Page 248 of Masters of Pleasure
“I’ll see you later.”
“See you later,” he murmured, but Iris understood.
The rest of the day was spent taking care of the Hills’ needs and answering text messages from her friends and others from Stronghold.Asad had wanted to know how Law was doing when she left that morning.Connor checked in to find out if she needed anything, Q offered to stop by with help for dinner, and that was just Law’s friends.She told Q that Avery, Domi, and Rae were already planning to bring over what amounted to a feast and sent him the link to the meal schedule sign-up Julie had set up and texted to her.
It was already pretty full.Law was a popular guy, and apparently, no one wanted him to go without a meal because of his injury.
Her brother also checked in to make sure she was doing okay, and Kate texted to wish her luck living in sin with Law, making Iris crack up.She loved her soon-to-be sister-in-law so much.Not that they were living together, exactly, but she supposed they sort of would be for a bit.This week at least.
She really needed to let Noelle know she wouldn’t be home for a while.
Call or text… that was the question.Swinging by the apartment didn’t guarantee Noelle would be there, and just thinking about having to face Noelle in person right now made her stomach twist.Maybe that made her a bad person, but it was true.
The bit of guilt from not wanting to see Noelle in person was what compelled her to call since calling felt less impersonal than texting.
Her relief was visceral when Noelle didn’t pick up, and it went to voicemail.
“Hey, it’s me, Iris.Law was in a car accident yesterday, so I’ll be spending this week at his house to help take care of him.He’s okay, but he hurt his shoulder and needs some help.I might stop by home at some point to grab more clothes.”She paused for a moment because even though she and Noelle were fighting, she didn’t want to sound antagonistic.“Have a good week.”
There.That was friendly enough without making it sound as though she was giving in.
Eventually, she would have to deal with Noelle, but right now, it was easier to stay away.Hopefully, doing so would help her take a step back and give her some perspective.
Her phone went off, and she tensed before she recognized her brother’s ringtone.Strangely, she didn’t feel the same tension she used to when he called.She didn’t wonder what she’d done wrong or what he was going to hassle her about now.She was actually happy that he was calling her.
Maybe she was growing up.
“Hello?”
“Hey, flower.I just wanted to check in and see how you and Law are doing.”Her brother’s warm tone made her smile, and she hadn’t forgotten how he’d lied about Law being her fiancé.
If only she’d known that all Law needed to do was get hit by a car to be welcomed…
“We’re good.He’s been in a little bit of pain, and he keeps trying to do things that he probably shouldn’t, but for the most part, he’s been good.”
Andrew chuckled.
“Yeah, I can relate to that.I’m not the best patient.I’m sure you and Kate can get together sometime soon and commiserate.”
“What?Something you’re not perfect at?”Iris teased.“Say it isn’t so.”
Her brother snorted.“Don’t tell Kate.”
“Pretty sure she already knows,” Iris drawled, rolling her eyes.“I need to get back to work, but thanks for calling.”
“Have a good day.Let me know if you need anything, okay?”
There was her big brother, looking out for her as always.Iris didn’t feel any of the resentment that sometimes popped up, only gratitude.Her brother was a good guy, even if they didn’t always get along, which was normal for siblings.Sure, sometimes he treated her like amuchyounger sister, but for a while, she’d been acting out and relying on him to bail her out of everything.
Now, for the first time, it felt like he really saw her and that she’d grown up.He wasn’t trying to take over the situation or tell her she should let someone else handle it.He was just offering help if she needed it.That felt pretty good.
“Thanks, I will.”
Hanging up, Iris’ lips curved in a smile.Despite everything, it was feeling like a pretty good day.
ChapterThirty-Two
Law
