Page 137 of Mercy (The Sins Trilogy 3)
Chapter Forty-Six
Anthony
I prop my head on my elbow and watch Ivy sleeping. She looks so peaceful, those long lashes resting on her flushed cheeks. Her lips are soft and rosy, and I can’t resist brushing my thumb over the mole below her mouth as a sudden rush of love swamps me. She was so worried about what Mother said. Ivy doesn’t seem to realize that she’s the only person who matters to me. As long as we’re together, as long as she loves me, I’m okay.
It’s past eight a.m., but she hasn’t stirred, not even once. But then, it’s only five in Los Angeles.
We raided Edgar’s fridge for some cold cuts and salad last night. It was nine hundred times more delicious than whatever fancy stuff we would’ve been required to choke down at Mother’s haute cuisine dinner. Afterward, we fell back in bed, and this time, I took my time with her, driving both of us crazy through long, slow lovemaking.
I’m grateful she’s been strong enough to not let Mother’s poison get to her. Hours later, I’m still processing what I learned. What Mother did is unforgivable. Regardless of how the law views it, she cost Ivy so much—her education at Curtis, friends she had, the life and career she could’ve had. That causes a fury intense enough to overcome my guilt about Katherine. If Mother wanted to hurt me, she should’ve come after me—and only me.
I quietly and gently slide out of the bed, then go to the living room and call my pilot. I’m taking Ivy and returning to L.A. There’s nothing here to make us stay any longer. We both need to get away from Mother as quickly as possible and go back to our lives.
As for Caleb… He’s not getting away with what he did. There are enough details to direct the PIs I plan to hire, so they can find corroborating evidence as quickly as possible.
My phone rings before I can call my pilot. I look at the number. It’s Edgar.
“Hey,” I say.
“Did you get some decent sleep?” he asks.
“Actually, yes.” Not surprising, since I had Ivy with me all night long. “What’s wrong? Is this about Harry?” I should call him before I leave. See if he wants to fly back home with us.
“Do you mind coming over to the office today?”
“For what?”
“To talk.”
I check the time. “It won’t be for about an hour. I just got up.”
“That’s fine. When you get here, the receptionist will bring you to a conference room.”
“All right.” It’ll be good to talk to Edgar face to face, see how he’s doing. He didn’t come home last night, probably spent it with Harry, then went straight to Blackwood Energy. Edgar’s busy managing the company. His calendar’s usually full.
I hang up, then turn and see Bobbi in the kitchen making coffee. She’s already showered and dressed in a sleeveless white top, jeans and hard-soled ankle boots. Her golden hair’s pulled back into a ponytail, and her eyes are sharp and alert as she looks at me.
“Good morning,” she says.
“Morning.”
“Heading home today?”
“Yeah. After I talk with Edgar.”
“Taking Ivy to the talk?”
I shake my head. She doesn’t need Embarrassing Family Drama Act Two. She’s had enough. Once we’re back in L.A., we can invite Edgar and Harry for a small get-together. “Let her sleep in.”
“Got it.” Bobbi hesitates for a moment. “Tony, your mother is…a piece of work. Don’t let what she said drag you down. You’re a good man.” She clears her throat. “Just thought someone should say it.”
Embarrassed and oddly touched, I clear my throat. “Thanks, Bobbi.”
“And if she comes near Ivy, I’m gonna do more than slap her cheek.”
I laugh softly at her gruff tone. “I’ll make sure you have legal representation.” But Mother isn’t coming back. She’s too proud to bother.
It’s going to be Father who’ll ask me to fix it.
