BLUE IRIS

Iris

What was that all about?

I COULDN'T look at him without thinking of that kiss. I could still feel the firmness and softness of his lips. I could still taste him and feel his touch that stirred something inside me.

How could I stop when all I could think was how good that kiss was? The synchronizing of our lips, the heat radiating between us, and the hardness of his bulge poking on his jeans were a constant reminder that we were on the same page. Suddenly, he seemed to regret it.

I ate silently while my mind was somewhere else Colt clouded my brain, and I couldn't even think straight.

Everyone shared stories and laughed like on a normal family weekend. The dinner was pleasant, and we seemed to forget what was there outside for a while.

"You should join us for hunting, Darick. Your hook might catch a gazelle," Frost started to joke.

"I know because I feel like a useless piece of shit just waiting for a supply run."

"Language, Darick," Gael chided him.

"Sorry, Ayesha."

"No need to apologize. We do say khara, the same meaning to what you said," Hamid said, making his wife smiled. "And I disagree with you. We all help each other that's why we're still like one big family. Am I right, Gael?" "You're right. We may all have different religious beliefs, but we all have one common ground, and that's to stay alive." He raised his soda.

"Shukran, everyone!" Hamid stood. "I have a camp to watch tonight."

"It's my turn," Gael said, rising up from his seat.

"Let me cover you tonight," I suggested.

"It's all right, Iris. It's been a while since I watch the post, and I need some fresh air." Gael smiled, but that didn't reach his eyes. Something was wrong. "Colt, Templeton, you two need to rest. I'll talk to you in the morning." "Yes, sir." Frost gave him a half nod.

"We should do this every weekend," Fischer suggested. "May I join for hunting this weekend."

Everyone snorted and laughed, even his wife, Anna. I gave them a dazed look.

"You know you suck at it, right?" Frost laughed.

"I only need a little practice." He shrugged, half-smiling.

"Just stick to your chore, Fischer. Put your math degree to good use." Colt gulped his drink. "The last time I checked, hunting a boar didn't require arithmetic." "You're mean," I murmured.

He looked at me, making me frowned when there was something missing in his eyes. A spark?

I asked myself and thought through the reasons why he seemed down. Did something happen during their hunt? Or was it about the kiss?

"Here's a little advice, my friend. When you hunt, you stay quiet, sharp, have patience, and use your killer instinct, and not yelling the moment you see an animal, then the boar is gone in a blink." Frost laughed out loud. Fischer joined him instead of getting offended.

I liked this moment. Despite the hardship, we still found a way to laugh and enjoy something that was difficult to do these days.

"That was my first time, man," Fischer admitted. "I deserve a second chance though."

"You'll gonna have it, Fischer." Frost patted his back.

Everyone started clearing out the table, except for Frost and Colt who remained seated and in somewhat in a discreet conversation.

Lois brought the leftover back to the kitchen.

"Stand your ass up, asshole, and help Lois," Colt berated Frost but just raised a brow in return.

"I'll clean the dishes, now don't look at me like I am a lazy pig."

"That's actually my task, Colton. I didn't help in the kitchen earlier."

"Let me help you then."

"No, you won't. Gael was pretty clear with his order."

"I could get some sleep once we're done," he insisted and then checked Frost. When he was gone, Colt turned to me. "You said we'll talk later. Now it's about time to talk about it." My heart raced. I couldn't get away with it, could I? "I still have loads of dishes to clean."

"And that's where I come. We can talk while I'm helping you." He held my hand. "You're not trying to ignore me again, are you?"

I met his gaze, studying him. "No, and besides, it was my fault. I was the one who rushed to see you. I was worried when Frost came alone, and I thought you were in trouble." "That's good to hear that you're worried about me." A small smile curved up his amazing lips.

"I was just overwhelmed, I guess."

"Overwhelmed, that's it? What about our kiss?"

I rolled my eyes. "It was just a kiss, and I initiated it."

"Did you kiss Frost when he arrived?"

My eyes grew big. I didn't know if I should be insulted or not, but he had a point. "No. Why would I?"

"So you just don't like the kiss? You didn't feel anything? That moan was just "I covered his mouth with my hand when his voice started to rise. I knew he did it on purpose. "Can you keep it low?" I gritted and removed my hand when he nodded.

"What's wrong with moaning?" He seemed amused now-a wild glint in his gray eyes sparkled under the moonlight. "You don't get punished if you admit you enjoy a kiss, Iris. Just say you do." "Don't make fun of me." I stood up, carrying the dishes left.

"We're not done talking, twig." As crazy as it sounded, the word twig made my heart skip a bit. I had to admit it was the cutest endearment someone had called me.

"We're done if you can't be serious with me."

"I'm serious. I'm just trying to lighten up the mood." He followed me to the kitchen.

I wasn't aware he had that in him when all I saw was he was so damn serious and scary most of the time. I started filling the basin with water and pouring the dishwashing liquid into the sponge. "I'm a little rusty when it comes to dating."

"Who said we're dating?"

