Page 128 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
Chapter Fifty
Anthony
I should’ve smiled and winked when Iris said she didn’t believe my rep was true. The moment concern dimmed the smile on her face, I knew I’d screwed up.
It’s just that my reputation is very well deserved. Manipulative. Cold. Ruthless.
And hiding the truth about her past—our shared past—fits those three adjectives pretty well. Ryder said it’ll be worse if she finds out from a third party, and he’s right. But even if I want to tell her, I can’t figure out how. I couldn’t handle her contempt or hatred…or worse, disappointment.
It’s the weirdest thing, but I’d rather have her slap me or call me names than be disappointed or lose faith in me. Those seem like the greatest failings I could have, something beyond forgiveness. And I’m going to do everything in my power—no matter how manipulative, cold or ruthless—to ensure it never happens.
Once the toasts are finished, people come over to say a few private words. God. I had no idea there would be this many. If I had, I would’ve found some other place to meet with Jill. How the hell am I going to find her in this mob?
Yuna and Julie, however, are excited at their success. “Look at the crowd! It’s awesome!” Julie says.
“They’re all here for you,” Yuna says to Iris.
I spot Byron heading toward Julie. Or maybe us. I don’t know or give a shit. I didn’t want him here, but he’s Julie’s brother, and ostensibly Iris’s friend. It’s too bad he didn’t crash his Maserati on the rain-slickened roads. My arm around Iris tightens.
“Rizzy,” Byron says with a warm smile. Then his gaze shifts toward me, and it turns noticeably cool.
Fine by me, since, if I could, I’d run him over with my Cullinan.
“Byron, I’m glad you could make it.” Iris’s smile is slightly uncertain.
Oh? Is he on her shit list?
“When I heard from Julie, I had to.” He clears his throat. “I hope this is what you want.”
“It is.”
“Then I apologize for being a jerk earlier.”
No! Don’t apologize. Stay on the course of jerkhood!
Iris beams, then hugs him. “All is forgiven.”
I should definitely run him over for that close contact. And they’re hugging for too long. A tenth of a second should be more than enough.
“Thank you,” he says.
Yeah, yeah. Petty bastard.He still isn’t congratulating her.
“And congratulations.”
Damn it.All five syllables without choking. I pull Iris closer with a warning in my eyes. She’s mine. She’s wearing my ring on her finger. Soon she’s going to take my name. And nothing Byron does is going to change that.
The sooner he accepts it, the better off he’ll be.
Thankfully, he moves on quickly. Mainly because I’m acting like he isn’t there, and there are other people who want to say hello.
Finally, Harry and Edgar reach us. Harry hugs Iris in his usual exuberant manner, clasping hard, leaving Edgar to gawk. Although he heard from Harry and I spoke with him over the phone earlier to prepare him, he can’t hide his shock.
“This is so unfair,” Harry whines dramatically, tightening his hold on her and turning her slightly so she can’t really see Edgar’s face. “Tony takes all the good women.”
“All?” Iris says, pulling back slightly.
I raise an eyebrow at Harry. Explain, you little loose-tongued fool. But I’m faking my outrage. We’re both overacting to distract Iris from noticing Edgar’s expression and giving him time to adjust.
