Page 93 of Rami

It was too soon to make commitments. Everything was fresh: the terror of last night, the hell of the last three weeks. Rami was a protector, and though he might not realize it, having her under his arm gave him purpose. When the dust settled, if he still wanted her around, she’d take him up on his offer. “Okay,” she said with a smile. “I will.”

He winked and let go of her hand. “Let’s go see your sister before she shows up at my place with an army.”

They rode in silence, but Rami’s warm hand claimed her thigh. His words spun in her mind, clinging to her heart with hope and promise. But her conclusion was the same—she wouldn’t allow herself to examine their situation or make definite plans that could hurt either of them if the wind changed direction.

Rami steered into Gigi’s driveway and parked. “One sec,” he said, when she reached for the door. His fingers bumbled over his screen and then he tucked away his phone. “Just letting the guys know we’re here. August wants to drop off Gigi’s money.”

They got out of the car just as the front door swung open. “Ohmigod!” Gigi’s sob twisted Ivy’s insides.

Her sister ran down the marble porch steps in bare feet and hurled herself around Ivy, giving her a neck-breaking squeeze. “I thought I’d lost you again,” she choked out.

Ivy closed her eyes and inhaled Gigi’s familiar perfume. “I’m sorry we worried you.”

Gigi pulled back to stare at Ivy, and her twin sister’s face almost matched the rough state of Ivy’s. Dark circles not covered by makeup ringed her eyes and her skin was sallow and pale, as if she’d been awake for days. Her red nose indicated she’d spent many hours in tears.

“Don’t be silly. Come on, I want you to tell me everything.” Gigi hooked her arm through Ivy’s and they ascended the stairs. Gigi paused and threw a glance over her shoulder. “Oh, your boyfriend can come, too,” she said teasingly.

Ivy nudged her sister in the ribs, but Rami only grinned and followed them. “Where’s Todd?” he asked, as they entered the foyer.

“Oh,” she said, flipping her wrist. “On the phone somewhere. Maybe in the den down the hall. Had to make an important call but he’ll be out soon. He was just as worried as I was.” Gigi went to the stove and put on the kettle then took out a box of Ivy’s favorite green tea.

Sometimes Ivy forgot how easy it was being in Gigi’s company. They rarely needed to communicate their thoughts or needs to each other—they just knew. Some called it twin telepathy. Or maybe they just had so much in common that their wants often matched.

“Coffee, tea?” Gigi asked Rami.

He shook his head. “I’m good thanks. I’m gonna sit outside. Give you ladies time to talk.” He leaned forward and caught Ivy’s lips in his. His hand was firm on her jaw. “Call if you need me.”

Her loins clenched as he swept his thumb over her bottom lip. When his hand dropped away, she wanted nothing more than to follow him outside and continue what they’d been doing in the pool and on the lounger the previous night.

Ivy exhaled and turned to find Gigi smirking. “What?” Ivy asked, but her blasted lips didn’t hide the smile.

“Oh, nothing. He just takes his work very seriously.”

“Shush,” Ivy said with a throaty laugh. But it felt good to joke with her sister. To have something light to talk about.

“I’m happy for you.” Gigi’s voice turned soft and thoughtful. “Rami... he’s got it all. And he seems to genuinely care for you. Like borderline possessively, but it’s hot as fuck.”

Ivy snorted. “He’s only possessive when someone tries to hurt me.”

Gigi placed her hands on the kitchen counter. “That’s what you want. Someone who will protect you with their life.” A hint of longing tugged on Gigi’s words.

Ivy cocked her head. “How was Colorado? You know. Before I ripped you away from wedding planning.”

“Good. I think we got the big details settled and the rest can be done by email.” The kettle hissed and Gigi tapped the counter with her fingertips. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”

While Gigi poured their tea, Ivy unloaded the events of the night—leaving out the poolside moments.

Gigi did not need to know those.

By the time she’d reached the part about Wayne smashing the back of her head into the ground, tears were coursing down her cheeks and Gigi’s arms were around her.

“I’m so sorry you went through that. Sorry I wasn’t there. I never should have left for stupid Colorado.” Gigi sniffed and swiped at the tears beneath her eyes. “Sorry, I’m a mess. I didn’t sleep at all last night, just dozed a bit on the plane, and I don’t think I’m firing on all cylinders.”

Ivy rubbed her back and changed the subject to work, needing a break from the heavy talk. Gigi’s food blog was taking off, and Ivy eagerly asked about the new recipes her sister was working on.

“What about you?” Gigi asked, once she’d shared her work news. “When are you going to return to work?”

“As soon as possible. My first priority is editing the photos from the sessions I had prior to being abducted. Actually, I left my laptop in Todd’s office. Do you mind if I grab it?”

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