Page 95 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

Ivy has a gorgeous hunter green long sleeve mini dress on. It has a deep V that opens all the way to the curve of her ass in the back, showcasing her toned muscles. Her dark brown hair is curled and swept to the side. We both decided to go subtle with our make up.

I pick up my phone and decide to video call Dad. He picks up on the first ring.

“Hi sweet pea. You look beautiful.” His face fills the frame but I can see the top of his bow tie peeking up.

“Hi dad. Let me check you out in your monkey suit,” I say with a grin. I’ve seen my dad in his dress uniform multiple times but never in tuxedo. To say he was not excited about this would be an understatement.

“I’m with Victor and Connor already.” He hands his phone to Victor who steps back. Connor steps into the frame beside dad and I lose my breath. There together are the two men who own my heart unequivocally. I grab a quick screenshot so I can keep this moment in time forever. “What do you think?” Dad does a little goofy shimmy. “I clean up nice, huh?”

“You look so great, Dad. I’m kind of sad I’m not there to see you guys in person.” I’m sure Victor probably looks just as good, a more mature version of Connor.

“I know sweetie. I’m sad that I’m missing your senior Homecoming, too.” A little frown wrinkles his still youthful face. “Let me see the whole dress.”

“Okay,” Ivy’s in the other room so I poke my head out in the hall and yell for Levi. His head pops out of his room and I motion him across the hall. Griff follows alone.

“Dad and Connor want to see my dress.” I hold the phone out for him and he realizes I’m video chatting.

“Hi Mr. Nelson. Con. I promise to takegoodcare of hood rat tonight.” He grins mischievously and chuckles when Connor growls at his suggestive tone.

“Despite that suggestive statement, I believe you,” Dad laughs. “Not sure it’s a good idea to antagonize this one though,” he pats Connor’s shoulder affectionately.

“I live to poke the bear,” Levi quips before turning the camera on me. “Honestly, I’m not sure the video is doing her justice tonight. Lilith is absolutely gorgeous.” He winks at me from behind the phone and twirls his finger directing me to spin.

Ivy walks out and stops mid-step, taking in Levi. His navy blue suit is perfectly tailored to his large frame, the gold tie plays off my dress impeccably. His sandy blond hair falls across his forehead effortlessly setting off his dark blue eyes. The phone lowers in his hand as his jaw drops just a bit, as taken by Ivy as she is with him.

My eyes meet Griff’s as I grab the phone from Levi, who is still standing silently looking at Ivy.

“You do look stunning, Lilith.” I hear Victor say and when I look back at the screen I see all three of them. “I’m sorry I absconded with your father and Connor this weekend. If there was any other way I would have found it.”

“It’s okay, Victor. Congratulations on your award.” I say and mean it sincerely. “There will be other dances and events this year.” He nods his head and gives me a slight smile before walking out of the frame.

“I’ll text you in a few minutes.” Connor says and follows his dad.

“I love you, baby girl,” Dad says when it’s just him and I again. “I’m so proud of you.”

“For going to a dance?” I laugh.

“No. For being mature, strong, loyal, and loving. You are the best part of me.”

“Dad,” I fight the emotion swelling in my eyes, “don’t be so melodramatic. I love you, too. Have fun tonight.”

“You too, sweet pea. Call me when you get home.”

“I will.” I swipe to end the call and take a shuddering deep breath. We don’t do feelings so I need a minute to shove all that back down in my hole of feels.

Griff walks over and side hugs me.

“You look lovely.”

“Thank you, Griff. You look pretty handsome yourself.” He really does. He’s wearing an Italian cut black suit with a hunter green shirt that compliments the hue of Ivy’s dress. His slim black tie polishes the look. If you hadn’t seen him shirtless you would never know his back was covered in ink. “Based off the way Ivy and Levi are staring at each other I think you and I might end up ditched tonight.” We share a knowing smirk.

My phone pings with a text notification.

Connor: Beauty is power; a smile is its sword- John Ray

Connor: U fucking slay me Lily

Connor: I want u 2 crawl in my bed tonight, leave that dress on but take ur panties off

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