Chapter 7 Under his watch
Iris Reed.
The music in the warehouse was so loud and deep, shaking everything around me that made even the air feel like it was vibrating.
It was exactly what I needed. For three days, I had been breathing Marshall North’s air, eating his food, and living by his clock. I felt like a bird that had been kept in a cage for too long I just needed to relax, even if it was just for a short moment.
“I can’t believe we actually did it!” Vanessa shouted over the noises of the crowd, clutching a red plastic cup in one hand and my arm in the other.
“He’s going to kill me,” I yelled back, checking my phone for the tenth time. I had left the GPS tracker on my nightstand deliberately and tucked it under a pile of laundry.
It was the first time I had felt the weight off my shoulders since Soren left. “But it was worth it just to see the look on his face when he realizes I’m not at the library.”
“You keep checking the door,” Vanessa accused, narrowing her eyes.
“I am not.”
“You’ve checked your phone ten times in five minutes.”
I grabbed my drink defensively. “I just don’t want him showing up.”
Vanessa snorted. “Liar. You want him to show up so you can yell at him dramatically.”
“I want him to leave me alone.”
“That’s not the same thing. But seriously, forget Marshall for one night, Iris! Look at you! You’re wearing red, you’re out, and you aren’t staring at your laptop screen.” Vanessa dragged me toward the center of the dance floor.
I tried to lose myself in the movement. I tried to forget the way Marshall had looked at me in the car, or the way he had tucked that lock of hair behind my ear. But every time a guy got too close or a hand brushed my waist, I flinched. I was looking for a shadow that wasn’t there.
Until it was.
The shift in the room was noticeable. The music didn’t stop, but the energy changed. A path began to clear through the crowded warehouse, people stepping back with wide eyes and hushed whispers.
I froze. Vanessa stopped dancing, her face going pale.
There, at the edge of the blinking lights, stood Marshall. He wasn’t wearing his jersey. He was in a black leather jacket, his jaw set so tight I could see a muscle jumping in his cheek . He looked ready to attack.
He walked straight toward me, his eyes burning with a cold, terrifying fire. He didn't look at the party-goers or even the flashing lights. He only saw me.
“Out. Now,” he said, his voice cutting through the bass.
“No,” I snapped, my heart hammering against my ribs.
The adrenaline of the escape was still coursing through me, giving me a false sense of bravery. “I’m not leaving, Marshall. I’m having a night out with my friend. Go away.”
Marshall took a step closer, invading my space until I had to crane my neck to see him. “I told you the rules, Iris. I told you what would happen if you tested me.”
“Your rules are insane! You aren't my owner!” I screamed, the frustration of the last few days finally boiling over. “I’m not a football play you can memorize or control! I’m a person!”
“You’re a person who is currently standing in a warehouse filled with the exact people I warned you about!” Marshall roared back, his voice finally breaking its silent restraint.
“Do you hear yourself?” I demanded. “You track me like I’m some criminal.”
“Because criminals are looking for you.”
“That doesn't give you the right to control every second of my life!”
“Until this situation is handled? Yeah, it does.”
People around us started to back away, sensing the explosion. “Do you have any idea what I had to do to get through the gate tonight? Do you have any idea how many people are watching you right now, waiting for me to leave so they can take what’s mine?"
“I’M NOT YOURS!” I shrieked, shoving his chest. It was like hitting a brick wall. “I belong to myself! Soren told you to watch me, not to kidnap me! You’re a control freak! You’re a stalker! You’re a monster!”
“I’m the monster keeping you alive!” Marshall grabbed my wrists, holding them firmly but not painfully. His face was inches from mine, his hot breath fanning my skin. “You think this is a game? You think I’m doing this for fun? I haven't slept in three days because I’m too busy making sure your brother’s debts don't end up being paid with your blood!”
“You’re lying!” I yelled, tears of anger stinging my eyes. “You’re just using that as an excuse to keep me trapped! You’ve always hated me, and now you’re enjoying watching me squirm!”
“I NEVER HATED YOU!” Marshall’s voice cracked, a raw, guttural sound that silenced the entire corner of the room. He let go of my wrists, his hands shaking.
“I’ve spent ten years pretending I didn't see you. I’ve spent ten years staying away because I knew if I ever let myself look at you, I’d never be able to stop. And now that I finally have you, you’re trying to throw yourself into a lion’s den just to spite me!”
The warehouse went dead quiet. Vanessa was backing away, her eyes darting between us probably wondering what the heck this was going to.
“I hate you,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I hate how you make me feel. I hate that I can’t breathe without your permission.”
“Good,” Marshall hissed, his eyes dark with pain and fury. “Keep hating me. But do it in the car. Because if you stay here one more minute, I’m going to lose what’s left of my goddamn mind.”
“No,” I said, reaching into my bag. I pulled out my phone with shaking hands. “I’m done with this. I’m calling Soren.”
