Page 92 of Rami

Ivy stirred at the sound of the shower running. She lifted her head. The banging was almost gone. Thank god.

Sunlight streamed in. She stayed under the covers for a minute just staring at the wedge of yellow light on the hardwood floor.

Waking up in Rami’s bed was different from waking up in her own. She didn’t have to dread being greeted by silence in the kitchen, or fall asleep worrying that someone was going to break in. As a woman living alone in the city, she’d always had that fear.

Turned out she should have been more afraid of grocery store parking lots.

She slept easy in Rami’s house. In his bed. If danger came to the door, he’d be armed and ready. This knowledge was a luxury she’d never realized she lacked. Sure, now she had to worry about someone coming for her. But she wasn’t alone. Rami would protect her with his life. He’d fought like hell to find her—twice.

The water shut off and Ivy rose from the bed. Now that she’d rested and eaten, she was a lot more aware of her appearance—and smell. She brought her hand to the icky strands pulled back from her face. Gross.

The bathroom door opened and Rami exited with a towel low around his hips. Every hard-earned ridge of his abdomen was on display. Ink adorned his gorgeous olive skin.

“You’re up.” He gave her a half smile. “Gigi texted. They’ll be at the house soon.”

Ivy perked up, getting to her feet. “Oh, good! I’ll shower. I can’t believe I haven’t washed all the dirt and grime from last night off.” She approached the bathroom door, but he didn’t move out of her way. Instead, his palm snaked around her waist.

“You’re gorgeous. And don’t get me started on your scent or I’ll drag your ass back to bed for round two.”

Her face heated and she nudged him in the stomach. He flinched, and she grinned as he captured her hand in his much larger one and pulled her against his body. Droplets of water dampened his chest and heat radiated off him. He bent his head and nibbled the side of her neck.

She laughed and squirmed, but his grip kept her in place. “Rami!”

He chuckled and swatted her ass with his free hand. “Now get in the shower before I spread you wide.”

She gasped. Her cheeks flamed with temptation. She studied his intense gaze and bubbles of delight erupted inside her. He’d trimmed his beard, and with his face freshly scrubbed and the aroma of piney soap wafting off him, he was a delicious specimen. “Tonight.” She slipped from his hold and shut the door in his face. His loud groan made her laugh.

Thirty minutes and the hottest shower of her life later, she felt almost human and resembled her old, attractive self. She blow-dried her hair so it hung in loose waves, applied makeup, and put on jeans and black tank top.

The bruise on her cheek peeked out from beneath her foundation, which she rarely wore but sure as hell needed today. At least the dark circles under her eyes and the small nicks and scratches from the branches were mostly hidden.

Rami entered the bedroom just as she finished making the bed. His expression was tight... uncomfortable? No, that wasn’t it. She chewed her bottom lip, dying to know what was going on in his head. Did he feel she was invading his space?

“Ready?” he asked.

She nodded.

He gave a half smile and reached for her hand. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just—” She swallowed the questions burning her tongue. “Just anxious to see Gigi.”

“I’m sure she’s more so.” He led her out of the bedroom and to the front door. They put on their shoes and stepped outside. Ivy waited on the porch while he locked the door, and she inhaled the warm air.

“It’s going to be a nice day.”

“Mm-hmm. Maybe we should stop by your place and get some more things. You’re staying for a bit, right?”

For a bit.

She gave a shaky smile. “Yeah, I should be feeling better soon. Then I’ll be out of your hair.” She tacked on a light laugh and his expression darkened.

He cut in front of her, stopping her in her tracks. “You’re not in my hair, babe.” His eyes were hot coals, and volumes of words and emotion welled up in his crystalline irises.

Her belly squirmed. “I didn’t mean—”

“Listen.” His hand caught hers, and he brought her knuckles to his lips. “I want you here. Actually, I’d like you to move in. I won’t rush you, but just know that all you have to do is say the word.”

Her lip quivered. Move in? God. She’d been way off thinking she was monopolizing his space. She swallowed the feeling making her want to throw her arms around his neck and hire a moving truck.

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