t of expensive col

my waist. My back was pressed against a hard, steady c

I bel

e lovers. The way his hand curled protectively around my stomach, the way

wasn

weren't

ady rhythm. His face, usually carved from steel and shadows, was p

t made

I felt l

en ripped out of me a

arms. I didn't deserve the softness of silk against my skin, or the e

didn't even realize I was crying until

voice shatter

you o

e was wide awake, looking at me with more emotion than

m fine,"

est touch. "Ivy," he said softly, "you don't have to preten

I re

me with two others? A man who wanted

one cracked through my defense

think I should be happy. But I feel... dirty.

leave mine. "D

nted to say I didn't, to pretend none o

breathed.

ly. "Then why

at happens when my sister grows up and hears what I did? What if

s hand found mine

. I may not look it, Ivy, but I care for you. Genuinely. I'd never want you to feel

higher over my chest. "So here's

up at him,

hat's ever bothered you. Everything you need to sort

second?

of doing. Even the wildest ones. Even th

hy

you'll be living only in your dreams from now

his eyes threat

," he added, already reaching for his ph

him, start

tly. "Yes. Hom

at him, c

ld. "I meant what I said-I don't want you worrying about anything again. Rent, bills, safet

arm and possessi

me didn't

me wante

That M

, silver heels, and the diamond necklace from last night-because ap

. Pale stone, tall windows, ivy climbing th

uest room. My toiletries arrang

n't a sl

as rel

bed, gripping the blank notebook

li

and d

e empty page,

even suppo