Chapter 9 Chapter 9
Iris
With the note folded in my hand, we walked in silence just as I heard an argument upfront.
“Ma’am, I’ve been given strict orders. You have to step out now!” A guard yelled just outside Vickie’s door.
“If you hit that door one more time, you’ll be fired today!” Vickie screamed back and I almost chuckled as the color drained from the guard’s face.
“I’ll handle her, give me a minute,” I quickly intervened and opened Vickie’s door, bending immediately as she threw a bottle at me.
“Vickie!” I screamed and panicked, the glass missing me by an inch.
“Oops.” she gave an awkward look realizing what she did. “I thought you were that annoying guard.” She huffed, still in a bra and panties.
I closed the door taking in the mess she created.
“What’s going on here?”
“I can’t find anything and whoa... Vickie paused, giving me a look that made me uneasy. “You’re going all out… for a simple shopping spree.”
My face warmed. “It’s not ‘all out.’ It’s just a dress.”
“Have you looked in the mirror? You only make this much effort to see Tony. I know you, Iris, tell me what’s going on?” She eyed me suspiciously.
I gulped hard, unable to meet her gaze. Luckily the guard outside spoke out, saving me from answering, “Ma’am, please your father is waiting.”
“Vickie, we don't have time for this, we have to go now!” I urged and she rolled her eyes in response.
“I just need to find my phone, I don't know where it is,” she whined, tossing more things in the air, making a bigger mess than she already had.
I sighed looking around and caught the curve of the phone just under the closet. “Found it!” I announced picking it up from the ground and she jumped grabbing it.
“What would I do with you,” she blew me air kisses before reading her messages then smiling sheepishly.
“Vickie!” I called out to order and she smacked a hand on her head.
“Oh right.” She said then grabbed a pair of jeans and wore a loose shirt.
“Alright let's go,” she said and I eyed the outfit, she looked disheveled and her hair barely brushed. “You’re seriously coming like that?”
“What?” She looked down at herself. “It’s comfortable.”
“You didn’t even try.”
“Why would I?” she asked with a shrug.
I shook my head. “You’re unbelievable.”
“And you’re overdressed.”
Before I could respond, the guard banged on the door. “Your father is waiting.”
“Shut up!” Vickie yelled and I tugged at her hand pulling her to the door.
We walked out together, Vickie glaring at the guards while I gave them a sympathetic look silently apologizing for her attitude.
Vickie hummed under her breath, scrolling through her phone unbothered by everything. I, on the other hand, felt like my chest was too tight. My fingers were curled around the note hidden in my palm. I still hadn’t been able to read it.
When we stepped outside, Father was already standing by the SUV, one hand behind his back, the other checking the time.
“You’re late,” he said before we even stepped outside.
Vickie rolled her eyes. “You should try it sometime.”
I mumbled an apology as we approached. His eyes flicked to me, scanning my clothes and then back at Vickie.
“Why can't you be more like your sister?”
“Why can't you be a real father?” Vickie shot back and underneath her anger I could hear the underlying hurt in her tone.
Father growled in response and flicked his fingers at the guards who opened the rear door and he stepped inside.
We followed suit, and the car started moving before I even buckled my belt.
The ride was quiet at first.
Vickie yawned loudly, leaned her head on my shoulder, and within seconds, she was asleep.
I stared at her hair tickling my neck, feeling the weight of her like a warm but inconvenient blanket.
Father kept glancing back at us through the rearview mirror. I forced my gaze out the window, trying not to fidget. The note felt like it was burning a hole through my skin.
I needed to read it. I needed to know what it said. But I couldn’t.
Vickie snored softly. I envied her ability to relax anywhere.
The SUV turned onto the main road. The scenery blurred past, but I barely saw any of it.
The car finally slowed, turning down a paved drive lined with white stone arches. My heart kicked hard when I recognized the crest on the doors.
The Royal Tailor.
“Wake her up!” Father ordered and I obeyed, tapping her.
Vickie jolted awake the same moment the engine stopped. “We’re here?” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
“Yes,” Father said briskly. “Try not to embarrass us.”
“You embarrass yourself,” she said, stretching like she’d had the best nap of her life.
The car doors were opened and we stepped out of the car, sunlight warming my face. I inhaled slowly, trying to steady myself.
Then I looked toward the entrance.
And froze.
Darius was there.
Standing beside the other Alpha, looking every bit as composed and intimidating as the first day I met him.
My pulse stuttered, my grip on the note tightening so sharply I worried the paper might tear.
“Let's go.” Father ordered and I began walking like I was stepping on eggshells.
“Its considered rude to be late,” the alpha said with a deep seethed frown.
“Forgive them. You know how girls are,” my father joked, giving his fake laugh trying to lighten up the mood.
My eyes were fixated on the floor but I could feel his eyes on me, I peeked and just like I suspected Darius’ nonchalant gaze was on me.
Did he like the dress?
Did I come off as desperate?
A thousand questions came to my mind when a lady stepped out.
“Oh good the bride is here,” the petite lady in glasses said, a measuring tape around her neck.
“So glad to meet you darling, I can't wait to get you your dream dress.”
I froze realizing the lady was referring to me.
“Ehm,” my father coughed out. “She's not the bride, her sister is.” He clarified.
It was a known fact but why did I feel utterly rubbish when he said the words out loud.