Page 58 of Clint & Ivy
“I was just downstairs,” I said, assuming she was startled to find herself alone.
“I heard my uncle’s voice,” Ivy said and looked around. “I heard him talking in my ear.”
“The one who died?” I asked, sliding off my jacket and resting my keys at the front table. “That’s just your mind playing tricks.”
“I left him to die,” she whimpered.
“He seemed relieved to see you escape,” I lied, just so she’d stop holding herself responsible.
Ivy looked up at me, thinking about my words. “Did he?”
“Yes. When he waved goodbye, he seemed relieved to know you would be safe.”
Ivy used her sleeves to wipe her eyes. She looked around and shivered.
“I swore I heard him.”
“It’s normal for your mind to play tricks when you’re overstimulated,” I said and slid my hand under her chin. When she focused her gaze on me, I smiled. “You’ve known me for less than two days.”
Ivy nodded, breaking free of her fear. Yet, I saw her reaching for guilt again.
“You’ve known Hanzee for even less,” I said before she could upset herself.
Ivy instantly smiled and looked down at the dog. He sat between our feet, watching us. Exhaling deeply, Ivy glanced at the smaller bedroom.
“I want you to sleep in my bed tonight,” I admitted, startling Ivy whose eyes widened in response. “I’m too lazy to sneak down every hour to check on you.”
Ivy glanced up at my loft bedroom and smiled at me. “I’ll keep my hands to myself.”
“Oh, you’ll try, but Iamdamn irresistible.”
Taking her hand, I walked to the couch. She sat right up against me, wanting comfort. I yanked the blanket over her as she used my chest as her pillow. Finally, I lifted Hanzee onto my lap.
Ivy puckered her lips, asking for what she wanted. I was relieved to kiss her again. Everything felt so fucking new, and I wasn’t a man accustomed to vulnerability. Yet, the more I knew Ivy, the less I could breathe right without her.
IVY
