Page 7 of Moonlight & Matrimony
“This one thinks she’s funny,” Luca says, jutting his thumb in my direction. “But while I have you here, can I get a pint of whatever's on tap and another of whatever shit Ivy’s drinking?”
“Actually,” I cut in, “I’m going to need something that doesn’t resemble turpentine. Margarita?”
“You got it,” Cade chuckles. “How’s the move going, brother?”
“Not bad. Not sure about the neighbors, though,” Luca teases.
“Fuck you. We’re delightful. Right, Cade?”
He pins me with a bemused expression. “I plead the fifth. Let me get those drinks for y'all.”
Luca
I don’t know Ivy that well, but something feels off. As soon as Cade is out of sight, her posture deflates.
“Is everything okay?” I hate to pry, but since she's my sister’s best friend, I feel like I have a duty to look out for her when Paige isn’t around. All the earlier playfulness has evaporated, and it’s like her entire demeanor has changed in the blink of an eye.
“You’re like the third person to ask me that since I walked in here.”
“Maybe we have a reason for asking. You look upset.”
“It’s been a rough week,” she sighs. As if she can’t stand to hold it in anymore, she word-vomits a slew of shitty circumstances she’s endured over the past several days. “And the cherry on top of my shit sundae—” she mimics a drumroll on the bar, snagging the attention of several patrons, but it doesn’t faze her. “Austin wants fifty-fifty custody. If he gets his way, he’ll have Rylin alternating weeks. She can’t handle that, Luca. Austin never gave a shit before. He’s only fighting now because he wants to hurt me.” She pauses, her fingertip drawing patterns in the condensation on her glass. “Fuck. Sorry for the trauma dump.”
“Don’t apologize. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“I wish. But thank you. I just have to hope the courts side with me, but Austin’s family has a lot of pull in this town and the judge has some strong feelings about single mothers. Some stupid archaic belief that growing up without a father figure is detrimental to the child, even if that father figure is a piece of shit.”
Without a second thought, my mind immediately begins formulating a plan. There has to be a way I can help them. Something tells me Austin isn’t exactly a doting father, and the possibility of him hurting Rylin sets my teeth on edge. If a guy is willing to put his hands on a woman, he’s probably capable of hurting a kid too. And what happens when Rylin grows up and she’s no longer too little to take the brunt of his anger? As far as I’m concerned, Austin shouldn’t have any parental rights, much less fifty-fifty custody.
Silence stretches and before I can come up with a solution, Ivy excuses herself to the restroom. I’m not too prideful to admit that I actively stared at her ass as she walked away. Ican appreciate a beautiful woman when I see one, and Ivy is gorgeous. You’d have to be an idiot not to notice.
Shortly after Ivy leaves, Cade slides both drinks across the bar. “Miles told me you’re starting the new job soon.”
“Yeah. I’m looking forward to it. Now that my shit is all unpacked, I’m getting restless. How’s Paige feeling?”
“Fucking miserable about 99% of the time. We’re ready to meet our girl.”
“I’m happy for you both. I feel like I missed out on the whole big brother warning, but I already know you’re good for her.” I’m not usually a sentimental guy, but I’ve grown a lot in the last year and a half. Watching my sister build a new life for herself has put some things into perspective for me.
Cade nods. “Thanks. That means a lot. I know things haven’t always been great with you and Paige, but she’s really happy you’re here.”
Before I can respond, Cade is flagged down by another patron, and with one last rap of his knuckles on the bar, he takes off. With all the locals arriving for karaoke night, the crowd is really starting to pick up, and while I have no intention of staying long enough to endure that particular brand of torture, Idowant to make sure Ivy gets home in one piece.
Checking my watch, I frown. Ivy’s been gone too long. A sense of unease claws at my chest, compelling me to look for her. I quickly scan the crowd, but there’s no sign of the hazel-eyed spitfire. I’m off my stool in an instant, a rush of concern propelling me forward, my heart pounding as I approach the hallway.
The moment I turn the corner, I freeze. Austin has Ivy pinned against the wall in the dimly lit hallway. His shadowy figure looms over her, gripping her arm with such force that it makes my blood boil. “Get your fucking hands off of her,” I growl, stepping further into the hallway.
Austin barely spares me a glance, a wide grin spreading across his face. “This is between me and mywife.” Spittle flies from his mouth as he grits out the last word.
“I’m not your fucking wife anymore,” Ivy sneers. I’m so fucking proud of her for standing up for herself, but Austin’s grip tightens and she winces. In three strides, I’m on him, ripping him away from Ivy and shoving him hard against the opposite wall. “You stay the fuck away from her,” I snap, white hot rage flooding my veins.
Austin stumbles, but quickly regains his balance, his eyes narrowing with contempt. “She’ll always be mine.”
As I stalk towards him once more, his face barely an inch from mine, I keep my voice even and calm, despite every instinct to the contrary. “Touch her again, and you’ll regret it.”
“Is there a problem here?” Liam’s commanding presence cuts through the tension, and I can see the moment Austin realizes he’s lost. He spits out a curse before shoving past us, barreling towards the exit. Liam follows closely behind, and I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he’ll ensure he doesn’t return.
“Ivy, are you okay?” I gently cup her face in my calloused palm. Her skin is soft and I have to resist the urge to run my fingers down her neck and over her collarbone. Fuck, she’s beautiful.
