Page 72 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
Chapter Twenty-Six
Anthony
The rest of the work week passes in bliss. Iris is busy at work, but we always make time for each other in the evening (along with at least an hour of piano practice for her). On Wednesday, we invite Yuna over for dinner. She comes, again with Mr. Kim. She doesn’t say a word about my favor on Monday, and I don’t ask.
Instead, we spend the evening eating and chatting about everything and nothing…culminating with Yuna and Iris doing an in-person version of “watch and weep,” each of them playing Liszt, Chopin and Rachmaninoff to impress each other.
I watch them, without judging their performances. I know better. Mr. Kim wisely refrains from commenting as well. It’s good to see the fire in Iris’s eyes—that competitive spirit rekindled.
When Iris finishes her Grand Galop Chromatique, Yuna throws her hands in the air. “You haven’t changed one bit! It’s so unfair!”
“Haha. I’m going to make you cry when I master ‘Mazeppa.’”
“Aren’t you done with that étude?”
“Not done enough.” Iris’s gaze slides toward me. “Tony sent me an MP3 of György Cziffra’s performance, and you know what that means.”
Yuna shakes her head. “Cziffra probably drank Liszt’s blood. It’s the only explanation for his talent.”
“That’s gross. And jealousy is an ugly emotion.”
“Not jealousy. Facts.” She checks the time. “Oh, it’s already nine! I’m going now, so you two can get lovey-dovey and get some sleep before work tomorrow.” She hugs Iris and me, then leaves.
“She’s just too awesome. I can’t believe she gave up her dream to be a concert pianist,” Iris says.
“Sometimes people’s dreams change.” Just like mine did. Owning clubs and becoming rich were never my goals until I learned of her death and experienced the ravaging betrayal of Lauren and Ryder. What I really wanted was something that allowed me a super-flexible schedule and the ability to work remotely. That way, I could go with Iris when she toured the world as a celebrated pianist. I suspect Yuna’s dreams changed when her “soul sister” died. She and I have a deep grief in common.
Iris shakes her head. “I wish Sam hadn’t lied and told her that I died. I feel like that has something to do with her situation now.”
“You shouldn’t blame yourself for Yuna’s circumstances. You didn’t make Sam lie.” He lied because there was a benefit for him somehow, even though I still haven’t figured out what that is. And I’m going to make him pay for the pain he’s caused and the destructive path it put me on. I was a mess after I lost Iris. Ended my friendship with Ryder. Then threatened and fucked with his pregnant fiancée. She could’ve lost her baby because of me.
Jesus.I’m ashamed to think back on it. I wanted to lash out and punish everyone and everything that hurt me. The entire world was my enemy.
Iris cuddles next to me on the couch. “You know what’s weird, though? Since her last visit, Julie hasn’t sent me a single text or anything.” She opens her mouth as though she wants to continue, then purses her lips with a scowl.
“She’s probably just busy,” I say, doing my best to hide my satisfaction. I don’t really want Julie around Iris. Yuna’s firmly on Iris’s side, and she wants Iris and me to be together. Julie is on Iris’s side, but she doesn’t care for me. And when push comes to shove, she will, of course, side with her brother Byron over me. I already have enough obstacles. I don’t need Julie in my way as well.
“Maybe. I’ll text her tomorrow or something.”
Since I don’t want her thinking about hanging out with Julie, I distract Iris the best way I know how—amazing sex.
But afterward, when she’s sleeping peacefully curled against me, I stare at the ceiling and think back on what Yuna said.
Soul brother-in-law.
All through the week, I think about it. Iris’s husband. Yuna’s soul brother-in-law.
I’m scum for even contemplating the idea. I haven’t come clean to Iris about our past. I don’t know how I’m going to do that, or if it’s even possible. But I can’t give her up now. Death would be preferable.
Part of me says if I marry her, we’ll be bound together, and I can make everything up to her by treating her like a queen. Give her the world. Fill her life with joy and happiness. I’m not the helpless young man I used to be. I have wealth—and power.
By Friday, my mind’s made up. I visit a jeweler after dropping Iris off at work. If I’m going to propose, I need something extra special.
It takes me less than ten minutes to decide I don’t like anything they have. I have a very specific design in mind. Something unique. One of a kind.
I say so to one of the clerks, and she goes back and brings out their senior designer, Masako Hayashi. She’s a rail-thin woman with a precise black bob and sharp eyes. Her dress is professional and expensive. Her jewelry is feminine and original.
“What are you in the mood for, Mr. Blackwood?” she asks after a quick introduction.
