LOGINIris gazed at Maddox’s tired features as he slept soundly beside her. His long, thick eyelashes cast shadows over his cheek. It was a sin to be so handsome even while asleep. Her emotions had been difficult to keep at bay throughout the journey to Lake Tahoe. Gratitude, respect, trust, and an overwhelming wish to thank him with everything she had kept on disturbing her. But she had no idea how to thank him. What would make him happy? Despite spending so much time with him, she knew very little about the man. Maddox had been in a rush to get away, and she had no chance to show him how grateful she was. He had only stopped twice on the way – once for lunch and another to freshen up. She couldn’t have kissed him in front of everyone. With his family coming over to sort out the mess, kissing was the last thing on his mind, maybe. He was more focused on protecting her honor against his family’s wishes. Therefore, she couldn’t talk about repaying him. But Iris felt indebted to him. Her he
“O-officer, this woman was acting suspicious. She was sneaking expensive merchandise from the store.” The manager looked ill at ease, the color draining from her face at the sudden intrusion. “Leave the woman and step backwards, all of you!” yelled the cop. “Maddox? I’m so relieved to see you,” gushed Rebekah, rushing towards him. But Maddox hardly glanced her way. His entire focus was on the woman being bullied. The others stepped backwards, and his gaze finally fell on her. He froze momentarily at the scene in front of him. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Was it Iris in nothing but her underwear? “Iris, shit!” He opened his blazer and rushed towards her. In a split second, he covered her trembling body and pulled her into his chest. “Maddox, how the f*ck do you know this thief?” Rebekah looked from one to the other with disbelief, but Maddox didn’t bother with a reply. His entire concentration was on Iris. Fits of tremors rocked her body as she sobbed, muttering incoherently. “Pl
Iris roamed around the grand shopping plaza of the hotel while Maddox attended an important meeting. He had given her his card to buy anything she wanted. Yet she roamed around for almost two hours. All items were overpriced, and she walked around aimlessly looking for a small gift for the twins. She didn’t want to go empty-handed or splurge. Her phone buzzed with a call from Maddox. Her heart skipped a beat, and she answered it immediately. “Hello, is your meeting over?” “Yes, where are you?” he growled from the other end. She stopped and looked around her. “I’m at the mall, in front of Macy’s.”He grunted in disbelief. “Are you sure? Why haven’t you bought something yet?” “Everything’s so expensive here, Maddox.” Maddox softened and groaned at her obvious reply. What more could he have expected from her? She wasn’t one to splurge unnecessarily, and that was the reason he had trusted her with his card. It was something he had never done in his life, not even with his sister. “I
Iris’s eyes widened the next morning when Maddox headed towards Las Vegas instead of returning home. “But you said we won’t go there.” “We won’t stay over. I have to tend to some important work.” His lack of excitement doused all of her enthusiasm. Yet her heart skipped a beat at the thought of getting to spend more time with him. “Oh, I can roam around while you’re busy at work.” She flashed him a bright grin to hide the longing in her heart. It was intense and wouldn’t ebb easily even if she spent a day with him. Her heart wanted more than a day with him.“No, you’re coming with me.” He glanced at her and smiled, taking her breath away. “Oh, what will I do there, Maddox?” She gave him a flustered look, imagining the attention she would receive there. “Nothing, just be there with me.” It was a simple statement. Yet her innocent heart swelled with an intense desire to belong to him forever. She could be with him all her life, at every stage, at every moment. Iris looked out of t
Iris could hardly focus on her surroundings when Maddox was in a dangerous mood. She could feel his eyes sweep over her body as he reached her in three strides. His eyes were intense and stormy as they focused on her, holding her wide-eyed gaze. She could sense the deep longing he was trying to restrain. It caused a shiver to go down her spine.“How about dinner first?” She gave him a nervous smile. Would this craze be over once he had his way with her? Somehow, she wanted to hold on to this memory forever. There would never be another such moment in her life. Her eyes roamed over his handsome features longingly. They would be etched in her memory forever, even when he kicked her out of his life. Was she falling for this reckless man? She didn’t want to. It would lead to a complete disaster if she did. Yet she was helpless. She couldn’t get him out of her heart or mind. He had already sneaked into her system. Maddox stopped inches away from her and gazed at her for a minute. Iris
“Tired already?” Maddox smiled instead of getting worked up.“Already? We’ve taken a 4-hour detour on Route 66!” She sagged into the seat, closing her eyes. After lunch, Maddox wanted to show her around Barstow. He drove along the historic Route 66 to enjoy the major attractions. Iris had been too enthusiastic to check the time. Now the sun was about to set, and they hadn’t yet left for Las Vegas.Strangely, he seemed in no hurry to reach anywhere.“So, was it worth the effort?” He smiled as he waited for her excited reply.Iris opened her eyes and gazed at the high-desert landscape and stunning mountain vistas all around her. The sun was about to set, casting a reddish hue across the sky. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.“Yes, totally! I’ve never been to a place as beautiful as this!” She couldn’t tear her gaze away as she watched the sun set.Maddox watched her in awe, loving the way her eyes lit up every time. Cassandra had been so difficult to please, he had give







