Chapter 27 Spineless

• Autumn’s face hardened as she met Ivan's gaze, her voice steady despite the tremor in her chest.
• "Maybe they won't think of me as anything spineless. They already drag my name through the mud, saying I can't contain you at home. What's there to talk about? We have an open marriage, for God's sake." Autumn said as Ivan's gaze looked like it could send Autumn six feet under.
• Before Ivan could respond, Iris wrapped her arms around him from behind, pressing herself against his back in a gesture meant to calm him. "That's no way to talk to your husband, Autumn. Ivan is trying to protect you, and here you are being ungrateful," Iris chimed in, her voice a sickly sweet mixture of concern and condescension.