Page 28 of Brightness

I don’t know if having a drink will help. The idea that Dash is sleeping so close to Ivy slays me. But the fact that I’m opening myself up to feeling shit I never knew I could, well, that’s just as fucking frightening.

And I don’t know which one I need to be more afraid of right now.

Chapter Eight

IVY

The Next Morning

Before we left, Dash said a heartfelt goodbye to Mia. They really connected during their playtime, but it was Tony who surprised me. He pulled me aside, giving me his personal number. He told me if I ever need anything, I’m to call him directly.

To be honest, I imagine Tony’s profoundly grateful for what I’ve done for Mia. I hope like hell it works to fix her anemia. She has a long recovery ahead because anemia is only part of her battle.

Void’s standing, waiting for us when Tony’s driver pulls up at the gates of the clubhouse, and a smile instantly lights my face.

I’ve missed Void and his broody attitude.

Not to mention his fucking sexy-as-hell face.

Or his killer body.

Crap! I need to control my thoughts, or I’m going to end up jumping on him the second I get out of this car, even with his shitty attitude on the phone last night.

West opens the gate, and Void starts walking toward us.

Dash hops out his side as I move for the door, but Void is on me in a flash. My door flies open and Void places his hand out for me to take.

God, he’s gorgeous.

My hand slides into his perfectly.

Tingles.

No, not just tingles, a damn electric shock strikes all the way up my arm, slamming straight into my chest. My breath catches as his kind eyes meet mine.

“Are you okay?” he asks in his deep, gravelly voice.

My eyes lock with his as I stand. “I’m fine. Last night after they took the blood, I was a little woozy, but today I’m good. Maybe a little tired, but good. Happy to be home.”

Void’s lips turn up as I mention the word ‘home.’ “Let’s get you inside. You need rest.” He’s being attentive and caring and maybe a little overprotective. He doesn’t need to be, but I’ll take it. He wraps his arm around my shoulders as we head for the gate.

Dash moves in beside us as Void glances over at him. “Thanks for taking care of her.” His tone is curt and abrupt. It’s like he’s only saying it for my benefit.

Dash raises his chin. “She’s a handful, but… it was bearable.”

Void narrows his focus on Dash. “Are you wearing eye shadow?”

Dash scoffs. “You’re seeing shit, brother.”

I try to hide my giggle as I smirk up at Dash. He winks, then walks off toward West at the gate.

Void continues with me down the ramp to the bunker. “He was wearing eye shadow, wasn’t he?” Void whispers in my ear.

“Yeah. Take me to my room, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“I can’t wait to hear this.”

As we enter the bunker, everyone turns, expressions brightening when they see me. Eva instantly jumps from Nycto’s lap, doing a mad dash to reach me. “Ivy! You’re okay?” Her body slams into mine, taking me into the tightest of hugs.

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