Page 83 of Clint & Ivy
“I know, but today awakened a fear inside me.”
Cradling his hand between mine, I wanted to make a big speech about how he had no reason to fear for my health. Being assertive felt like the right move, but I held my tongue.
Earlier, when I got upset over showing Clint my scars, he could have busted right through my defenses. I would have backed down. He was a difficult man to tell no.
Instead, Clint had backed off and let me go at my own pace. Without the pressure from him, I pushed myself to reveal a little more.
That’s why I didn’t try to convince him about my health or how he had no reason to fear losing me. Those would be words he already knew but struggled to trust.
Clint had clearly been spoiled. He was so effortlessly handsome and confident. He came from a good, loving family. He had so many friends constantly texting him. The man was born lucky.
That was Geraldine’s problem. When she had a defective baby, it ruined her perfect life. She reacted in toxic ways, sabotaging herself, me, and the entire family.
Clint was a whole lot smarter and tougher than my mother had been. Faced with hardship, he wouldn’t fall apart. I just needed to allow him time to adjust to his new reality.
I cuddled up next to him and kissed his shoulder. I loved being able to touch him whenever I wanted. My family wasn’t particularly affectionate. Of course, as a child, I got babied. I was often cuddled by Grandmother Abigail. My mom treated me like her doll. I was allowed to crawl into my uncles’ laps when they watched movies. All that affection faded away once I got older and Grandmother Abigail died.
Now, I had Clint and his family, who offered affection easily. Even Ford patted my head before I left, like I was a good little dog.
On my third night in Little Memphis, I slept deeply and dreamed of riding with Clint all over town. At some point, I heard him speaking quietly to Hanzee. I awoke long enough to realize the sun was up and he was taking the dogs to the courtyard.
My eyes felt heavy. I didn’t want to get up. My body was extremely relaxed under the warm blankets. Clint wouldn’t mind if I slept longer. I didn’t have to get moving.
Once I remembered I was cooking today, I snapped fully awake and threw aside the blankets. Cleaning up quickly in the downstairs bedroom, I dressed in stretchy black jeans and a cool lavender button-up shirt that Elle gave me. I tied back my hair and applied a light layer of makeup.
I wanted to look beautiful for Clint, but also relaxed. That was why I unbuttoned the shirt to just above my bra, revealing my scar. Shame burned my chest, and I nearly covered up.
“No,” insisted my wild side to the scared woman in the mirror. “Clint deserves a brave bitch.”
I stopped hiding in the bathroom and headed to the kitchen to cook. Clint surprised me by returning with an extra dog.
“Someone must have announced we’re open to dog sitting,” he said as Boa strutted along with Hanzee and Goblin into the condo. “Rock is riding down to Rawlins to see his parents and asked us to watch his dog.”
I smiled at the three of them moving together around the condo before they settled down at the windows. Clint dropped a kiss on my grinning lips.
“I’m just about to start cooking,” I told him.
Clint kissed the top of my head and admired the prep work I’d already done.
“I’m keeping it simple,” I said, full of pride. “I wanted to make omelets, but I only know how to make one at a time.”
“I don’t cook, so whatever you make will be much appreciated.”
“Youdon’tcook, but can you?”
“Of course. Shay made sure Elle and I knew how to take care of ourselves. I should cook for you.”
His words made my heart race, yet I kept my gaze on the food rather than the sexy man at my side. Clint acted as my assistant. Soon, we sat at the kitchen island with our breakfast and coffee.
Clint moaned his approval at the breakfast hash, making me feel like an ace chef. We enjoyed our meal while the dogs barked and growled at the birds outside. Once riled up, the three tiny beasts bounced around and barked at people down on the street.
Fascinated by the dogs, I nearly didn’t notice Clint pull out his phone. He was frowning slightly at whatever text he received. When his gaze met mine, I knew whatever was going on was related to me. Rather than push for details, I watched him until he fessed up on his own.
“Lula just touched down in Reno,” Clint said, and I froze midbite. “Your uncle fought the court order. He made claims about your health and safety. Lula has gone there to ensure things are handled.”
“Just leave my stuff there,” I blurted out, panicked now. “You can’t put Lula at risk.”
Clint took my hand and tugged me over to his chair. I gripped his shirt and imagined those men who hurt me putting their hands on Lula.
