Page 33 of Feral Touch
“Ivy!” Ren appeared next to me as I remained lost in thought. I tilted my head back to meet his eyes.
I was supposed to be upset with him, I reminded myself. Getting involved with a rock star was a bad idea. I didn’t need that kind of complication in my life.
His warm hand engulfed mine and squeezed gently, his thumb rubbing over my knuckles just like he had at the coffee shop. I nearly whimpered as that small touch sent a wave of warmth up my arm and straight to my chest—and other parts of my body. I squeezed my thighs together unconsciously and tried to ignore the heat rising inside me.
“Thanks for agreeing to come.” He led me to the elevators as I followed behind, entranced by the strong, shifting muscles in his back.
I never imagined a plain t-shirt on a man could look so sexy. Why did Ren always wear waistcoats and suit jackets on stage? He could have given Jayce a run for his money.
The thought of a shirtless Ren in a leather jacket almost made my brain short circuit.
“Ivy?”
We were in the elevator climbing floor after floor and I still hadn’t spoken a word.
“I’m sorry I upset you. I don’t want you to be mad at me.”
“I’m not—” I stopped and cleared my throat, not wanting to sound breathless. “I’m not mad at you.”
Ren’s face lost its worried expression, the tension around his eyes relaxing.
“But I still can’t let you pay for my tuition.”
Ren opened his mouth to respond, but the elevator dinged as we reached his floor. He was still holding my hand as we walked into his apartment.
I glanced around quickly. Black, overstuffed leather seating, dark wood end tables, tall floor lamps with dim lighting and endless bookshelves—it was very homey.
“You want something to drink? Beer? Soda? A glass of water?”
I shook my head, not wanting to get distracted from the conversion we were going to have. “Ren, I can’t take your money.”
“Let’s sit down and talk, okay?”
I gave up and sat on one of the sofas pressing myself up against one arm. Ren sat on the other side, leaving a space in the middle.
“Why did you decide to go to Opus?”
“Trying to change the subject?”
“Just humor me.”
I was silent for a moment, thinking. “They’re one of the best. They have an excellent reputation. Their teachers are first class and many students go on to have great careers in the music industry.”
“It’s so far from home, though.”
I shrugged. “I don’t mind so much. With everything going on, it’s probably better I’m not back home with my parents anyway.”
“Why? What happened with your parents?” He jumped on my last comment, his tone turning dark with worry.
Should I tell him? “My mom lost her job. My dad’s business has never been very successful. They’ve burned through their savings. If I was home, I’d just be a burden.”
I was confused when a look of relief crossed Ren’s face. What had he thought was going on with my parents?
“That doesn’t change anything,” I insisted. “I don’t need your help. I can do it on my own.”
“Can you?”
I flushed. I’d tried and proven that I couldn’t, but I didn’t want to be some gold digger. I wouldn’t be someone’s charity case. I’d just have to find another way. “You wouldn’t understand.”
