As we reach Whitehall, I just think I might.
I set the bike down on the roof, as far from the edge as I can manage, cut the engine, and dismount with the intent of helping her. But before I can so much as offer a hand, she is ripping off her helmet and storming down the stairs.
“Iris!” I call out.
But she’s gone. Shut out by the heavy metal door.
Still, I wait until her footsteps grow faint before kicking the engine over and pointing the bike West.
The manor is about an hour outside of town, just before you reach the enchanted forest. Mother thought it better to live on the fringes. More space to roam. Fewer people looking in.
Vanessa always complained that it was too far from campus. I’ve always thought it isn’t far enough.
“He’s late. Again!” Mother shouts as I step into the foyer.
Her voice reverberates across the domed ceiling and pristine marble flooring, cut off only by the sound of the front door slamming shut behind me.
I don’t announce myself. In a house full of wolves, you don’t need to.
Besides, their attention will soon revert to me anyway, no need to expedite my demise.
On cue, Vanessa comes trailing in from the kitchen, champing at the bit, and I think perhaps I should not have given Iris so much of myself.
“Where were you?” she snaps.
Here we go.
“Work,” I say, pointedly.
“Work?” She sniffs the air. “Doesn’t smell like work. It smells like…”
Shit, Iris.
Her scent is all over me. I’ve practically been bathing in it for the last three weeks.
I sidestep as Vanessa comes closer, placing the entryway table and Mother’s ridiculously large flower arrangement between us. But she follows, sniffing dramatically and making a gagging face.
“Smells like desperation,” she finishes.
I sigh.
“Nice, V. Real nice.”
I yank my jacket off and hand it to Jeffery. He stands ready and waiting at the far end of the foyer, eyes trained on the floor in front of him, and I pass him a subtle nod, patting him on the back.
“Thanks, Jeff.”
He says nothing in return before disappearing down the hall to my right.
I don’t take offense. I’m pretty sure Jeffery has only said three words to me in all my life. In his mind, they are the only words that matter. And since he’s already said them, he now has nothing left to say.
“Seriously,” Vanessa grumbles, pinching her nose. “What is that smell? It smells like burnt sugar.”
I shrug, but I know what she’s referring to.
Iris is always sweeter when we’re together. Although to me, it smells more like honey. Maybe Vanessa cannot smell her the way I can. The thought makes me want to hide the fragrance away even more.
“Where’s Mother?” I ask, ignoring her theatrics as she waves her hand in front of her face.
