had to play the victim or a cop when she was little and would make up crime scenes.”

From the corner of my eye, I notice Iris hiding her face against her palms.

“One time, she covered her dad with ketchup to be a dead body for solving a murder mystery and I—”

“Oh my god!” Iris cries, mortified, and begs, “Ma, please stop.”

“Oh, come on, love.”

“Look! The food’s burning.”

Letting it go with a humorous grin, her mother turns around and focuses on the stove.

Iris’s face is tomato red when I glance at her. Just when I think she couldn’t get any more adorable. “I am so glad I decided to join.”

“Shut up.”

“Rainbow?”

“What?”

“Look at me.” A shake of her head. I tug her stool closer, making her squeal. I tuck a strand behind her ear, whispering, “You wanna look at me.”

She finally does and any lingering embarrassment vanishes, replaced by reverence. “You’re smiling.”

“Mission successful.” The sweetest laugh graces my ears. We both focus on eating.

“Did you talk to Papa about the nurse forDadu?” Iris switches the topic, before happily sharing, “Kian has offered to help. He’s friends with the owner of the company I told you about.”

Her mother leans over to serve another paratha. Peering at me softly, she replies, “Really? That’s so sweet of you. I talked to Iris’s father and we would really appreciate it. Iris mentioned the insurance will cover it. Is that true?”

“Yes. Please don’t worry about it,” I assure her. “I’ll share the contact info with Iris so you can talk to them directly, and they’ll answer any concerns you may have.”

Leaning over, she squeezes my wrist tightly, and says, “Thank you for your help.”

The affection touches me more than it should.

Glancing at her daughter, she murmurs, “My Iris stresses too much. She thinks she hasn’t done enough, but she has. More than someone her age should.”

Iris’s chin quivers as she holds back her tears, but one escapes as she blinks.

My chest constricts like someone is slicing my guts. I ache to reach out and brush the moisture away, but her mom’s presence keeps my hands rooted to my sides.

“Mumma,” Iris whispers, pushing the tears away.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to get emotional,” chuckles her mom before meeting my gaze. “I’m so glad she has Nathan to take care of her when we can’t. After meeting you, I’m happy and relieved she has such a wonderful brother-in-law in her corner as well.”

Brother-in-law.

Three simple words shaped like arrows pop the bubble I was wrapped up in the entire morning.

Brother-in-law.

A hollow and tragic feeling builds in my chest. I study the proud and trusting expression Iris’s mother is wearing as she talks about Nathan. The way he stood by Iris’s side last year and what a beautiful pair they make. How she couldn’t have chosen a better life partner.

As I listen, I see the bigger picture.

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