Page 80 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

“I don’t say please.”

“I’ll remember that tonight,” I say primly. I know how to get him to say please. I step away from him and wrap my arm around Z’s waist as we start walking out the park.

“What do you think of everyone?” I give his waist a little squeeze.

“I didn’t want to like them so much,” he scratches his chin, “but I do. Levi is fun as hell and as athletic as me.”

“I know. I couldn’t resist him right from the start. Even when he was being an over sexualized idiot.”

“Griff is smart and he seems to care about you. I trust him with you, both of them actually.”

“Yep.” I agree with his assessment thus far.

“Connor,” he looks down at me, “isn’t good enough for my Lil.”

My heart drops. Zion’s opinion means as much as my dad’s does. I’m not going to end my relationship with Connor because of it but it does dampen my enthusiasm.

“But,” Z continues, “no one would be. I see that he cares about you and that you care about him. He crosses the line from protective to possessive a little too frequently. Then again, I know you are perfectly capable of putting him in his place when necessary. I trust you and you trust him so,” he holds his hands palms up, “I’m good. As long as you are happy, I’m happy.” Then he stops completely and looks down at me. “I’ll kill his ass though, if he hurts you.”

“You’ll have to get in line.” I smile and jump into his arms for a hug.

“Get in line for what?” Levi asks walking over to us.

“To kill Connor if he hurts me.” I say from where I’m attached to Z koala style.

“Oh yeah, Griff and I will be in that line.”

“Me too.” Ivy states.

“Ives, you can’t even kill a spider,” Levi chuckles. “You’re about as scary as a kitten.”

“Kittens have claws, asshole.” She smacks his chest.

They chase each other away again, play fighting.

“What is up with those two?” Z asks. “I know they’re just step siblings but I can’t figure them out. They flirt and they fight.”

“Yeah, I’ve asked Ivy and she always deflects. I figure she’ll talk to me when she’s ready or if there’s a reason. Until then I just watch and stay entertained. Griff probably has the answers but he’s not saying anything, once you tell him something in confidence it never comes back out.”

He grunts his agreement and then stops me with a hand on my arm. “Why are we being followed?” He shoots his eyes to the side where three bulky dudes are following us.

“That’s park of the Volkov security team. Connor’s family has been receiving death threats. They’ve been with us all day.” I smile at him reassuringly. “Dad’s vetted and trained them all. We’re good.”

“We need to hurry.” Ivy grabs my hand. “I have hair and make-up coming in half an hour.”

“Hair and make-up?” I give her crazy eyes. “Just to go to a club?”

“Yes!” She looks at me incredulously. “This isn’t a party at The Abyss. We’re going all out tonight. Did you bring the white dress?”

“Yeah,” I trail off. I’ve never had my hair or make-up done professionally. Once again I feel like a fish out of water with my new friends.

* * *

“Good lord we look hot,” Ivy says as we look at reflections in the mirror. My hair is curled loosely and hanging free down my back to cover my bandages. The make-up artist gave me a smoky eye and performed some sort of voodoo to make my nose look thinner and more pert. My lips are covered in natural pink gloss and lined to make them appear even more plump. It gives me a sultry look and then this dress boosts the effect. The iridescent sequins throw light like a subtle disco ball. Ivy keeps raving about my side boob, which is pretty magnificent if I do say so myself. The hem hits me at mid-thigh and my legs are elongated by the metallic gold heels Ivy paired with it.

Ivy looks just as gorgeous. Her brown hair is swept the side in a fish tail braid with strands loose framing her face. Her dress is a deep plum color and has a conservative neckline with long sleeves but is completely backless and an inch or two shorter than mine. Her make-up is similar but done with purples and browns. She has a towering pair of black heels on, making her closer than usual to my height.

“Wow.” Griff appears behind us in the mirror. “You two look stunning.”

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