heart pounded-she couldn't shake the sense of urgency. She fumbled with her clothes, yanking them on, and bolted out of the club. Her mi

phone again. It went

ttered, her hands trembling a

er home address. The trip felt like an eternity. Her thoughts spiraled-what

cally threw herself through the front door. "Mom?

y there peace

ling with tears. She gently took her mother's hand and kissed it softly.

gnawed at her

r mind. It was my mother's voice. I'm s

her head. I'm just stress

uitcase, she packed a few essentials for her new life-a job, an apartment, an arrangement. I'll be

ly morning. Groaning, Iris slapped the clock. "Stupid alarm," she

awake. Wrapping herself in a towel, she heard h

one's here

his early? Wh

. Maybe it's Skylar, she thought. But no, Skylar al

stepped in, her breath hitched. Standing there was one of Ryan's bodyguards

a'am, Mr. Ryan is waiting for you in the

sbelief. "Ryan? Wa

e bodyguard said

she masked her surprise with

ng her belongings into a bag. Before leavin

weighing heavily on her tongue. "That man outsi

ickered in her tired eyes. "A new

ou last night, but you were already as

gently holding Iris's hand

o sound convincing. "I'll visit on the weeken

h affection. "Don't worry abou

rmth of the gesture contrasting the cold fear building

ttered the moment. "I hav

Jessica said, watching

he car door open for her. As she sli

as the door shut. "Don't ever ke

, I didn't

he cut her off, his to

erves on edge. What hav

m suffocating. She wanted to speak, to ask questions, but som

grandeur of the mansion. It was overwhelming,

p gawking and follow me.

I thought you were just going to put the

Are you telling me how

at's not wh

interrupted, his tone laced with anger. "Do you wa

hard and shook

keep your

ed with anxiety. She was starting to question whether sh

ts, she accidental

!" Ryan snapped, turning

with embarrassment. "I'

ith a dismissive han

em open, revealing a grand room inside. Iris hesita

ose the door,"

. The room was lavish, filled with priceless

ice came from

in a harlot far too

-a woman stepped forward, elegant and intimidating. Her ga