Page 130 of Ivory's Ruin Romance

A kiss that meant he truly belonged to her.

She kissed him with equal fervor, claiming him as entirely as he’d claimed her. Perhaps it was her magic that had kept him safe all along. Her love had sealed him away from the gaping gates of hell. Her lips were the very essence of heaven, his saving grace and an eternal balm that cured his deepest wounds.

There were no more chains to bind him. No more foes to defeat. Only her to hold, to cherish, to keep.

Forever.

“I love you so much,” he mumbled into her mouth, seeking out the warmth from each drop of blood flowing through her veins, from the thrum of her heart, and the squeeze of her hands against his chest.

“You did it,” she breathed into his neck, then pulled back to look at him with unshed tears in her eyes. He wiped off the few that escaped and traced around her trembling lips.

“You were so brave, Iv,” he praised. Her eyes flicked to the side, darting over the spot where Jun had fallen. He pulled her closer. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” she mumbled, snuggling into his side. “I’m glad he’s gone.”

Raptor came up and clapped him on the shoulder. “Congrats.”

Adrian winced, the effects of the fight finally sinking into his weary bones. A fight that lasted much longer than one night. “Same to you, R.”

None of this would have gone to plan without the support of his family, even if they weren’t all bound by blood. Raptor had stood with him and helped to keep everyone safe, all without batting an eye.

Extending a hand, Raptor held out the recording device. A few scratches marred the edges, but it was still intact. “Found this for ya. Keep it safe, although you shouldn’t need it for now.”

Adrian took it with a nod. If Jace became a problem down the road, a few key pieces of that recording would be enough reason for the police to launch an investigation into the Red Dragon.

“Damn, our girl’s got balls.” Riley strode over with a proud grin. In greeting, she punched his arm, thankfully holding back enough to only appear like it hurt. He grunted as she turned to Ivory. “We might have to make you an honorary club member so you can teach these boys what it takes to be a man.”

Ivory laughed, still tucked safe inside his embrace. “That was a one-time thing.” She glanced up and no doubt caught the dark warning flash in his eyes.

“If she ever tries that again, I swear I’ll lock her up in the highest tower and personally see to it she never escapes.” Despite his very real, very serious threat, everyone laughed.

“Looks like you found your own kind of crazy.” Raptor smirked at the two of them. “Suits you, little bro.”

Adrian leaned in and gave Ivory another kiss, already missing the feel of her lips. “That it does.”

They watched the Dragons lift Jun’s body into the bed of a truck, Royal Flush standing guard to ensure everyone left without further confrontation. The last of the bikes began to peel away.

“I guess we’re all heading back.” Riley leaned against Raptor, fatigue slipping into her features.

“Us too,” Adrian agreed, eager to leave this place behind. “Stay safe.”

“Thank you for everything,” Ivory added, to which Raptor and Riley both smiled. They left with a wave, following Royal Flush out of the clearing and into the abyss of the night.

As soon as they disappeared, Ivory smacked him on the chest. He wheezed. “You didn’t tell me about the recording device. I could’ve helped, you know.”

He tucked her against him as she pouted, trapping her arms from causing further damage. She could do whatever she wanted with him once they got home, but he still had to be in one piece to drive them there.

“We didn’t know if it would work or if there would be anything worth recording in the first place. I only wanted it there as a precaution.” He brought his lips to her hair, then kissed down the side of her face. She broke, giving into the emotion, and he licked tears off the pout of her lips. “I didn’t need you to be worried about anything else.”

At that, a few more tears rolled down her cheeks. “I was so worried.” She gasped with a small sob and buried her face in his neck. “You could’ve—he almost—”

“Shh.” He ran his palm down the back of her head and over the ripples of her braid, clutching her as tight as he could. Strain and exhaustion pulled at his muscles as he willed their souls to unite.

Her tears continued to dampen his skin, breaths warm and wispy against his pulse. There had been a day when he vowed never to make her cry, and most of all, to never bring her unwanted pain. He’d protect her with everything he had—that would never change. But out of everything he’d been through, one truth rang out clear: life and pain were synonymous. As long as he held a right to existence, he held a right to the suffering that came with it.

Pain was a privilege. One that made the good things—the important things—all the more precious.

Life wouldn’t be complete without sorrow or anger, without pleasure and joy. And his love for Ivory wouldn’t be as meaningful if they didn’t endure through it all. If his devotion to her didn’t outmatch even the stars in their brilliance, shining on for lightyears in vast darkness and traveling to the farthest reaches of the universe.

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