Chapter 5

• Who could it be?
• She stopped not far from the house. The doors opened and out came... Oh, no, not him.
• I jumped from the window sill, hoping I hadn't been spotted. My heart quickened its pace in an instant, and there was a thrill of excitement in my body. What is he doing here? Why did he come? I carefully peeked out, watching my guest. He pulled large bags out of the boot and walked towards our house. A smile on his lips, humming a song.
• So unbearably attractive. I want to dress up and go out to him, but I won't. I've made up my mind, he's not for me. Keep your talents to yourself, Iris. It's not your bird.
• I don't hear anything, fine. Let him drop off what he brought and get out of here. It's the right thing to do. And I'm not nervous, and my heart's safe. But all of a sudden.
• - Iris, come down here a minute.
• Oh, no, Mum. Why should I? I don't want to meet him. But I didn't dare ignore my mother's request. After glancing in the mirror, I nodded with satisfaction. I'm fine. Not dressed up and not like a bum. Just what I needed.
• I walked down the stairs slowly, trying to get my senses in order. But as soon as I saw him again, my legs felt weak. There's no such guy, he must be from another world. Came specifically for me.
• - Oh, finally. Honey, this is Vadim. He brings us dairy products and eggs twice a week, as his family owns a dairy factory.
• - Hi, Vadim.
• Thank the gods my voice didn't let me down. But the treacherous shiver didn't go away.
• - And this is Iris, our daughter. She's here for the summer.
• - Nice to meet you, Butterscotch.
• I narrowed my eyes. You're not allowed to call me that.
• - It's just Iris.
• There was a chuckle in his eyes, studying me intently and smiling. Goosebumps ran down my spine. His smile grew wider.
• - Okay, just Iris.
• - Vadim, my daughter just arrived yesterday, she doesn't know anything about this place. Maybe you could show her around?
• Oh, no, Mum, what are you doing? No, I'm not going anywhere with him.
• - I'd love to. What do you say?
• I hesitated, not knowing what to say. Two pairs of eyes waiting for my answer.
• - I had plans.
• - On the way back, stop at the shop, Dad forgot to buy gloves. He can't hold the reins without gloves.
• Oh, for fuck's sake, Mum.
• - All right. I just need to get changed.
• His witchy eyes are watching my every move, I can feel it. And my gut is telling me I'm making a big mistake. Mum, why are you pushing me into his arms? It's dangerous to my heart. But what can I do? I don't have a choice. Running away is not an option, like a coward. Well, I'll survive one trip, nothing will happen to me, right?
• Vadim.
• That's it, it's the Swann couple's daughter. What luck. I couldn't figure out who the little prickly wonder was visiting.
• She goes upstairs to change, and I can't take my eyes off her bum. What are you doing to me, you sweet little girl? Okay, not all at once. She's not excited about the ride, still just as wary, though she tries to hide her own desire. She's so sweet. Afraid the big, scary wolf will steal her heart. He will, there's no doubt about it. I don't even need to see her body, I can smell it. The girl is excited and trying her best to hide it by pretending to be indifferent. It will be a great pleasure for me to bring her out into the open. Butterscotch. Even her name is sweet. A little sweetie I'll be unwrapping very soon.
• She came back with a disgruntled face and headed out. Ignoring me. I smiled. Dressed as modestly as possible. Jeans, slightly loose, a white T-shirt and a checked shirt over it.
• Okay, I'll try not to embarrass her today, there's plenty of time. We'll just ride around for a while to show her that no one's going to pounce, even though I want to.
• She still didn't say anything. She got in the car, I drove.
• - Do you have the certificate?
• I didn't immediately realise what she meant.
• - Of course I always have it with me. Did you change your mind?
• - No, just in case we meet a cute girl on the way and you're not ready. That's not cool.
• I almost laughed. She's got her prickles out and she's giggling.
• - After seeing you, I'm not interested in other girls.
• She snorted.
• - I pity the fools who believed you.
• It's the truth. Once a wolf meets the mate, he loses interest in other females.
• - Come on, it was just a joke. I thought you were in a bad mood. I was just trying to cheer you up a little. Hide the barbs. Where are we going?
• - You tell me, it's my second day here.
• I just couldn't resist.
• - Then why don't you come straight to my place?
• - You still think I'm in a bad mood today?
• - I just don't want to waste time, it's going to happen sooner or later. Sooner is better for me.
• She turned to me, eyes glistening with anger.
• - You're very self-confident, aren't you, Vadim? Hasn't anyone ever told you no?
• - You're the first.
• She sighed.
• - I have a boyfriend.
• - Too bad about him.
• - Why?
• - The girl's unfaithful.
• - Are you out of your depth? Stop the car, I'm going home.
• - Take it easy, Butterscotch. I'm trying to break through your shield.
• - It's strong enough. And don't call me that.
• - Why not?
• - Only family and close friends call me that.
• - So you and I are going to be very close, too. Why wait?
• - Listen, Vadim. I think you take a lot on yourself. You think you're irresistible?
• - Don't?
• I even stopped the car and approached her a little. She's breathing hard, whether from anger or desire, I don't know yet. But I really like seeing her like this.
• - You and me, we're not gonna have anything.
• - Do you want me to prove the opposite?
• And while she thought about her answer, i pulled her to him and kissed her passionately.
• The beast inside me rages with pleasure, just as I do. Such soft, sweet lips. Barely answering the kiss. She trembles, the grip on my breast has weakened. Poor girl, she hasn't learnt to resist her feelings yet.
• But suddenly Iris pushes me away, glaring fiercely with misty eyes.
• - There you go. It's already happened.
• She reached for the doorknob, but it was locked.
• - Let me out, I want to go home.
• - All right, we've played enough. I promise to behave.
• - I don't believe you. Open it.
• - My word is law. Let's go to the seafront. It's beautiful there.
• She stopped talking and folded her arms across her chest. I can't help but smile. Her heart is beating hard, her cheeks flushed.