Page 112 of Ivory's Ruin Romance

“Well, fuck her,” Avril declared. “I’m glad you’re done with them. Sounds like the whole family’s twisted.”

A lump formed in Ivory’s throat. Avril was right—the Yus were bad news—but she had a feeling the drama wasn’t over yet. Jewelle may have ended up behind bars, but Jace and Jun were still on the streets, and they wouldn’t go down without a fight.

FIFTY-FIVE

Ivory bounded towards the curb as he rounded the corner, no doubt having picked up on the purr of his bike. Sunlight glinted off campus buildings and the clean smell of rain hung in the air.

Heaven knew they’d spent too many hours stressing this week.

Between Riley’s incident at the club and Ivory calling him about the Yu’s run-in with the police, he hadn’t gotten nearly enough quality time with his sweet witch. At least the latter incident would only be a setback for the Dragons, and Cortez verified it shouldn’t affect their plans. At dinner tonight, he hoped to get an official date from Raptor, then he could spend the rest of their weekend showing Ivory just how much he missed her.

She’d been a diligent student, both in her studies and researching what she wanted from their dynamic. Her lists came via email this morning, and it gave him all the inspiration he needed to make this weekend better than their last.

He rolled the bike to a stop and pulled off his helmet as she jogged over. She’d swept back her hair with the ribbon, revealing the cutest face on the planet. Her helmet rested under one arm, hips hugged by a pair of jeans, and shoulders covered by a lace cardigan.

“Hey,” she breathed, only able to get out one word before he pulled her into a kiss.

Painted her favorite wine-tinted purple, her lips tasted like heaven, supple, and more delicious than he’d remembered. She kissed him back and then happily let him take over, breath warm and enticing as he reacquainted himself with every last detail of her mouth. Damn it. He couldn’t stop—nor did he care if he should.

Life almost felt this radiant once before. Before the storm came. Before he stopped looking for the sun and started searching for secrets in every shadow. When the road had stretched out in front of him, and it could’ve led anywhere because he only needed to go forward.

And right now, just like then, the only place he wanted to be was right where he was.

A muffled laugh hummed between them as Ivory playfully pushed away and broke their contact. The world rushed back into focus: a crowd of students passing by on the sidewalk, the rumble of the engine, the loud thud of his heart. The morning clouds had retreated to reveal a deep blue sky, and for a few precious moments, he tricked himself into believing the worst was over.

“Hi,” he replied, remembering to greet her with words before snatching the helmet out of her hands and tugging her into his chest. He captured her lower lip between his teeth with a predatory snarl that felt much more suitable.

She moaned, then giggled until his dick started to get hard. Reluctantly, he let her go and fixed her smeared lipstick with his thumb. Ruining it completely would have to wait.

“Do I look all right?” she asked. “I wasn’t sure what to wear for dinner.”

Considering he wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off her all night, he thought she looked more than all right. But that had less to do with her clothes and more with what he’d do to her once they were off.

“You’re breathtaking, as always,” he answered, hooking his fingers in her waistband. “As long as you’re comfortable, I don’t think Riri would care if you show up in rags. She’s less about appearances and more about spirit, and you’ve already proven yourself in that regard.”

“I have?” she asked, tipping her head and looking oblivious to her own virtues.

“Of course,” he chuckled. “How many women would follow their man into a bar, knowing two hostile biker gangs might break out in a fight any minute?”

She rolled her eyes. “You wouldn't have let me come if it could get that bad. And I would follow you anywhere.”

He arched a brow. “Nice try, but that statement works a lot better without adding sass. Remember that I’m keeping track of your punishments, sweetheart.”

She pouted. “Already? I don’t get one free pass?”

“Hm–-no.” He smirked. “And I’m going to enjoy every bit of leeway you give me.” He handed her helmet back. “Any other questions?”

She pursed her lips. “Any other warnings, sir?”

He laughed. “Just be yourself, Iv. There’s nothing for you to worry about…with me or with my family.” He slid his hand around her cheek, addicted to the feel of her skin and how her lips tipped into a smile despite trying to hide it. “You’re my entire world. You know that, don’t you?”

The heat of a blush crept up underneath his fingers. “Yeah,” she breathed. “And you’re stuck as my black knight, whether you like it or not.”

???

Twenty minutes later, after their first ride without wind or rain, they arrived in front of his sister’s house. Ivory stood as he secured both their helmets to the side of the bike, and he slipped his arm behind her as they walked up the driveway.

Not for the first time, and certainly not for the last, he was struck by the impact of such a small gesture. Of walking beside her, yet being her strength and her paladin at the same time. Of protecting her from every angle while she gracefully shielded him from his own dangers. Of breathing in the spring air and feeling an empty space in his pocket where a pack of cigarettes used to be. Of seeing a place people called home and knowing his wouldn’t be dark and empty, or that tomorrow had the potential to be even better than today.

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