Page 150 of Carnal Games

If I allow myself to fall deeper with Iris, it’s not just my brother I’ll destroy. It’ll be her family too. As well as her reputation.

Am I selfish enough to let such a cruel fate befall her?

The answer spreads ice in my veins, turning me into stone.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Iris

“Kian is such a sweet and well-mannered boy,” utters my mom as soon as we settle in my bedroom after cleaning up in the kitchen.

Kian has long since left, making an excuse that he had an urgent meeting.

He couldn’t get out of here fast enough after breakfast. I very well knew the reason.

I wanted to chase after him, feeling all my progress with him go down the drain. It terrified me.

“How could his family cut him off?” Mom frowns. “It’s mind-boggling to me. Did Nathan say what happened between them?”

“It’s complicated, Ma.” Wrapping my arms around my bent knees, I share, “Kian and his father don’t get along. They have lots of differences between them that cannot be repaired.”

“So sad.”

“I know.” I bite my tongue from saying he deserves the world, scared she’ll see my deep feelings for him.

“Bring him over for dinner sometime.”

“Really?”

“Of course. He’s helping us with yourdadu. It’s the least we can do.”

“I will invite him,” I answer brightly.

Gazing around my room, she teases, “How come your room is so neat? Back home, it’s a different story. So, you’re capable of it but love increasing your mom’s load?”

“That’s because I don’t have a lot of my belongings here.”

“Someone should warn Nathan what he’s in for after you move in with him.”

My smile is forced as I huff, “He’ll be fine.”

Her face becoming excited, she broaches the worst possible topic. “You and Nathan need to pick a date for the wedding, Iris.”

“Ma,” I heave.

“A year will fly by in the blink of an eye.”

“We have a lot of time.”

Tilting her head, she lists all the reasons why I’m wrong. “We have a lot of preparations to do, sweetie. Shopping, telling all our relatives, booking a venue, and so much more. I am not doing anything in a rush for my only child’s wedding.”

I rub my temples, a headache starting to form. “I understand. But Nathan and I are both very busy with our jobs. At least let him come back from the States before we decide on anything.”

Regarding me sternly for a beat, she relents, “Okay. Fine.”

“Thank you.”

“Just one more thing.”

---