Page 24 of Born To Be Bad

Alistair stops me. I guess there’s a first time for everything. “Tell me what you need from me.”When I don’t answer, he presses. “How much, Ivy? I can instruct my guy right now and you’ll have it in minutes.”

The limo slows to a stop. We’re at the hospital.

I give Alistair what I hope is a sultry expression. “Looks like we’ll have to finish this later.”

CHAPTER 15

Pure-Hearted Jezebel

ALISTAIR

As difficult as it is to leave the cabin, I drag myself out of the limo and take Ivy’s hand. I don’t know what’s gotten into her today, but I won’t take it for granted, and I certainly don’t want to miss out on whatever salacious thoughts happen to be running through her head. As far as her wanting money from me, I’m more than happy to give it to her. She doesn’t ask for much, even though she deserves everything. It’s clear to everyone who meets her that she’s not one for luxury goods—money translates into security for her, and if anyone deserves to feel secure it’s Ivy Mickelson. Also, on a completely selfish note, I’ve learned that the more secure women feel with me, the more they open up in every way, and that makes for the very best kind of sex. Pearl-clutchers might judge this as transactional, but I don’t give a fuck. And I’ll keep on not giving a fuck for as long as I am fortunate enough to have Ivy in my life and in my bed. My pure-hearted Jezebel.

Going straight to Ariana’s room is tempting, but Ivy and I agree to see Jamie first as her family is here—and I’ve secretly arranged a meeting with them. I see my contact sitting in the plush waiting room and introduce him to Ivy.

“This is Keith,” I tell her. “He’s found a possible place for Jamie.”

Keith nods. He’s wearing eccentric round specs and has really good skin. “It’s a terrific place,” he says, nodding. “Terrific light. Loads of space. All finished beautifully. It can be ready in three weeks.”

When he shows Jamie and the Mickelsons the brochure he’s brought, they ooh and aah.

Mrs Mickelson looks a little starstruck, holding her hand on her chest and fiddling with the bohemian necklace she’s wearing. “It’s a bit much, isn’t it?”

Keith frowns at her. His regular clients obviously don’t say things like It’s a bit much.

“Not really, Mum,” says Ivy, surprising everyone. “I mean, it’s double the size of his old place, but that’s not difficult. And the spare room will come in handy if we want to stay the night. And it just looks huge because of the high ceilings and all that wonderful light.”

“Light is important for an artist,” says Jamie, weighing in.

Keith nods. “Indeed.”

“Well, it’s not up to us anyway, is it?” states Ivy’s father. “It’s Jamie and Alistair’s decision.”

I smile at Jamie. “What do you think?”

Jamie’s expression is serious. “The light is very good,” he echoes. “I’ve never seen a proper studio like that.”

“I haven’t told you the best part, yet,” I say.

His eyes grow even wider than when he first saw the brochure. “It’s much closer to us and your folks, so visiting will be easier. And there’s a woodland on your doorstep. Most likely with some squirrels, although I can’t make promises. So you’ll lose the beach, but get a forest. ”

“I never liked the beach much,” Jamie fibs, then gives us all a hundred-megawatt smile.

“Excellent,” I say, shaking his hand and then Keith’s.

I leave to sign the paperwork while Ivy catches up with her parents, and then we take a deep breath. It’s time to see Ariana.

Ivy stops me in the passage on our way. Furtive, she glances up and down the hallway, then kisses me. Lightly at first, and then as we both feel the sparks, deeper. We stand there like high school sweethearts, snogging.

“You make me feel sixteen,” I say.

Ivy giggles. “Raging hormones and a one-track mind?”

“Couldn’t have summed it up better myself.”

“God, I wish we could have met when we were teens. You would have saved me from a decade of sparse and extremely mediocre sex.”

“If I knew you when I was that age, it would be dangerous for both of us. We’d be shagging all day and forget to eat or sleep.”

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