One Last Shot

Bonus 1 [The Library]

CW: Mature Content

Liam

"Yeah, we're on our way," I say into the phone as I drive, Iris tapping on her thigh in the passenger seat. "Yes, Mom, I remembered everything. We will not burn the house down."

"I'll make sure of that," Iris quips from the passenger seat. "I am very responsible, but Liam on the other hand? A little questionable." I pinch her arm and she sticks her tongue out at me.

"Yes it's Iris I trust, so Iris please make sure everything is okay. Okay, we're about to board our flight. If anything goes wrong, text me, okay?"

"Mom, you won't have service for a week."

"Don't tell her that!" Iris snaps. "Don't worry Genevieve, everything will be okay."

"Bye my lovelies."

"Bye Mom, love you." Mom hangs up as Iris and I pull up to the house. A few weeks ago my parents surprised Kai with a Disney cruise for their birthday. Their face was priceless, and Iris and I still talk about the unbridled shock and joy spread across their face. However, now that Mom is better, she's spent her time cultivating the house back to its beauty. Dad and I didn't necessarily have the time to keep it in the cleanest state, and she's taken to remodeling. So naturally, she can't bear to part with her baby. So Iris and I got asked to house sit. Make sure things don't catch on fire, that the house doesn't get robbed, all the things someone should be worrying about their children, not their house.

The timing couldn't be more perfect. Iris and I just bought our first house, and the boxes everywhere have been daunting. And our bed hasn't been assembled yet, so not sleeping on air mattresses for a few nights will be lovely. What Iris doesn't know is that I have big plans for this week. Big plans.

I won't deny my childhood home is big. I mean, we have a giant fucking library, and when I was younger I asked if we lived in a castle. Mom and Dad both have very respectable jobs, and having me later in life helped them cultivate more money to get their dream house. I always feel pride in receiving their driven genes. Pulling up, I pull our suitcases out of the car and wheel them inside.

"Without anyone here, the house is so quiet," Iris remarks as she shuts the front door behind us, locking it. She's taking this job very seriously.

"Want to fill it with some noise?" I quip, smirking, and she smacks my arm. I swear I hear her mumble, "Later". I laugh to myself, she has no idea. "Well, I have a fun dinner for us tonight." She raises her eyebrows as she walks to the kitchen. I follow close behind her. "I thought we could have a picnic. Because I have a confession sweetheart."

"You secretly love Ocean's 8," she says, smiling proudly.

"No, and I will never admit to that." She rolls her eyes, punching my arm. "There is one room in the house I've never shown you. The library."

"You have a fucking library in here?! Jesus Liam, you are rich and I can't believe you won't say that. Okay, show me. Now."

"Okay, if you say so, princess." Her fist aims for my head, but I duck, scooping her over my shoulder.

"Don't you dare call me princess. I hate that. Sweetheart is so good! Why would you even think I'd like princess? Liam, we've been together for over six months and now you're trying new nicknames. That's it, we're done. I can't do this anymore."

"Relax, sweetheart," I laugh as I carry her over my shoulder to the very end of the hallway. "I just wanted to get under your skin. I hate princess just as much as you do."

"Good. Okay, I suppose we can stay together." My hand raises and playfully smacks her ass, situated right next to my face, up in the air. "Careful pretty boy."