His head snapped at my side. Pain crossed his handsome face.

"Just kidding." I rolled my eyes. "And this is my version of trying to lighten up the mood. So?"

"So, I didn't have the luxury for that when I joined the academy and became an officer. All I wanted was to prove something. My old man was in the army and died in a war when I and Colton were still in high school. I always idolized him, and I could say that he was our hero." He slid a plate into my basin and took another one.

"I can do this, and you're just making me slow. You should start from glasses or cups, then plates, and pots will be the last." We did it in an old-fashioned way of cleaning.

"Got it."

"You wanna be like your dad?"

"Yes, but I became an LAPD rookie instead. I had a dream of going to Quantico, but things happened."

"You'll gonna be a good agent, Officer snow."

We worked in silence until we were done. I ignored the fact that his presence made my senses hyperaware-my skin buzzed every time our skin touched. But I must admit that it was good to have a light conversation with him regardless of what happened weeks ago.

"I'll walk you to your cabin," he said after washing his hands.

Protesting was not an option because I knew he would still insist, and our cabins were just on opposite sides. The camp was pretty quiet other than our footsteps and the crickets creating the sound, and it was a little bit colder than previous nights.

We took a seat on the muddy stair for a while, allowing the silence to stretch out between us. I could feel the hum of our closeness as he unexpectedly placed his large hand on my thigh and the searing gaze alone made me immobilize. The tension was building up-I felt the flare of desire skittered inside me I could smell him, feel the heat of his hand sipping through my jeans. I didn't mind it though, in fact, I liked it. I couldn't even remember the feeling of a sensual man's touch until I met Colt.

I already missed it-the sweet embrace, his kiss, his skin, his taste, and everything that made me feel good. I wanted everything in him.

To not get too overwhelmed with our closeness, I looked up at the velvety black night sky with glinting stars, and the moon was hanging low. The gust of wind didn't feel and smell like death for the first time in months. When I couldn't take it anymore, I wrapped my hand over his huge one, intertwined them, and let the warmth engulfed us. "I like it."

"Me too. I just freaked out a little. It happened so fast, but don't get me wrong, I've been thinking it for a while now."

"The kiss?" I looked at him.

His gaze met my eyes and stopped at my lips, with a smile, he nodded. "Yeah. And everything about you."

"I think about you, too." I squeezed his hand in assurance, then he brought it to his lips.

"I want more though," he asked, almost ashamed to admit.

"You want to... have... sex with me?" Oh, God! How the hell did I become so straightforward? My face heated.

"No!" His eyes grew big, mouth suddenly fell open.

"No?" I was shocked too.

"Shit." He laughed. "I should stop talking. I mean I would love to, but what I mean is, I don't want that that's the only thing we should share together. This world is falling piece by piece, Iris, and I don't wanna waste more time without you." "Oh, I thought you don't do relationship," I chuckled.

"Who told you that?"

"Well, you slept with Cora, but I haven't seen the two of you together." I shrugged. "Unless you kept it secret."

"I don't wanna be a dickhead, but it was just sex, and she was fully aware of it. How did you know?" His curiosity made me smile.

"I figured when she threatened me."

"Huh! Awkward much." His brow rose.

"Wow!" I laughed. "You're full of surprises, Officer Snow."

"My brother used to say the much thing." He stood, pulling me up. "Let's get you inside before you froze to death, and it's getting late."

I dusted off my jeans from the mud as we walked to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow?" I lifted my chin, meeting his eyes.

"Can I hug you again?" Before I could reply, he pulled me into his arms. "I'm glad you stay." This man doesn't have a word warning in his vocabulary.

"I'm glad you didn't knock me off because you won't ever get a chance to get a hug from me again."

A rumble of silent laugh erupted in his chest. "I don't hurt women in general, unless they wanted me dead."

"Physically, yeah, but let me guess, you broke plenty of hearts, have you?"

"Not literally broke their hearts."

"Whatever floats your boat. Let me get inside so that you can take a rest."

This time I cupped his scruffy face. Before I could kiss him, his lids flutter closed and leaned down. Warm spread through me, feeling the softness of his lips against mine. It was quick and sweet, yet it ignited and awakened the feeling I hadn't been feeling for a long time, and I liked it even more.

"Night, twig."

***

"IRIS, WAKE up!"

"Lois, it's too early." I hid my head under my pillow. "Come back after an hour."

"Iris!" Her angry voice forced me to talk.

"What's wrong?" I rubbed my eyes and yawned. "What time is it?"

"I don't know, but you need to see something." She was crossing her arms over her chest with her lips pressed together. It must be so serious because I'd never seen her angry face before.

"A minute." I had to get up to wash my face and brush my teeth.

I grabbed my gun, put my shoes on, and followed her. We were heading to my garden. My pace slowed down in shock the moment I saw what she was trying to show me.

"Who did this?" I asked her vexedly. Tears filled my eyes, blurring my vision. "Seriously? Why not just me? Why it has to be the garden?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. When I got here, it already looked like this. I have no idea who did this, Iris. Everything is gone, even the sprouts."

