128 Seven Days (3)

Kyro didn't want to go anywhere. He had been out all week, and now he wanted some rest from all the stress. It was clear then that he should refuse.

However, the girl seemed so excited. She looked at him with shining black eyes that were a perfect match for his. Her face was void of any make-up, but that didn't detract from her natural charm. Unlike the strong, confident women he usually met at work and conferences, she seemed young and free, unburdened by the challenges of proving her worth.

"What's so good about going out?" he asked, not refusing her instantly.

"Mhm…" As she thought about that, she entered the room, and he noticed various bruises and scratch marks on her arms. The dress she'd gotten hid none of the ugly markings.

He quickly stood up and went to her side. "Why didn't you say anything?" The bathrobe was long-sleeved, so he hadn't had a clue, and it annoyed him that she would have hid something like that. Although the bruises were starting to heal, they were very from disappearing.

"Oh, it's fine," she said, taking a step away and clasping her hands behind her back to hide them. "They'll heal. But I can understand if you don't want to go with me looking like that. It's fine. Really."

She smiled after that, and he admired her for the effort, but he wasn't going to be fooled that easily. "Shouldn't the question be if you're okay with it? More than likely, you're going to be the one judged."

"It's not like I know anyone here," she said with a shrug, and he sensed something he didn't like - forfeit before even starting.

After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Give me a moment," and left the house.

Iris stood still, confused by his sudden disappearance. Where did he go off so suddenly? And for what reason?

Her eyes moved to her arms, and they indeed were ugly. Colored blue and yellow, she looked like she had been beaten half to death; those times she'd crashed into the walls hadn't been kind to her. The dress she'd chosen was almost to the ground, so it hid the damage on her legs, but what summer dress had sleeves?

'Well, I should have known he'd be too embarrassed to go with me. I'm no longer a fox, after all. He has no obligation to entertain me.'

As she thought that, Lucifer came over and sniffed the bottom of the flower-patterned dress. Iris crouched down to pet him, and the cat purred in satisfaction. He was very happy with this turn of events.

While they played, Kyro came back. She stood up to welcome him and saw him holding something in his hands, which he extended to her. "I thought it was going to be easier to borrow one than go buy it now, and Rachel was happy to lend it without many questions."

Iris picked the light object and spread the shawl out. It was white but with giant dark-colored flowers, so even though it was very thin, her bruises would be hard to see.

"I—" She wanted to say something, but the words got caught in her throat. This was… "Thank you," she whispered, staring at the simple shawl like it was the most expensive treasure in the world. Her fingers grasped onto it like they would never let go.

"You said you wanted to go, so come, put it on and let's go."

Kyro seemed impatient, and she looked up to see him looking everywhere but at her. 'Is he feeling awkward? Does he not do this often?' she wondered, and a real smile blossomed on her lips.

"Yes!" She swiftly wrapped the shawl around her shoulders and followed him out the apartment.