“You’re actuallyon time?” Juna asked, mouth falling open as Iris and Finn approached.
“Finn lied to me,” Iris admitted.
“Smart man,” Shelly, standing beside Juna, declared with a nod.
Iris wasn’t sure what had gotten into the queen to allow all three of the Marivelle sisters to be on land at the same time, but she was over the moon to be able to spend some time with her siblings.
“I still can’t get used to seeing you guys with legs,” Iris admitted.
“I still can’t get used to having them,” Juna admitted.
“My feet hurt all the time,” Shelly said.
“That’s where fiancés come in handy,” Iris said, leaning her head into Finn’s shoulder.
As if on cue, Osiren came bounding over, his legs as enormous as the rest of his body, handing each of them their lanyard badges.
“Ugh, no thanks,” Shelly said, lip curling.
“Remind me to introduce you to my friend Selene,” Irissaid, shooting her baby sister a smile as Finn slipped her badge over her head.
“Ready?” he asked, practically bouncing on his feet.
Iris watched her sisters disappear into the building. “Abso—”
“Mr. Westrock!” a voice called, making Iris fight to keep a smile on her lips. She knew a paparazzo trying to get Finn’s attention when she heard one.
“Richard,” Finn said, his professional voice and posture taking over.
Iris felt her belly tighten.
But then Finn’s arm slipped around her lower back, pulling her close.
“Right now, I’m off the clock and spending time with someone special,” he said, giving Iris a small smile. “But I’ll be happy to answer your questions at the press conference tomorrow night. Or you can send them to my office for a statement.” Richard looked disappointed, but Finn’s next words made it hard for him to press. “I really appreciate you giving us a little space.”
With that, he turned and led Iris into the building.
Her heart was a balloon in her chest, pumped up to full volume, making her feel like she was floating.
Sure, he’d already made it clear to Henry that he wouldn’t tolerate any more interference in his personal life, that there were some matters in which he didn’t want his campaign manager’s input.
But this felt different.
He’d set the boundary with an outsider.
He’d prioritized her and them.
“No way,” Finn said, stopping dead and staring up at something hanging from the high ceiling.
Iris followed his gaze, finding a two-story poster for a new action and mystery movie.
Featuring none other than Montague Featherington, wings flared, tuxedo flapping. And just beneath, the dramatic tagline:JUSTICE TAKES FLIGHT!
Iris’s smile spread until her cheeks hurt.
“He always said he was going to be a star,” she said.
“Looks like he got his wish.”
