Chapter 49. It terrified her
Two weeks had passed, and Iris was in a state of confusion. At first, she was cautious and apprehensive around them, still remembering the fear and pain they had inflicted on her. But gradually, as the days passed, Iris felt more comfortable around them.
The brothers were changing, and Iris couldn't help but notice it. They were more attentive to her needs, and their gestures of affection had become more tender and sincere.
Iris found herself drawn to their back hugs, their soft forehead kisses, and their willingness to spend time with her. She enjoyed watching late-night movies with them or simply walking with them in the garden while playing with Zuko.
It terrified her.
Despite her growing affection for them, Iris couldn't help but feel a sense of fear and uncertainty. It clawed her brain but brought comfort to her heart.
Was she falling for these monsters who had hurt her so badly in the past? Her mind kept reminding her of their past transgressions while her heart throbbed with the warmth of their caring actions.
As she lay in bed, lost in her thoughts, Iris bit her lip, trying to make sense of her conflicting emotions. She had forgiven the brothers, and they had worked hard to change their ways. Maybe they could build a good life together. One filled with love and happiness.
But the fear and doubt lingered, casting a shadow over her newfound happiness.
But I did forgive them, and they worked on themselves too. Maybe we can have a good marital life. Iris disappeared into her thoughts.
Her thoughts broke when she heard soft steps nearing her. She looked up to see Jasper sitting on the edge of the bed, brushing her locks away from her face with gentle strokes of his hand.
He cupped her face, his fingers tracing the contours of her cheek as he leaned into a sweet kiss. Iris felt a warm flush of emotion spread through her body as she melted into his embrace, savoring the sweetness of his touch.
"Welcome back," she smiled, feeling a sense of comfort and safety in his presence. Jasper's eyes sparkled with love and mischief as he gazed at her.
"I am home," he said softly, his voice low and husky.
"Oh darling," Jasper crooned, pulling her onto his lap as he held her close. "We have a party tonight to attend. Do you want to go?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for a response.
Iris felt a flutter of excitement in her stomach at the thought of going out with Jasper but also with a hint of hesitation. She knew being around other people could be challenging for her, especially after everything she had been through.
The words of the public calling her a gold digger because she came from a humble background and ended up marrying two of the wealthiest men in the world still haunted her.
Jasper sensed her hesitation and patted her shoulder- his touch reassuring and warm. "It's okay if you don't want to go, my love," he said softly.
They could stay home and fuck her till she saw stars. Jasper quite preferred if she said no to the party. They would have more fun.
Iris's gaze drifted down to Jasper's chest, drawn to the necklace which dangled from his neck. As her fingers played with the delicate chain, she couldn't help but notice it as it rested in the gap of his collarbone, drawing attention to the smooth, tan skin laid beneath it.
Her eyes traveled lower, taking in the sight of his chest, which was muscled and defined, with just the right amount of hair peeking out from the two buttons that were open on his white shirt.
She could see the inked designs that adorned his skin- swirling and twining, making a piece of art.
"I don't mind," she said, brushing her finger against his jawline. His eyes lit up at her affections. He loved it whenever she took any initiative. It took time, but she was getting bolder with her actions. And he loved every moment of it.
"I will come with you." Feeling emboldened by his attention, she leaned in and kissed his chin, savoring the warmth of his skin against her lips. His eyes lit up at her affections, and she could feel his hand curling around her waist, pulling her closer.
As he tugged her into his lap, Iris gasped, her body pressing against his in a way that sent shivers down her spine. She could feel the heat of his body against hers, the way his muscles rippled beneath his shirt as he held her close.
He smiled lovingly, looking at her.
She went from stuttering and whimpering in front of them to denying them or kissing with her consent and them respecting it. Jasper curled his hand around her waist, tugging her closer, making her gasp lowly.
"Or we can stay home and fuck dirty," he mumbled, his eyes dropping to her lips. His wife was wearing her favorite cherry lip gloss, and damn- it made her lips look even more kissable. He could imagine things those lips could do that would send him to heaven while staying alive.
"Or you could go to this party and do some charity work," she batted her eyelashes. "Don't skip work for me," she brushed her fingers through his hair. He sighed at the heavenly feeling.
"Darling, have you forgotten we could burn this world for you; skipping work is nothing," he chuckled, bopping her nose. Iris scrunched her nose, her lips forming a pout.
He leaned in and pecked the pout away.
"Well... did you not say you want to spoil me? You need money for that and for the money you need to work. So dear husband, earn for me," she played with the silver chain dangling from his neck.
Jasper blinked for a moment and then laughed. Iris was naive but intelligent; she had learned them inside and out. And now she knew how to convince them.
"Elias?" she questioned.
"He is staying in the office. He would come directly to the party."
"Won't you tell me what's wrong with the company," she asked, her voice laced with worry. Jasper shook his head. "Don't worry, little one. We have it covered. Trust your husbands."
Iris looked at him. She could see the determination in his eyes. He would not tell her anything, so she dropped the topic. It would bring no good.
Stupid overprotective gorilla.
He understood that she submitted to his eyes, making him smile. "My good girl."
Iris pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. Jasper couldn't help but find her adorable when she got like this. "Are you angry at daddy, little one," he crooned. Iris ignored him.
"Come on, little one," he said, scooping her into his arms. "I know just how to cheer you up."
