Page 27 of Lust

I smiled dimly. “We no longer have a house in common.” Giving up that place hurt, physically hurt. “Sorry again Ivory.”

And I go to walk away. I said my peace. If she still hates me. I tried.

15

Kace

“Kace?”

I paused, turning back to look at her. She was hanging her helmet on the handle bar. I arched my eyebrows—wondering what she was thinking to stop me.

“You allergic to these apartments?”

I wasn’t sure what she was really asking.

“Cause I know you offered me to stay with you. But you are welcome to stay with me for a bit.” She bit her bottom lip. “I guess I owe you for the car.”

I tilted my head. “You don’t have to put yourself out.” I was planning on crashing at the club. Though the thought of staying with Ivory was more appealing. “What would your brother think?”

“My brother doesn’t seek my approval and I don’t seek his.” She swallowed sharply. “You got me our car back. At the cost of your house. So, it seems only fair. Though my apartment isn’t luxury.”

My lips twitched up. “Doesn’t bother me. I’ve stayed in worse.”

“You haven’t seen it yet.” She smiled, and then gestured with her head for me to follow her.

I followed her, walking up the stairs, and I noticed the curtains from other apartments, be pulled back. Then can’t help but hear the locks on the doors being turned on. Because I had my cut on and they would think I was here to punish them for not paying rent. Most of the renters here didn’t pay. Ivory however always paid.

We came to a run down door, that was painted red. The paint itself stood out. All the other doors were black.

“You paint it yourself?” I asked, and she glanced back at me.

“Um yeah.” She said unlocking it. “After constantly going to the wrong door, for six months. My neighbors were thankful I did it. No longer trying to get into the wrong places.”

She let the door swing open, and she stepped in, holding the door for me.

“Do you have stuff on you?” She asked, and I watch her turn on a fan. “Or is your stuff still with Olivia?”

“Some of it is in the car.” I grab the back of neck, feeling really out of place. I should be offering her somewhere safe to stay. Not her offering me to stay here. Though I could protect her from these shitty neighbors if I was here.

I can’t help but note how much hotter it is in here than outside. She left the door open and the summer breeze was coming through, but it was still warm compared to in here- it was a welcomed breeze.

I watched her unzip her leather jacket. Can’t help but be proud she was safe on the bike, even though she didn’t have to wear leathers.

“God it’s hot.” She muttered and the apartment was open living. Couch to the right, television to the side. Coffee table, then the kitchen to the left, a small table and that was it. Well that was if you didn’t count all the clothes. “I swear I’ve been meaning to clean these up.” She frowns looking at the piles of clothing.

I noticed now that they all have price tags on them.

“I use them as rags most of the time. Beer?”

I frowned but nodded my head and she was handing me a cold beer a second later. I noticed how when our fingers brushed she looks nervous and takes a step away from me. She also has taken the cap off the beer—can’t help but think that’s wife material. She used the bottle opener on her beer.

“You got a spare room?” I asked, just assuming she did.

She grins. “I’ve got a couch.” She takes a sip of her beer. “Still want to rough it?”

To be near her, yes. I shrugged. “Comfy couch?”

She nods her head. “I’m tempted to trade the bed for the couch, that’s how comfy it is.” She reaches for the cigarette packet on the kitchen island, and then goes and sits on the bench before lighting up a cigarette.

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