Paragon

Chapter 34

"Iris... baby."

I open my eyes slowly, waking to Stellan's soft, persistent voice. Lifting my head from the pillow, I suck in a breath, looking him up and down.

"What? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," he murmurs assuringly, taking my outstretched hand. "It's almost noon. I wanted to let you know I'm going to speak with Cameron."

I sit up immediately, nodding. "Has he said anything about the official sentencing?"

"Yeah, he said it's been set for about three weeks from now. He will be held- without bail in prison- until then."

"And Constantine? Marcus?"

"Marcus is being held without bail as well. I have not heard about Constantine yet. Looks like three years, since she confessed, bringing in the others as well."

The thought makes me sick. Three years. She should never get out.

"Are you... going to go to the trial? Do we have to be there?"

"While it's not needed, I will be there. I would prefer you did not go."

I stand, shaking my head in shock. "But... why?"

He smiles softly, caressing my cheek but doesn't answer the question. "Please."

What? I look down and nod reluctantly, pressing my mouth together.

"Thank you."

"Yeah, yeah."

He smiles, shaking his head and lowers his mouth onto mine gently. I pull back and sigh.

"I'll walk you out... You sure you don't want me to go? I could tell him to come here so you don't have to walk?"

"I will be fine. I won't be long." He stops by the kitchen, looking at it for a moment before he turns to look at me. "There's something else."

"What?"

"Viktor's parents called this morning. I spoke to them."

I frown slightly, having expected they'd call to yell at me, hoping that Stellan didn't have to endure it. "What did they say?"

"They called to ask if you would go to the funeral. It's tomorrow."

"Wait... go to the funeral, me?"

"They apologized- for what happened at the country club. What he did, his involvement... I told them the truth, that he, in his own way, was trying to help you. At least, they can be left with the thought that their son wasn't helping a murderer."

I smile, touching him softly, thanking him without words. "I've only met them a few times. Viktor wasn't really close to them. They were pretty hard on him as a kid."

"They only had good wishes to send to you."

"That was kind of them to call."

He nods, glancing around awkwardly. "Are you going- to go?"

"I don't think I should..." Grabbing the edge of the chair, I shrug. "After what's happened- what he left, I think it would be wrong to go."

"He was sick. He knew you loved him."

"Just not enough."

"The love he had for you, Iris, was not normal. He was sick. There was nothing you could do." He grasps my face, shaking his head. "Please tell me you grasp that."