THE SUBSTITUTE LUNA (IRIS and DRACO) novel Chapter 34

IRIS.

I wanted to tell him about the ointment but realized my wound had already dried and didn’t need it. So he’d know I just made up an excuse to see him.

“I wonder if you will let me clean your room.” I blurted.

His forehead creased as he crossed his arms across his chest. Before he could say anything, I was talking again.

“I was told you don’t let just anyone inside to clean, but I can promise that I will only clean and not touch anything I’m not allowed to. I want to do something, but they are not letting me help in the kitchen either. But of course, if you have any other work for me, then I will do it.”

“We have somewhere to be tomorrow.”

“Yes, Alpha. But the day after?”

“I didn’t take you here to make you my slave.”

“I don’t think cleaning a room is slavery. I want to earn something. I can’t let you pay for my clothes and everything else when you already gave up your land to take me here.”

“I should have been clearer. I’m going to give you an allowance…”

“No, Alpha.” My hands coiled into fists. “Please, let me work. I’m not incapable of working. Of course, I will still do the task you want me to do, but while waiting for it, I have to do something else. If your room is off limits, let me clean the guest room or the toilet.”

“I’m introducing you as my girlfriend tomorrow. And there’s no way I would let the news spread that I’m making you clean toilets!” He said it in a hushed tone, but I could tell he was gritting his teeth, probably so he would not shout at me.

My mouth hung open as I stared at him. “Girlfriend?”

“I need one.” He placed his hand on my back and guided me toward my room. I should be happy about the girlfriend part, but the thought that he obviously didn’t want me inside his bedroom hurts. “Let’s talk in your room.”

As soon as we stepped inside my room and he had closed the door, he began talking. “Your sister left me six months ago for another man.”

“How could she?”

“I need you to save my ego…” He added, ignoring my questions.

Or maybe I didn’t really voice out the question, and it was just in my head.

“I don’t know how to be a girlfriend…” It was all I could say.

“I don’t know how to be a boyfriend either. I’m too old for this, but we’ll figure it out.” He said this with a face devoid of emotion. “And I doubt anyone will ask how we met, so you don’t need to worry or lie about it. But in case someone asks, just tell them you would rather keep that private.”

“Go to bed. We’ll leave after breakfast tomorrow.” He added before he closed the door, leaving me alone in my room.

I remained standing in my spot, looking at the closed door.

The only reason he took me here was because of Felicity, because she was my sister. And it was a sure way to save his ego.

I lay in bed for a long time, thinking of the things I did and said tonight. I wanted to regret them, but there was no use for that.

I could only move forward.

And I knew, no matter how painful, I should not let it push me back.

Alpha Draco is my mate. He didn’t know that, and he couldn’t feel that, but nothing was stopping me from doing my best to make him fall in love with me without the bond. I had the advantage, and I would use it wisely.

Not too clingy and demanding? I think I could do that. I would give my all to be the best fake girlfriend ever, and I prayed to the Goddess that he would end up liking me as well.