I’ll need to show up, and prove I’m not weak and no longer going to live under their thumbs.
“I will agree to meet with you, but only if Bishop agrees to come with.”
“Seriously, Ivy! I do not know who you think you are, but you’re not in a situation to be…”
“Enough, Mother. That’s the only option you’re getting.” The strength in my voice is terrifying and makes me feel like I have control over my life for once.
“Whatever. Bring him with, but you will not be leaving with him. Mark my words, Ivy, I will take every single thing from you.”
“Don’t bother. You already have,” I growl into the phone. “Send me a text telling me where you want to meet and at what time. And no, I will not be going home with you, so save yourself the energy of trying to convince me otherwise. I’ve found someone who won’t pawn me off—someone who doesn’t care about what I can do for him.”
My body starts to shake, and I hang up the phone before she gets a chance to respond. I don’t want to hear her response or her voice right now. The tears start to fall all on their own, sliding down my cheeks, leaving a cold streak behind. I fist the sheets, attempting to figure out why I’m crying.
Maybe because I’ve finally broken free of my parents hold, or maybe it’s because I’ve finally found my forever. Or maybe it’s just the weight of everything in the last twenty-four hours. I can’t really pinpoint what’s causing my emotions to spiral out of control. All I know is I need to cry.
“Fuck. Don’t cry, Ivy.” Bishop’s soft voice meets my ears. “Hold on. I’m going to go clean this off. I’ll be right back.” He rushes off to the bathroom, and I burrow myself into the sheets. I don’t want Bishop to think I’m weak, that these tears are for my parents, because they aren’t. A second later, I feel the matress dip as he crawls into the bed. He pulls the sheets up and over us, then turns me, pulling me into his muscled chest.
The smell of soap and aftershave meets my nostrils, and I burrow deeper, as if I can bury myself in his skin.
“I love you. I love you so much.” I sob against his skin, staining it with my tears. He tightens his hold on me and runs his huge hand up and down my back to soothe me. And god, does it ever.
“Shhh, Bambi, you’re safe in my arms. They will never touch you so long as I’m breathing. They will never control you again. Never. You’re worthy of so much more than she says. I will always protect and cherish you. I will always love you as you should be loved.” He speaks softly against my ear, and I cry harder. My eyes start to hurt, and my head pounds.
I know he means each word he says, and I think that makes me love him even more.
He wants me for me.
He loves me for me.
Eventually, the tears subside, and I fall asleep in his strong embrace, wondering what the future will bring for us and how love found me on what was supposed to be the worst day of my life.
Chapter Six
Bishop
Waking up with Ivy beside me is something that will never get old, and I truly wonder how the hell I ever slept alone before she came along. I clutch her to my chest, never wanting to let her go. Every tear she wept last night pierced my heart like a dull butter knife sinking deep into my flesh.
I felt so fucking helpless, and I hated it. Hated that there wasn’t anything I could do but hold her. Knowing we will have to go see her shitty parents today leaves a sour taste in my mouth. It’s the last place I want to take her, but it’s what she needs to do. She needs closure—needs to be able to look her parents in the eyes and tell them to fuck off.
My gaze drops down to her sleeping form beside me. Her blonde hair sticks to the side of her head, her lips slightly parted, and there’s a tiny frown marring her forehead. I wonder if she’s having a bad dream, or if going to sleep with her parents on her mind put it there. Either way, I want to run my fingers over it until it’s gone. I don’t want to see her frown. I only ever want to see her smile.
I’m going to give you something to smile about.
As gentle as I can, I peel myself from her and pull away the blanket. Fuck, she is so beautiful. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to seeing her naked. My cock hardens to steel in record time, and all I’ve done is look at her.