Page 90 of The Diávolos: Part Two
“Look at me, Iris,” he demands.
“I can’t,” she repeats.
“Yes, you can, and you will.”
Iris feels a cold touch on the side of her cheek as he turns her head in his direction with his hand. Her gaze darts to the floor. “Eyes, Iris.”
She slowly inches her gaze up and he looks into them, deeply, in a way that is pure and unguarded. And Iris feels bare in front of him.
“I don’t know what these feelings mean, but all I know is that I can’t get you out of my head. Every morning, I wake up thinking of you. Every night, I go to sleep with your face afflicting my thoughts. I might not understand why or how, but you’re mine, Ms. Karras, and I’m not wasting another day without tasting your lips.” Then, he crashes his mouth on hers and fireworks explode in Iris’s chest. Her heart feels like it will detonate from the intensity of the moment. Butterflies threaten to burst out of her stomach.
At that moment, Iris thought it was the beginning of something beautiful. Little did she know, it was the beginning of her end.
25
IRIS
It’s been a little over a year since Iris became entangled with Dean Kouvalakis.
The day after their first kiss, it was announced that he would take over for his father, starting immediately. And that’s when she finally found out his name. Peter.Wasn’t it a dreamy name?
This happened right before Lydia was sworn in as a nun.
Iris hasn’t seen much of her since then, but when she does, Lydia tells her all about her new adventures. So far, it’s only been rumors and talks between the other nuns, but it’s interesting, nonetheless.
On the other hand, Iris has been meeting up with Peter almost every night, whenever and wherever he asks her to: in the basement, in the most hidden places of the library, in the back of the church’s altar. And there’sa lotof making out.
It’s risky, but worth it. Peter makes Irisfeel. In a place that doesn’t allow them to have anything other than what they’re ordered, he is a breath of fresh air. Outside of their bubble, he must adhere to the rules, but when it’s just them, he worships her. Iris thinks she’s in love.
She can’t concentrate in class and has been reprimanded many times. But Iris can’t bring herself to care. Tonight, she’smeeting Peter at the edge of the property, way into the forest where no one can see. She was worried about getting caught by the cameras, but he insisted it wouldn’t be a problem. He’s the Dean, after all.
However, Iris is still nervous. From what she’s seen, news and rumors travel fast around here—she wouldn’t want any of the girls to catch her sneaking out.
Darkness comes, and Iris slips on her robe, making sure to cover her head. Iris tiptoes out of her room, looking both ways to ensure that no one else is in the hallway. When the coast is clear, she hurries down the corridor toward the exit.
The crisp air hits Iris’s face as she steps outside, the soft wind gusting through her robe. She runs through the lined pine trees, hopping over the dense shrubs and bushes. The closer she gets to the edge of the forest, the more excited she becomes. Peter said he had a surprise.
She accidentally jumps into a puddle of mud, but Iris doesn’t even care that her boots get dirty. She just wants to reach him and bury herself in his arms. He’s become her favorite place.
Iris’s breath grows shallow as she continues down the path.
And then, she sees him. Dark and handsome, the soft glowing light from the sky casting an aura around him like a spell she’s bound to.
Peter smiles, and Iris’s knees threaten to buckle. “You didn’t have to run on my account.” She settles within an instant, his voice sending a mixture of comfort and arousal down her spine. For months, Iris has pined for more, wishing he could give hereverything. But he’s been taking it slow.
She smiles back at him wide. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too,” he replies, cupping her chin in his hands and placing a delicate kiss on her lips. It recharges her.
“What are we doing here?” Iris asks.
“I want to show you something.” Peter takes her hand and leads her down a narrow incline. Her foot gets caught in a root, and Iris trips forward onto his back. Laughing, he helps her up as they continue the short trek.
When they reach their destination, Iris takes a deep intake of breath.
“Happy twentieth birthday,louloúdi mou,” he murmurs against her ear.
Tears swell in Iris’s eyes. “Thank you, Peter. This place is beautiful. I didn’t even know it existed.”
