I looked down at my nails, then gave a small sigh. "Nikolai, I..."
"Iris, I am not a good man, but believe me, I wish I was. I wish I could confidently tell you that you could be safe, but I honestly would be lying."
He slowly turned to me, his lips carrying a small, almost sad smile. If I let myself be delusional, I would think he had that smile because the part of him that didn't want me was sad that he wouldn't.
"Do you want to make a promise?" He asked, raising his pinky. "You will let me be there for you."
I let my eyes dart across both of his. "You would... do that?"
"Yes. For the girl next door. Not my brother's whatever. For just Iris."
I swallowed, my fingers lightly clenching. "This is exactly the reason why I keep wanting more."
He let his eyes wander around my face. "And