It was all destroyed like it wrecked by a hurricane or someone used this place as a wrestling ring. Even the fruits were crushed into purees. Everything I worked for days was gone. All I could do was knelt down and cried.

"I'm so sorry, Iris. I wish I came earlier to prevent this from happening. We can still do it again, right?"

I lifted my gaze. "How about what are we gonna eat today, tomorrow, and next week? Are we gonna eat from the cans again? You know we'd looted most of the shop near our camp. We don't have seeds, and it will take weeks to grow!" I wiped my tears dry, stood up, and took a few deep breaths, but my anger didn't dissipate-it even got worse. "Where is everyone?"

"In the kitchen."

"Good." My instinct ruled.

There was only one person who was capable of doing a cruel thing like this. I strode toward the kitchen, rage rushing through me as my suspicions grew.

A shudder blitzed down my spine. My world spun and stopped in a momentum. Cora was sitting cozily beside Colt, and they seemed happy in each others' company.

Great!

Heat flushed through my body. My anger vaporized, feeling I was about to burst into flame. My heart was pounding. Seconds ticked by, still, nobody noticed me, until I pulled my gun and slammed it against the table.

They uttered yelps in surprise and stilled. Pairs of eyes widened in shock, staring back at me.

"Funny, right?" My nose flared.

"What's wrong, twig?" Colt innocently asked. His brows furrowed when he met my fury eyes.

"The last time I felt like this was when I watched people died right in front of me. How the hell a certain virus killed almost half of the world's population in cold blood?" I stared directly at Cora who didn't care a shit. "Until now, we don't know who's to blame, and I'm gladly volunteering myself to take the life whoever is responsible for almost human extinction. In. A. Heartbeat."

"What is your point, Iris? You're wasting our time." Of course, Cora didn't give a damn or wasn't interested. She looked even annoyed.

"Iris, this is not what you think it is." Colt was about to stand up, but I put my hand up to stop him.

"Oh, I know."

"What happened to her, Heloisa?" Frost asked Lois who was already standing beside me.

"Who cares? You shouldn't give a damn crap about her shit. She's probably just PMSing, you know? It makes her bitchy," Cora barked.

"Yeah, you're probably right because sometimes it makes us bitchy when someone doesn't give us the shit we want, right?" I just poked the bear-she shot me a glare.

Her hands locked into fists on top of the table. She quickly stood up and marched toward me if Frost did not stop her.

"Whoa! Cora, stay right where you are. Let's talk whatever makes Iris mad. I am sure she has a reason."

"Just sit the down, Frost! Yeah, someone made me bitchier if it's even a word. It makes us also bitchy when someone doesn't care how we feel, and that's what pushes us to do something vengeful. Let me guess, from insecurities maybe? Envy? I know a lot of factors, and I can give you one." I cocked my brow. "Rage, antagonism? Out of jealousy, maybe?"

"Jealous of you?" She laughed, mocking me, but no one seemed to find it funny. "Have you seen yourself in the mirror?" she ranted angrily.

"Have you?" I ranted back, causing Frost to chuckle. "Have you forgotten what you did to my fingers? How you threatened me? Or should I chant each word you tell me in front of them?"

"I'd love to hear that," Darick said.

"Shut up, Darick!" Cora snapped.

"I just wanna know one thing from you, Cora, and if you will tell the truth in front of them, and I am satisfied with your answer, you can have Colt. Back." I swallowed hard.

"You can't be fucking serious." Colt shifted in his seat, glaring at me. "What do you think of me? A fucking ball? That you can pass on to another player once you're done?" I am far from done with you. His jaw clenched hard. He must have tried hard not to burst his anger toward me.

"That's ridiculous," Frost snorted.

"I don't like him anyway." I gave a quick glance at Colt. His face redder and breathed hard through his nose. I felt bad that I was hurting him because he had nothing to do with this.

"So, Cora, once you answered me with honesty, we're done, and I'm leaving this camp."

"Gael won't let you," Frost said.

"Let her go. She doesn't belong here anyway," Cora spluttered. "You're already ruining my breakfast."

"Enough!" Colt roared, face full of fury as he slammed his hand against the table, causing everyone to yelp, and everything on top shook. "And stop this nonsense, Iris because you are not going anywhere!" Tension thickened.

No one moved. No one talked. I could sense everyone was holding their breath, including Cora.

"Now, Cora, did you ruin the garden to get into me?" I pinned my eyes at her. And in a flash, I got my answer-she was staring at me with a haunted look on her face.

Cora crossed her arms over her chest and shifted, then gave Colt an apologetic looked.

"Jesus Christ, Cora! Seriously, the garden? What has it something to do with Iris?" Disappointed, Colt shook his head and stepped away from her. "I thought you're better than that."

The murmurs started, leaving Cora froze in her spot.

Colt grabbed my gun and snaked his hand around my waist. "I hope you're not serious about leaving."

"Of course not. I like this camp, but I like you a lot to do that."

He laughed softly. "Let's go then and fix whatever is left."