Chapter 30

*IRIS*

I heard someone yelling and jumped up from the treasure room bed. "Hello?" I said quietly, but no one responded. I was afraid to move at first but decided I needed to make sure Ryker was okay. I grabbed a phone in case I needed to call the police or the guards at the gate. I threw on a T-shirt and shorts I saw on the bed beside me. He must have sat them there for me when he left the room. When I walked into the hall I was very quiet so no one would hear me coming. "What the fuck do you mean you can't fucking track the call?" It was Ryker who was yelling, so I walked a little faster. I heard him yell, "FUCKING WORTHLESS!" Before hearing a slam. I assume he slammed a phone down. When I got to the room his voice was coming through I was almost afraid to walk in. "Don't spy Iris, come in." He said harshly. I walked slowly around the corner but kept my eyes cast to the floor. The room was dusty, and covered in missing photos and papers, with an office desk set up, some chairs, and a library. "I'm a sorry doll, I'm just a little shaken right now." He said probably noticing my response to his rudeness. "What's wrong?" I asked still being shyly quiet. "She called me Iris, it was her." I walked inside and sat down. "Who?" I said not knowing what he was talking about. He picked up a missing poster and pointed at the girl in the picture, "Ivy." he said collapsing into his chair. "she called me and said hello, when I asked if it was her she giggled. I asked again and she said, "Oh you Know" and hung up the phone." He sounded so confused and frustrated. "Did she sound like she was scared, or being forced to talk?" I asked thinking he may not have thought of that. He looked up at me, thinking hard, before shaking his head no. "She sounded playful like she did the day she disappeared." This woman's disappearance torments him and now calls as if it is a big joke. What the hell is wrong with her? "The men, the ones you said wanted to destroy you, could they be imitating her voice?" I asked again quietly. He placed his head in his hands and almost looked like he was going to break down. I thought about walking around and hugging him but decided against it. "It was her." He said after a few moments. His phone rang and he answered it quickly. "Deac, man I'm sorry I know you are probably resting. She called me man, Why would she do that?" He took a breath listening to whatever Deacon was saying on the other end. "No, you stay there and heal. Iris and I will be there in the morning to see you. We will talk then."

After he hung up the phone, it was silent for some time while he pecked on his keyboard. I just sat there quietly watching the emotions change on his face. He didn't look up at all, just stayed focused on whatever he was researching. "Would you like some coffee or a drink?" I asked as softly as I could. He looked startled like he had forgotten I was there. "I would, thank you, Iris." I didn't reply, just got up and went to the kitchen area. The kitchen in this house was beautiful, much fancier than the one by the campus. I looked around for coffee, found some KCups, and placed some water in his Keureg. As it made a heating sound, I went looking for my phone to see if anyone had tried to get ahold of me. I had some alerts from the school, telling me that the fire was cleared as an accident. * Doubt it* I thought as I continued to scroll.

"The university has ruled the fire in the woman's dorms earlier this week as an accident. We believe a student left a candle burning inside their dorm room and went to a party. When the dorm caught fire the students, school, and officials jumped into action to ensure everyone's safety. We appreciate everyone's patience as we conducted this investigation, and will be going over fire safety and regulations at our next board meeting. Thank You for your understanding."

I laughed to myself knowing that the message was a cover-up so they don't lose donations from rich families. I had a message from Adam, inviting me to a party for the weekend, which was a few days off. I told him I would consider it, and that I would need his notes when I got back to class. I know they all think I am sick and with my parents. I am okay with them thinking that. He messaged me back almost immediately telling me he was happy to hear from me and couldn't wait til I could return to class. He promised to make copies of all his notes for me. Adam was a nice guy. Why couldn't I go for a guy like that? I shook my head and moved on to the next message. Stephen. He wanted to make sure I wasn't angry with him, though I thought we already settled that. He told me about the photography club waiting for my return as well. It was nice to know they were missing me, at school anyway. Nothing from my Mom. Lastly, I had an email from Skinnle, he sent me assignments for my classes. I decided I would work on them as soon as all of this calms down. I don't want my grades to fall behind. I put my phone down and made a dark roast cup of fresh hot coffee. When I made it back to the office I saw he hadn't moved much. I sat the coffee by him on the desk and headed back towards the door. "Don't leave me alone, Iris" I heard his plea from behind me, so I turned around and sat back in silence.

"I don't know why it was her voice. I don't know if someone was mimicking her or if it was someone fucking with me." Ryker said before finally standing from his computer chair. "Come, sweet Iris, you need rest, and I need to feel you wrapped around me. " He said sending electric currents through me. I got up quickly stretching before grabbing onto his arm to follow him. "I know tonight has been a whirlwind of problems Iris, and I understand if you want no part in any of this." His words were weak, which told me he didn't want me to go anywhere, but was giving me an out if I wanted to leave. I reached up and touched his cheek, feeling the stubble from his shadow coming in, "I don't want to go anywhere Daddy, I want to be here!" I stood on my tippytoes, kissing his cheek. He grabbed me and half-picked me up before pushing hard against the wall with his fingers wrapped mildly around my neck. "I don't think I have ever wanted to be inside a woman as bad as I want to be inside of you sweet Iris, I couldn't resist it. I couldn't help it, I tried." His lips crashed onto mine and he ripped the clothing away from my body. Without notice he was inside of me, holding me against the wall as he took me. Hard, giving no mercy, which was so far my favorite way. I almost couldn't believe I started just weeks ago telling this man I was a virgin. I feel like we were always meant to be like this, tangled, intertwined together in complete passion. "Oh fuck," he groaned as he released inside of me, taking me on a ride right along with him. I screamed out, begging him to stay there, forever. "Come my girl, you need to shower, and then rest." He didn't put me on the ground carrying me to the shower the way we were.

After the shower, he gave me a T-shirt and underwear. I'm not sure where he got them from but I wasn't going to ask. After we got in he wrapped his arms completely around me pulling me close to his body. The warmth of his skin made me feel instantly relaxed and sleepy. I closed my eyes, trying not to let my mind race from the day. I didn't want him to worry about me being affected by that. I felt my body getting weightless as I drifted to sleep slowly. I thought I could hear his breathing deepen in rhythm and felt good knowing my man had fallen asleep too. Then I faded completely into the darkness.

A loud crash woke me up, causing me to jump from the bed. No Ryker. I could hear screaming, I think. Still confused, and drowsy I tried to stand up. Everything is blurry, what the hell? "Ryker?!" I tried to scream out but couldn't get the words to come. Another loud boom? My heart started to race, and tears burned my eyes, *Was that a gunshot?*