He twirled her around the room, causing her to laugh and squeal. She hit his chest playfully, but there was no hiding the smile on her face.
"Put me down, you silly man," she giggled.
But Jasper couldn't resist making her laugh. He continued to twirl her, their laughter filling the room.
"Am I forgiven," he cheekily smiled.
"NO!"
He continued twirling her.
"Okay, okay," Iris relented, her head spinning. "I forgive you."
Jasper set her back down on her feet, grinning from ear to ear. "I knew I could win you over," he said, pulling her into a tight hug.
----
Peggy, the head maid, had arranged for the finest makeup artists, hairdressers, and stylists to be at their disposal for the party. They had turned the secondary room into a mini-salon.
While soft music played in the background, the fresh fragrance of flowers wafted from the vase in the corner of the room.
Without a doubt, the Sinclair brothers were strict on privacy.
"Mrs. Sinclair," the stylist greeted her. She was a pretty lady with deep skin and a blue bob cut. "You might want to go over with the dresses first," she pointed at two racks of high-end dresses.
As Iris walked towards the racks of dresses, her heart thumped with nervousness. She had never attended such high-profile parties before. Iris wanted to look her best. Her eyes flickered over the vast array of gowns, and she felt intimidated by their grandeur.
Her stomach dropped. All of them were pretty, but she had gained weight. The brothers confirmed that she always had her fill and never skipped a meal.
The dress she picked up was a stunning red silk dress- which flowed down to the floor. The neckline plunged low, and the back of the dress was bare. It was beautiful, but Iris hesitated. She was self-conscious about her arms, which she thought looked thick. She quickly put it back on the rack.
My arms look thick to wear a sleeveless dress, she thought. Her eyes darted, looking over another dress that had sleeves. There is going to be media covering the event. I want to look perfect for them.
"Master," Peggy bowed as Jasper strolled into the room. Iris was busy looking at the dress that she did not understand he had entered the room.
As Jasper entered the room, Peggy, the head maid, greeted him with a respectful bow. Iris was engrossed in choosing a dress, unaware of his presence until he hugged her from behind. Startled, she flinched. "Jasper," she sighed when she realized it was him.
The team of stylists and makeup artists working on Iris's look couldn't help but notice the affectionate way Jasper held her. They were used to seeing the Sinclair brothers maintain a professional demeanor, so this display of intimacy was a pleasant surprise. The stylist smiled, admiring how well the couple complemented each other.
Every girl dreamed of marrying one of the Sinclair brothers due to their success in the business world- but seeing how perfectly Iris's shy yet curious eyes matched Jasper's possessive and adoring gaze, they could tell that they were meant to be together.
"Did you pick your dress? I thought of matching my outfit to yours," he nuzzled her neck. Iris flushed, the blush traveling down to her neck when she heard squeals in the room. She heard the people in the room gush about them.
"Behave," she chastised his action.
"No," he mumbled like a whiny boy kissing her nape. "You are mine."
She elbowed his chest. "Oh my," he cried. "You are abusing your man. How violent," he dramatically winced.
Iris narrowed her eyes at him in a warning. "How scary," he shivered at her glare.
"B.e.h.a.v.e. Will you?" Iris smiled sweetly at her husband.
"As you wish, my lady," he mock saluted her with a wink.
"You should go with this red dress," he pointed at the silk dress. "I would bring the flush of your skin beautifully."
"No," she awkwardly looks away. Even though she liked it, the dress made her feel insecure. Jasper's eyes narrowed at her defiance. He could see that she adored the dress but then why was she refusing?
"Everyone out."
The stylists froze, thinking they had done something wrong, but Peggy knew well. "Please follow me," she intoned, not wishing for any deaths in the mansion today.
Jasper placed a finger under her chin and made her look up at him. "What happened, little one? Why don't you want to wear the dress you like?" he asked softly. "If it's about money, I give zero fucks. You're wearing it."
Iris looked at him nervously. "It's not like that," she tried to explain. "We can look at other dresses," she said, patting his chest.
"See... this emerald dress is not that bad," she pointed at a high-necked dress with puffy sleeves and a fluffed ball shape. It would hide her figure, but it was better than wearing something that made her feel insecure.
"It's not your style," Jasper said, his voice deadpan. He knew Iris's likes and dislikes, having lived with her for almost a year now. While the dress was pretty, it wasn't her style.
"Stop lying," he tugged on her hair, pulling her closer to him. His voice was commanding and sharper. "What do you mean?" he pressed her for an answer.
Iris's eyes wavered as she tried to articulate her feelings. "It won't look good on m-me," she hesitated.
He looked at her like an alien. It won't look good on her. His wife was a goddess. The dress was lucky for her body.
"I have gained weight-"
He didn't even let her finish the words before he flicked her forehead. "Nonsense," he looked at her with deep intensity.
"You are perfect just the way you are. And even if you gain weight in the future. I would be the one lucky. I would have more of you to grab and touch. More surface to kiss your body," he pressed his body onto hers.
Iris stammered as her eyes widened at his words. He did not care about her weight?
As he saw the look in her eyes, he chuckled. "My silly wife. I love every inch of you, more weight or less weight. I don't care as long as it is a part of you."
He leaned his face closer to hers. "Would you like me to show you how much I love you without giving a fuck about your weight?"
To be continued....
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