Chapter 09

IRIS POV:

“I've directed my men to drive you back,” he said quietly.

“Fine,” I replied.

It didn't matter if it was late outside. All I wanted to do was leave.

I walked toward the huge doors where two guards waited.

“Iris, wait.” His voice echoed from behind me. I turned around slowly.

“How were you able to run?” he asked, frowning.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“You resisted me,” he said. “How did you do it?”

“Resist? I didn't feel it was right, so I ran,” I stated.

“No, Iris!” he shouted. “You don't know who I am or what I am. You weren't supposed to be able to do that.” He growled, his eyes glowing gold.

My face changed that instant.

“What, then, are you?” I asked.

He looked me in the eye. “The ride is ready. You can leave now.”

That was it. No answer to my question.

I turned, walking out of the door.

Up ahead was a Lamborghini, sleek, matte black, with razor-sharp lines. Aventador SVJ, I realized as I got closer. I had seen enough car magazines in waiting rooms to recognize this one: the aggressive snout, the wide hips, and those signature scissor doors folded up like dark wings.

Two guards stood directly in front of it, one on each side of the driver's door. They were dressed in identical black tactical gear, their arms crossed and faces hidden behind dark sunglasses, even though it was dark.

Neither moved as I approached, but I felt their attention lock onto me.

I slowed my steps without meaning to.

One of the guards finally stepped forward, opened the passenger door with a smooth motion, and inclined his head slightly.

“Get in,” he said.

As I was about to, I looked ahead, seeing Aurelian outside, staring at me with shocked eyes.

I entered the car, and the door slid down slowly.

“Where to?” the driver asked.

Then it hit me.

I wasn't just going back home. I was walking straight into Nicholas, into my father, into the entire family, and they would all be waiting angrily.

I had totally forgotten the circumstances that brought me here.

Suddenly, the tears slipped free.

The driver caught sight of me through the rearview mirror.

“Ma'am, are you alright?” His voice was deep. He sounded concerned, and it pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts.

“Ah, yes, I'm fine,” I stammered, quickly wiping at my cheeks.

Then it came to me, my friend's house. She must have left the wedding by now. She would be home.

“Is there something you'd like me to help you with, ma'am?” the driver asked gently.

The other guard to the left cast a sharp look in our direction. His jaw tightened, as though the simple act of kindness somehow offended him, as though the driver had overstepped by speaking to me at all.

“Cou... could I use your phone to call someone?” I said, sobbing a little.

“Of course.” He reached back and handed me his Samsung X+.

My fingers trembled as I took it. This was one of the largest Samsung products. How could a driver even afford it?

“Thank you, sir,” I whispered, reaching out and taking it.

But before I could dial her number, my eyes lifted, and there he was.

Aurelian still stood by the door, eyes narrowed, watching me. Waiting, as if he expected me to step out.

My throat tightened.

“Just drive,” I said quietly, forcing strength into my voice. “I'll direct you.”

“Alright,” the driver replied, clicking a button. The engine roared to life, and the car pulled away.