Page 68 of Relentless (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 2)

“What in the actual fuck are you doing Levi Franklin Marsh?” She screeches and pinches my back. “I’m going to beat your ass for this. I work in this building!”

“It’s a Thursday night. You’ll be fine.” I hit the button for the lobby. I debate setting her down but decide if I do that, she’s likely to punch me. Best to keep her over my shoulder.

The elevator opens to an amused Connor.

“Lily causing problems?” His question is directed at her.

“Levi’s being a di-” she stops mid-sentence when she sees everyone standing there. “What is going on?”

“We’re going on a little trip.” Con starts pulling her toward everyone, leaving the biggest surprise waiting for her in VI’s private jet. Griff and Claire are standing by the limo with Ivy. All the bags are packed in an SUV that’s already on the way to the airport.

“I don’t have a bag packed.”

“Yeah, you do.” Ivy says with a smirk. “You actually have two packed. Probably way more than you would have normally.”

“Especially we’ll be on yacht in the Mediterranean,” Con rolls his eyes.

“When did you pack for me? Why are we going on a trip?”

“The band’s back together, that’s why. Get your ass in the limo.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders while Con grabs her hand.

“Why is this a surprise for me?”

“Celebration for the transition of Nelson Securities back to you,” Con says with no hesitation. “I rented a yacht in Greece for the next five days.”

“I don’t have my passport,” she stops halfway in the limo.

“It’s in my pocket,” Con replies. “Between Ivy and myself, you have everything you need for the next five days so relax and get your perfect ass in the limo.”

For a second, she looks like she’s going to argue with him on principle, something I don’t think they’ll ever stop doing. Living with them for the past three years I’ve come to learn the signs of an impending argument. But then she reaches up and kisses him, with disgusting enthusiasm. She pulls away and slides in the limo, and he watches her with that smile she’s only one to get from him.

“You guys are fucking gross,” I say with no heat. “Shouldn’t you be out of this phase by now? No sex in the common areas of the yacht.”

“Says the exhibitionist who’s just been reunited with the love of his life,” Con says with a smirk.

He gets in behind her, and I follow. Griff is handing out flutes of champagne, including giving one to Claire which drags a warning growl from Con.

“Stop it, Connor.” Claire stands off against him with an icy glare of her own. “You were drinking when you like fifteen. I think I can enjoy a glass of champagne, especially considering I’m surrounded by your friends.”

“One.”

“As many as I want.” She grabs the bottle from Griff with a devious smirk and starts chugging.

In order to stop a riot from occurring, I take the bottle from her. “Great idea, Baby V,” I wink at her and chuckle at the scowl she tosses my way. She’s always hated me calling her that. I chug the rest of the bottle and set it back in the ice bucket.

Problem solved.

Ives squeezes my knee, and I set my hand over hers. I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding when she leans her head against my shoulder. Everything feels right.

The limo pulls right up to where the plane is parked on the tarmac. We make sure to let Hoodrat get on first, her second surprise of the trip is waiting on board already. She climbs the stairs with Ivy a step behind. Con and I trailing both of them closely.

“Z!” she screams as soon as she’s on the plane. She’s already wrapped in her best friend’s arms, hanging off him like a giant koala. Zion lived with us for a year in college before he declared for the draft. His mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the Bulls had expressed interest, so he was able to move home and take care of her.

He and Hoodrat have also started some local charities for the neighborhood they grew up in. They’re opening a community center with a free after school program in the fall. He’s taken point on that project with Hoodrat traveling to help as much as she can.

I’m hoping to talk to him about my possible project. The camp that Ivy and I went to is for sale. I’m thinking about buying it and starting the camp back up. They closed their doors for good about six years ago. I always thought it was sad, that place holds so many magical memories for me. The possibility of getting it up and running again is exciting.

“Hey man,” I reach out and clasp hands with Zion when Hoodrat finally disengages. He’s become one of my closest friends over the years. We bonded easily over our love of sports in general but specifically basketball. “How’s Mama Jackie?” I always ask about his mother, who’s taken me in just like she did Hoodrat. I talk to her once every few weeks, but I know she’s never honest about her health, always changing the conversation when I bring it up.

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