Page 33 of Ivy

“I’m sorry. The bet doesn't bother me. But hell, Ivy, you were smiling at those dickheads. What the hell am I supposed to think? They probably think I’m not man enough to keep a girl like you interested if you’re flirting with them in front of me,” I snark. She barks out a laugh that pisses me off more. I raise an eyebrow at her, but she says nothing and walks away.

“Hey, hang the fuck on. We’re talking.”

“Yeah, well I’m bloody freezing my boobs off, Luke. I’m going home. If you want to come home and talk things out with me, then fine. But if not, then go home and I’ll see you tomorrow, once you’ve had time to sift through your actions tonight and realise how stupid you are being.”

I huff and answer her. “Fine, let’s go home.” I stomp past her and flag down a taxi coming down the street. We arrive at her house after a short drive and I pay the driver as Ivy climbs out of the car and walks up to her house, before opening the door.

I close the front door behind us and lock up. Carter is staying over at Jay’s place, but I know Ivy will get up early to make sure she sees him before he goes to school. I take my coat off and hang it by the door, before taking Ivy’s and hanging it next to mine.

“I’m going to change into my pj’s. Put the kettle on, please.” I nod. This is the most she has spoken to me since I agreed to come home with her. The taxi ride was somewhat awkward. I kick off my boots and go to the kitchen to make my girl a cup of tea and a coffee for me. I fill the kettle with water, turn it on, and sort the cups out.

It isn’t long before she comes down the stairs in her pajamas. Her hair is up in a messy bun and she’s washed her makeup off. She’s in some patterned bottoms and a grey jumper that has the slogan, ‘This is my too tired to function jumper’. I smile and shake my head at her.

“What?” she asks.

“Nothing. I love that jumper, that's all.” She smiles and walks towards me. She stops between my open legs and wraps her arms around my waist, resting her head on my chest. I hold her tight to me, hating the little rift between us.

“I’m sorry, babe,” I mutter.

“Why?” comes her muffled question.

“I was an arse in the pub. I ruined a pretty damn good night.” Her head moves, so I can tell she’s agreeing with me. I lean forward and kiss the top of her head, loving the smell of peaches on her. My dick jerks in my jeans from her scent.

“Can you talk to me about why?”

“Why I was an arse?” She nods again.

“I was jealous, and I know I don’t have a right. You didn’t really do anything, and I acted badly. I won’t do it again.” I offer her a sweet smile, hoping she will believe me. She quirks an eyebrow at me.

“If you say so, babe,” comes her non-believing reply.

Chapter 15

Ivy

Today is a special day. It’s tattoo day. Luke is getting his ‘bet’ tattoo, which I still need to reveal to him. Plus, there is an older gentleman coming in to have his tattoo done that I designed for him. He’s having a tribute design for his son, who recently died in Afghanistan. My heart broke for him when he came in and talked about the design. He’s having a feather that has his son’s name running down the spine. Plus a few items that mean something to his son.

I’m flicking through the appointment book when a green paper aeroplane lands on the book in front of me. I smile, looking down at the little piece of paper. It’s crazy that this little item makes my heart beat that little bit faster every time I get one. Without looking up to see if he’s watching me, because I know he is, I unfold the paper slowly. He loves to see my reactions. My heart melts when I see the words written in his too-neat-for-a-man handwriting.

You are my favourite feeling.

I place my hand over my heart and look towards his door, and there he is, like I knew he would be. There is Beast, leaning against the wall, his huge arms folded across his wide chest, his ankles crossed. He’s wearing a tight white t-shirt that is straining against his biceps, with a navy waistcoat over the top. His jeans hug his thighs like they were cut just for him. No wonder this man had women fall at his feet. I frown, thinking about all the women he has been with before we met. I know I can't hold that against him, but the thought of him having sex with other women makes me queasy.

I drop my eyes back to the paper plane, and the feeling dissipates. I know how he feels about me, it’s just my slightly jaded heart that lets stupid feelings slip through. I carefully fold the paper back into its original shape and add it to the cute little white basket below my desk, where I keep all my other ‘love notes’ from Luke. I look back up to see my man, but he isn’t there anymore. My heart jumps into my throat when I see him standing in front of me.

“Bloody hell, Beast,” I all but yell out of fright. This man may be huge but, he can move like a ninja.

“What’s with the frown?” he asks, his own frown in place on his handsome face.

“What?”

“You just frowned after looking at the note,” he points out, stepping around the desk and coming to stand next to me.

“Oh, nothing.”

“Bullshit, Peaches. Tell me,” he demands, but not in an angry way. He never shows any anger towards me. I bite the inside of my cheek and turn away from him, but he catches my waist and pulls me tight to him.

“Tell me, please,” he pleads softly. I huff and tell him. There’s no point keeping it from him; he always gets what he wants.

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