?
IRIS
I’m manoeuvring a sea of people rushing to go about their business when a car speeds past and screeches to a stop. It's a red Mercedes. I have no idea what model it is, but it definitely looks good.
The driver starts honking, but I ignore it. It’s starting to get annoying actually and people are beginning to look. I don’t stop my movements though. I don't know anyone with a car like that, unless someone decided to chase me down for my number.
For a second, I actually wonder if it's Ilay, trying to get my attention.
I keep walking, but the driver's door opens, and someone calls out behind me, "Prickly princess!"
I turn and see my friend Jackson waving, grinning like an idiot. I walk back toward him, rolling my eyes.
"You know I don't respond to honks from strangers," I say, crossing my arms. "And you know I hate it when people do that. Are you sure you're really my friend?"
He laughs, shrugging. "How else was I supposed to show off my new car to you without looking completely vain?"
I laugh and Jackson smirks, opening the passenger door for me. "Get in. I'll drop you wherever you're going."
I slide into the seat, and he gets behind the wheel. That's when I finally take a good look at him. His black hair is slicked back with gel, making his sharp features stand out even more. He's got those dark brown eyes and a face that's almost tooattractive, even with the slight crook in his nose. He's what people would call a pretty boy, and his height only adds to it. Not that I'm swooning, he's just a friend.
He catches me staring and smirks. "Done staring? Should I turn so you can get the full 360 experience?"
I snort. "You really are vain. Just drive me to Jane's Café so I can get lunch."
Jackson laughs. "I still don't get how you don't gain weight when your diet is alcohol and sweets. Teach me your ways."
I smile, shaking my head. "Ha. Ha. Ha."
As we drive, he glances over. "How's your day been? You holding up okay?" I shrug. "The case with Senator Ivanov is still going. I'm not sure what I'll do if he refuses to give up."
He frowns. "Did he cause trouble again?"
I sigh. "Yeah. He even sent his goons to mess with David. Me and Tessa showed them though."
“You got involved in the fight?!” he practically growls. I could tell he was mad I did.
“Yes, but I’m fine now. Just a small stomach ache.”
He squints his eyes at me before clicking his tongue in annoyance. "We should go to the hospital later and make sure you're not hurt."
"I'm fine. Nothing's broken," I tell him, but he still doesn't look convinced.
We get to the café and climb out. He slings an arm over my shoulder as we head inside. The place is lively with people chatting, eating ice cream and pastries, sunlight pouring in through the windows. It was a clean and classic kind of café where corporate workers went to for their breaks usually but itwas open to everyone. We find a free booth, my favourite spot in the whole café, by the window and sit down.
Just as we settle into the booth, I order my usual—chocolate cake and a cold coffee. Jackson goes for a half slice of pie and a smoothie. We start talking about random things, nothing serious, just the usual catch-up. Then I decide to mention it.
"So, today at the senator's office, I met a very strange man," I say, poking at my cake. "He gave me these dangerous vibes."
Jackson perks up, looking at me over the rim of his glass. "oh? Who was he? Did you get his name? Maybe I know him."
"His name is Ilay," I say.
He narrows his eyes, thinking. "Ilay what? Does he have a surname? I know a lot of Ilays."
I swirl my coffee and answer, "Ilay Ivanovich."
Jackson visibly goes stiff, then puts his cup down. But the next moment he grabs my hand, his grip almost painful. "Please tell me you didn't anger him. Please tell me you didn't hit him or threaten this man."
