Chapter 55 Sweet and bitter
IRIS
The bell above the door jingles as we step into the ice cream shop. The scent of sugar and vanilla wafts through the air, a stark contrast to the tension that clings to Darian like a second skin.
I glance at him, noting how out of place he looks amidst the pastel-colored walls and cheerful decor.
I order a scoop of mint chocolate chip, my favorite, and we settle into a booth by the window. I take a bite, savoring the cool sweetness, while Darian sits across from me, arms crossed, eyes scanning the room.
"Are you always this broody in public?" I tease, trying to lighten the mood.
He raises an eyebrow. "I don't see the appeal of this place."
"It's just ice cream," I say, gesturing to my cone. "Sweet, simple, and it makes people happy."
He leans back, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Happiness isn't always simple."
I study him for a moment, the way his jaw tightens, the shadows under his eyes. "You didn't even get anything."
"I'm good, thanks."
"Suit yourself," I say, taking another bite.
The door chimes again, and a group of teenagers enters, laughing and jostling each other. One of them, a tall guy with a confident stride, notices me and makes his way over.
"Hey, Iris," he says, flashing a grin. "Didn't expect to see you here."
He knows my name, so he’s probably new at our college because he looks really hound and since the Darian/Adrian issues lately, I’ve gained quite some popularity.
I blink, trying to place him. "Do I know you?"
"Not yet," he replies smoothly. "But I'd like to change that."
Before I can respond, Darian's voice cuts through the air, low and cold. "She's not interested."
The guy turns to him, eyebrows raised. "And you are?"
I’ll accolade him for his confidence there, because Darian looks like he’s about to rip him in half.
Darian's gaze is steady, unflinching. "Leave."
The guy scoffs but backs off, muttering something under his breath as he rejoins his friends.
I look at Darian, surprised. "That was... intense."
He shrugs, eyes still on the group. "Some people don't understand boundaries."
I smile, a warmth spreading through me. "Thanks."
He finally meets my eyes, and for a moment, the brooding facade slips, revealing something softer, more vulnerable.
"You're welcome," he says quietly.
Just as I take another spoonful of my melting ice cream, my phone buzzes sharply on the table, the screen lighting up with Daisy’s name. I glance down, already knowing what this will be.
she’s ditched me again.
Daisy: Not coming home early. Don’t wait up!
I sigh, the weight of disappointment settling heavily on my chest. Setting the phone down, I turn to Darian, who’s still brooding across from me, arms crossed, dark eyes narrowed as if the shop’s cheerful decor was personally affronting him.
“She’s ditching me again,” I say with a half-laugh, half-sigh. “Zeus must be spoiling her rotten or something. They’ve been hanging out a lot lately, like shopping dates or whatever.”
Darian barely reacts, barely even looks up. When he finally speaks, it’s with that familiar dry tone. “I really don’t care about my brother’s love life.”
I blink, surprised at his bluntness. “Right. Noted. You don’t exactly hide it, either.”
He shrugs. “Because it’s not interesting.”
I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a small smile. “Fine. You hate joy and frozen dairy. What do you want to do then?”
He rubs the back of his neck, frustration clear in his eyes. “I do pack meetings, draw out strategies, carry out the duties of the Lycan prince,. but I can’t even do that anymore.”
His voice cracks slightly.
I reach out, my hand brushing his arm gently. “It’s just for a while, Darian. Things will settle. You’ll get back to it.”
He meets my gaze, a flicker of hope softening his features. “Sure.”
He remains silent, his gaze fixed on the melting ice cream in front of me as if it’s a puzzle that’s too exhausting to solve.
I lean forward, resting my chin on my hand and meet his eyes. “Come over to my place. Daisy’s not home for hours, and it’s clear you’re uncomfortable here.”
For a moment, I think he might say no. His silence feels heavy, like a storm waiting to break. Then finally, he nods once, slow and deliberate.
“Alright,” he says quietly. “Let’s go.”
\~~~~
The ride back to my apartment is quiet but different. There’s no tension in the air, just the hum of the engine and the occasional sound of Darian adjusting in his seat. I can’t tell what he’s probably thinking about.
When we arrive, I fumble with my keys, feeling oddly nervous despite how casual I want this to seem. I open the door, motioning for him to come in.
“You really don’t have to make yourself at home,” I joke awkwardly.
Darian steps inside, looking around with those sharp, calculating eyes that always seem a bit too serious for someone his age.
I drop my bag on the couch, "make yourself comfortable.”
“I’m getting us something to drink. You look like you need it.” I say and head toward the kitchen.
He doesn’t answer, just watches me go.
I open the fridge and grab two bottles of beer. cheap, yeah. Not exactly regal, but it’ll do. As I hand him his, I lean back against the armrest, letting the bottle sweat against my palm.
“There’s only so much I know about you,” I say softly, unscrewing the cap of my drink. The fizz hisses gently, but it’s the silence between us that feels loudest.
Darian takes a swig from his bottle without hesitation, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the motion. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, then glances at me, unreadable. “What do you want to know?”
I hesitate, eyes locked on the sweating bottle in my hand. My fingers twitch slightly, tightening around the bottle.
The question is already on my tongue, and once it’s out, I can’t take it back.
“Your ex-mate.” I say and the room stills.