Page 115 of Ivory's Ruin Romance

“Mm,” Ivory agreed. “It might be a rough road, but there’s always a chance it’ll get better. I’m not going to give up.”

“That’s the spirit.” They waited at a red light, and Riley drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, the tattooed band of her wedding ring a permanent thread of black around her finger. “Listen, Adrian’s a good man—and by that, I mean there are men who have good hearts, and there are men who use those hearts to do good things. Raptor has a good heart, but sometimes I need to kick him in the ass to use it. My brother…” She exhaled, stepping on the gas as the light turned green. “He taught me what a good heart is and how to use it. I see those same traits in you. If any two people can overcome the odds, it’s you two.”

Ivory felt her smile return. “I’d like to think so, too. Sometimes, I feel a little too invincible next to him. I hope he feels the same around me.”

Riley snorted. “Girl, Adrian’s been fightin’ the world since the day he was born. With you, he’s finally winning.”

Ivory turned away to hide her blush. “That he is.”

For the rest of the drive, she found herself counting the minutes until they reached the apartment complex. Adrian’s bike sat parked in its usual spot, and as they pulled up to the entrance, her heart did a little flip. “Thanks again,” she told Riley. “I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor.”

“Course,” Riley replied with warm amber eyes. “If you need anything, I got your back. And when the time comes, I might take you up on that offer for babysitting.” She placed a tender hand over her stomach.

Ivory’s insides began to tingle. Who would she be to that baby? A babysitter? A friend?

Family?

Would she and Adrian ever have kids of their own? Gosh, it was way too early for those kinds of thoughts. But the idea did sound nice.

Riley had given her something today she didn’t know she needed: a second family and a friend. Someone who would stick around even when they had no college parties to attend or homework to study for. Someone who truly cared.

Waving goodbye, she walked into the building and navigated the halls until she reached Adrian’s door. Each time she stood here, it felt unreal. Like something she’d only get to experience in her best dreams. Adrian had given her a key just in case he wasn’t back in time, but she rang the bell anyway. Her gaze dropped as she shuffled her feet, trying not to appear overly excited.

The door opened to reveal a pair of black socks and the worn hem of Adrian’s jeans. But before she could look further, Adrian captured her in an embrace. Strong arms held her right where she wanted to be, and she let out a happy sigh.

“Welcome back, my sweet witch,” he whispered into her hair.

She smiled and turned to take in his handsome profile, his sharp jaw and beveled cheekbones, the straight line of his nose. Gold flecks gleamed in his eyes, and he looked at her like he’d never seen such an extraordinary sight in his entire life.

“I missed you,” she whispered back. Her lips brushed over his skin, and she purposely skated around his lips, teasing him until he cupped the back of her head to claim her mouth with his.

Her knees went weak. Adrian stepped back without breaking the kiss and pulled them both inside, locking the door. “I hope you’ve had enough adventures today,” he breathed as he kissed down her neck, hands exploring under her shirt and squeezing the bend of her waist. “Because for the rest of the weekend, you’re not allowed to leave.”

She laughed, more than willing to comply. “Oh, but I’m a dangerous woman now, you know.”

“I’m aware.” His hand found hers, then brought it to his nose and inhaled. “I can smell gunpowder on your fingers.”

“I washed them for like five minutes.” She tried to pull away and check for herself, but he tightened his grip and kissed the back of each knuckle.

“It’s sexy as hell,” he murmured, holding her hand to his lips. As he spoke, he pressed her into the door, and she moaned. The feel of his arousal both deepened her need and offered the promise of relief.

“Don’t forget I can be a dangerous man too, sweetheart,” he warned.

That was exactly what she’d been counting on.

“Show me, sir.”

FIFTY-SEVEN

Fresh from a quick shower, Ivory swung her legs and wiggled atop the stool, waiting as directed. Adrian hadn’t told her what he planned. Only that he was taking charge, and she held no reservations.

Her heart settled into a steady rhythm. She’d normally feel small like this, left naked and alone, but a peaceful ease stilled her wandering thoughts. Adrian deserved her patience as well as her time.

Here, he could take whatever he asked for. In this space, his will was final, allowing all her worries to melt away. Spring break and the Dragons faded from her mind as goosebumps rippled over her arms. Whips of air chased shivers up her thighs, and she flexed her toes. Exposed, her nipples puckered into tight, rosy points. Her eyes turned to the bedroom door.

The apartment was quiet. Too quiet. Endorphins thrummed through her veins as their last weekend replayed in her mind. Now that she’d sent him her list of limits, both what she redlined and what she wanted, he knew her darkest desires.

She had nothing left to hide.

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