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