Page 92 of The Diávolos: Part Two
“I love you too, Peter.”
That night altered the course of their relationship for the better.
They stayed in the pond a bit longer and, after swimming to the waterfall and back, Peter carried Iris out and laid her onto a towel where he made love to her on the grass. It was gentle and passionate. He had officially deflowered her, and that night, Iris became more of a woman.
Over and over, he whispered sweet words to her and said he loved her.
Since then, they’ve been even more inseparable. Stealing kisses in hallways, having private ‘meetings’ in his office, sneaky visits to Iris’s room at night. Peter has made love to her in almost every corner of this establishment, not caring about anything and anyone who might catch them.
Iris sometimes asks him if he’s worried they’ll get caught, and his response is always the same: “I’m the Dean. I make the rules around here.”
He’s got a point, but she stresses that her sisters will hate her if they find out.
If there are any rumors circulating, one person in particular would definitely know.
Iris isn’t sure what Lydia’s schedule is like today, but her friend is usually near the dining hall at this time.
Wandering around the main building, Iris hears Lydia’s familiar voice echo down the corridor. She finds her outside a classroom, talking to another sister.
Lydia looks over the other nun’s shoulder when she notices Iris and excuses herself.
“Iris!” she exclaims, wrapping her arms around her. Sworn nuns aren’t allowed to touch other sisters, but Lydia’s never been one to follow rules, and Iris is thankful for that.
She squeezes her tight, happy to see her friend. “Can I talk to you?”
“Of course. I was just on my way to the library. Come with me.”
Once there, they sit in a secluded corner. Without wasting a second, Iris asks, “Have there been any rumors going around about me?”
Lydia looks surprised for a moment, and then smiles, narrowing her eyes. “No, but is there anything I should know?”
Peter and Iris have never had ‘the talk,’ but it’s just assumed that they’d keep their relationship a secret. However, Lydia is her best friend, and Iris needs someone on her side in case things go sour.
She takes a deep breath in. “This stays between us.” Lydia nods, gesturing a zipper over her mouth. “I’ve been seeing the Dean.”
Lydia’s hand flies to her chest. “What?” she yells, and Iris winces. Her friend covers her mouth and looks around the library to make sure no one heard the outburst. “What?” Lydia asks again, this time in an outraged whisper.
“I’ve been sneaking around with Dean Kouvalakis,” Iris says with a grimace, worried about how she’ll react. She’s never lied to Lydia, so she hopes her best friend won’t be upset that she’s kept this from her.
“I don’t even know what to say. How long has this been going on?”
“A year and a half.”
“Oh my God!” Lydia screams, before once again placing a palm over her mouth. “A year and a half?And I’m only just finding this outnow, Iris! How could you?” she whisper-shouts.
“I know, I know. I’m sorry! But you have to understand. Imagine if the other sisters found out. It would put your position in jeopardy, and they would question Peter's legitimacy.”
“Peter, huh?” Lydia singsongs, wriggling her brows, and Iris smacks her on the arm playfully.
“Yes, Peter. It’s hisname.” She rolls her eyes, struggling to stifle a smile. “I hope you’re not too upset.”
“No, I’m not. But now that I know, you can’t spare meanydetails.”
Iris spends the next little while telling Lydia about the past year and a half, and her friend’s facial expressions go from surprised to shocked, and back. When Iris tells her she’s not a virgin anymore, Lydia loses her mind.
“I can’t believe my innocent and prude best friend got deflowered before me. I never thought I’d see the day. No offense!” she adds with a giggle.
“None taken,” Iris promises with a wide grin. “I never thought it would happen either, but here I am.”
