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Chapter 15: Walking to School With a Clingy Blue Fox The sound of running water fills the air, and I let out a shaky breath as I pull my shirt from the floor and try to make myself presentable. The fabric is still warm where she wiped it over her body, a constant reminder of just how far things have gone between us. And how much further they could go if I’m not careful. Not that Iris would ever let me be careful. Steam billows from the bathroom as the door swings open, revealing Iris with her hair wet and clinging to her shoulders. She’s wrapped in a towel that barely covers her curves, water glistening on her skin. "All yours," she says, giving me a mischievous smile as she pads back into the room. I dart past her, eager to douse my flustered state with cold water. The shower is freezing and quick. I pull on my pants and make my way back to the living room, hair still damp. I hesitate at the kitchen door, catching sight of Iris in her witch garb, and my heart does an embarrassing little flip. The way she looks now—almost innocent, like she didn’t just spend the past hour trying to turn me into a permanent love zombie—is somehow more dangerous than ever. The short skirt barely covers her thighs, and the top clings to her curves like it’s part of her skin. Somehow, she looks both cute and sexy as hell. "Ta da!" she chimes, setting down a plate piled high with bacon and toast. Her eyes are bright with excitement as she motions for me to sit. "You didn’t have to—" I start, but she’s already pushing me into a chair. "I wanted to," she insists, plopping down across from me with a satisfied grin. Her ears twitch with joy as she watches me take a bite, her smile bright in her full lips as she frames her beautiful face with her hands. The food is gone before I realize it, and Iris is bouncing to her feet, practically dragging me out the door. "Let’s go, let’s go!" she chirps, clinging onto my arm as soon as we hit the street. I barely have time to lock up behind us before she’s pulling me along, her whole body pressed against me like she can’t stand an inch of distance. Her massive chest squishes into my side, and I feel my face heating up again, sure that anyone who sees us will know exactly why. Iris is practically glowing beside me, her eyes gleaming with mischievous joy, mismatched colors bright and alive. Her tail sways wildly behind her, a fluffy banner of triumph that brushes against my legs with every step. Her fox ears perk forward, twitching like they’re in on some grand joke that only she understands. And maybe they are. Because the look on her face is pure bliss, like she’s the happiest girl in the world just being right here with me. I can’t help but smile back like an idiot, my heart swelling in a way that’s both terrifying and exhilarating. This is what she wants more than anything—more than magic, more than reputation—and I’m the one giving it to her. Me, Luke Knight, the useless guy with no power. Maybe it isn’t so bad. If she’s this happy about it... then maybe it’s not so— Oh god. As we get closer to the academy, I realize everyone is staring. Groups of students pause mid-conversation, eyes wide as they take in the sight of us together. Some whisper behind their hands; others just gawk openly. My face burns like it might catch fire at any moment. I look at Iris, expecting her to notice the attention and ease up, but her grip only tightens. She presses closer, making sure there’s no space between us, her expression fierce and full of pride. "Let them look," she says with a wicked grin, eyes flashing as she holds me even tighter. Her voice is low and possessive. "They’ll all know you’re mine." The way she says it sends a shiver through me—part thrill, part panic—and I can barely keep up with her pace as she drags me along. I almost don’t realize we’ve reached the point where we have to split. Iris slows down just enough for me to catch my breath, but she doesn’t let go. Her eyes are locked onto mine, and I can practically see the gears turning in her head as she weighs her options. "Iris," I say, trying to sound firm. "You’ve got magic class. They’re going to notice if—" She cuts me off with a pout, holding my arm like it’s the only thing keeping her tethered to earth. "But I don’t want to let you go yet," she whines, clutching tighter. I take a deep breath, hoping my voice doesn’t betray how close I am to caving. "You’ve gotta let me go sometime," I tease gently. "Or they’ll think you’ve kidnapped me." Her ears twitch, and she looks like she’s seriously considering the idea before sighing dramatically. "Okay," she finally concedes, loosening her grip ever so slightly. "But you owe me for this." I let out a relieved breath, but she’s already moving in for another demand. "One more thing," she says, eyes glinting with mischief. "Kiss me." "What? Here?" I glance around at all the staring students and feel my face go nuclear. "Iris, there’s people—" "So?" She leans in, lips parted and enticingly close. I hesitate, feeling the weight of every gawking eye on us. "But they’re watching..." "I don’t care," she says, voice low and sultry. I make a last-ditch attempt to pull back, but Iris is too fast. She yanks me in with her overwhelming strength, claiming my mouth with a hunger that’s both thrilling and terrifying. The kiss is wild and desperate, filling me with her heat and need until I’m dizzy and breathless. Her lips move against mine with an all-consuming intensity, wet and sloppy as she devours me like she can’t get enough. Her grip is iron; there’s no escape, no chance to breathe or think—only Iris, everywhere, all at once. I can hear the gasps and whispers around us, feel the stares boring into my skull, but it all fades under the sheer force of her obsession. My knees threaten to give out as she presses even closer, making sure everyone knows exactly who I belong to. When she finally pulls back, I’m left reeling and dazed. Her eyes are bright with triumph, a possessive light burning in their mismatched depths. "See you later, Luke," she purrs, her breath hot against my ear as she reluctantly lets go.