THE SUBSTITUTE LUNA (IRIS and DRACO) novel Chapter 6

IRIS.

“Brothel? What are you talking about? I don’t have a brothel, Iris.” He said in an amused tone.

I was already crying, but the moment these words slipped out of his tongue, I cried more out of relief.

I dropped my gaze from him and closed my eyes, trying to tell myself to stop showing him how terrified I was, but my tears wouldn’t cooperate.

A hand cupped my chin, and his touch instantly warmed my whole being.

I badly wanted to open my eyes to look at him, but I didn’t. I didn’t want him to see how much I was fighting against myself about wanting to be here with him and wanting him out of my life so I could move on on my own.

“Are you done crying?” He asked in a softer tone, different from the way he would speak to me and definitely too far from the way he talked with Constantine or his men.

I swallowed, not sure what to answer, when I felt his fingers brush against my wet cheeks. He was wiping my tears.

“Or do you need more time to cry?”

I felt I would burst into another sob, so instead, I spoke out without opening my eyes. “I don’t want to die yet…”

“Iris…” His voice became firm, and I felt his hand tightening on my chin, but it wasn’t painful, not like how Constantine would. He tilted my head up before talking. “Open your eyes and look at me…”

I did as I was told, and seeing him in close proximity made my lips part. He was so handsome, really handsome despite the scowl on his face.

“No one will touch you or harm you under my watch.” He added, making my heart thump loudly as if it would jump out of my chest. “I meant what I told Raul, that if Constantine bothers you again, I wouldn’t hesitate this time. I will kill him.”

“If you walk away from me tonight, I will not go after you. I won’t care anymore, even if I see you in danger. But if you choose to sit here beside me, I will take you home. I will take you under my wing and make sure that Constantine will not bother you again.”

He was looking at me, and I was staring back at him. I had never held anyone’s stare longer than five seconds, so I had no idea where I got the courage to hold his gaze longer than I should.

When I didn’t answer, he placed his hands on the side of his mouth and began howling. It didn’t take long before another howl rang in the air from a distance.

“My Beta will be here in a few minutes. We will leave soon. You need to make a decision, Iris. Either you go on your own and fend for yourself, or you’ll leave everything to me to protect you.”

He was allowing me to go.

This is what I want. I told myself. To be free from anyone.