#Chapter 165: Small Comforts

Arthur My heart is breaking piece by piece as I take Iris into my arms, kissing her deeply and holding her tightly against me. At first, she tries to push away, but her attempt is feeble and I refuse to let go anyway. I need her to understand that she’s the only one I want, the only one I’ve ever truly wanted. I can’t lose her or Miles again. Not after everything we’ve been through. We’re a family now. A real one, bound by everything that matters. I won’t let her go. “Iris,” I murmur desperately against her lips. “Please believe me. I love you. Only you.” Her hands clutch at my lapels, torn between pushing me away and pulling me closer. I can feel the tremble in her fingers, the uncertainty in her touch. It kills me that I’ve put that doubt in her mind. Again. If I had a sword, I might fall on it just to prove myself to her. But I don’t, and instead, I try my best to comfort her in the best way I know how. Finally, she chooses to pull me clos