Page 82 of Vicious Knight

I put out my cigarette and practically fly down there.

It makes me sick to my stomach to see her laughing at his jokes. I’ve never seen her laugh before or look so carefree and relaxed.

The only time she’s ever looked relaxed was when I snuck up on her in the library weeks ago. She looked content staring at the river as she was lost in her inspiration.

I think I might have seen her smile once. It was when she was with her friends. Never with me.

She and Aiden look like a couple.

A couple flirting with each other who need to get a room.

“In Italy my family owns one of the biggest vineyards,” Aiden is telling her. “We make one of the best loved wines in Europe.”

“That is amazing. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy.” Ivy laughs again, and this time she flicks her hair over her shoulder. I note the way that asshole’s eyes move straight to her breasts.

“You should go. There are some fantastic places to see.”

“The Vatican and the Colosseum are top of my mental bucket list.”

“Along with my family’s vineyard.”

Motherfucker, he’s inviting her to Italy.

“Yes, that sounds great.”

We will see about that.

“I’m taking some wine with me on the trip Friday. Come to my room once we’re done sightseeing. We can have our own wine-tasting party.”

My lungs burn with fire that I want to unleash on this asshole. Before Ivy can give him an answer I walk up to them as if I’ve carried the winds of a raging storm on the soles of my feet.

The two stop talking and look at me. The smirk on Aiden’s face tells me I’m right about my uncle’s influence in this shit.

“Get the fuck away from her.” My voice is colder than the grave and of course my obnoxious words make Ivy’s mouth drop.

“Thorne. You don’t have to be so rude.” She stares back at me, red-faced. “Aiden just transferred from?—”

“I know who Aiden Sabioni is.” The look I flash her way shoots her down.

“Sorry, old friend. Didn’t realize she was anything to do with you.”

“Yes, you did.” I give him a mirthless grin, letting him know that I know how far he lives up my uncle’s ass.

“Well, I was told she was single.”

I cut Ivy a hard stare. “Well, you were mistaken. Now get the fuck away from her.”

“We’re actually working. I am Ivy’s tutor.”

Just fucking great. Well played, Aleksander. Well played.

My uncle has delivered so many blows at this point that I’ve lost count.

The shitty thing is that I’m still on square one. I may have been a badass back there in the training hall with Kade and the others but in reality I can’t even block my uncle’s punches.

“The lesson is over. Ivy, come.” I look at her again, finding her seething. I’ve never seen her angry. I’m getting a lot of firsts today.

“You don’t have to listen to him if you don’t want to.” Aiden stares at Ivy and does that thing therapists do when they’re trying to connect with you by reaching out a hand to touch hers. “We were having such a great session.”

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