Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
I’m jerked back suddenly. Braxton reaches for me, but a thick arm and hand keep him from touching me.
My heart races as I register what the fuck just happened. When I look over my shoulder, a cold, damning presence is smiling at us with death in his gaze.
Hawke is nothing but the killer right now, but Braxton holds his ground. The two square off, and I can feel the palpable tension. “It’s best you leave,” Hawke says in a low, gravelly tone.
Chills run down my body. Behind Hawke, I see Ivy staring, her mouth open wide, as she tries to assess the situation. Dread fills me because if Braxton does react, he’s fucked. Hawke will literally beat him to death. But, somehow, my cousin, despite his killer edge, respects my wishes and my claim for my prey.
Braxton looks from Hawke to me, then dips his head and turns to walk away. I’m shocked because Braxton loves antagonizing people, especially if he can then pin them with a night or two behind bars. But it’s as if that kiss was just as mind-melting for him as it was for me. What the fuck just happened?
He strides through the crowd, people moving out of his way as he makes for the exit.
“Little red, you’re in trouble,” Hawke says, looming behind me, and suddenly, it feels like my father just walked into the room. They might not be blood related, but Hawke is an Ivanov through and through.
Shit. I’m totally in trouble.
CHAPTER 15
Hope
“It’s not what it looks like,” I say sheepishly.
“It totally is!” Ivy pushes Hawke out of the way. “Who was that handsome, blue-eyed hottie? Damn, Hope, you’ve been keeping secrets!”
“Nothing’s happening between them—us,” Hawke and I snap at the same time, and we lock eyes.
Ivy’s smile twists dangerously, and she pushes out her bottom lip. “Awww, is Hawke playing big brother? You never warn men away from me.” She twirls a lock of her hair innocently.
“I need to warn the men about you,” he corrects.
“High praise from the king of manwhores,” she says with a smirk.
“That filthy mouth of yours is really going to get you into trouble someday,” he bites back, still pissed.
“So many empty promises,” she purrs.
Eww.
I blink once. Then twice. What the fuck is happening? “Stop!” I shout, coming between them with hands in both of their faces because I don’t know if they’re about to fight or fuck.
Ivy crosses her arms over her chest and looks at me expectantly. “Is everyone just pairing themselves off lately? Eli, Dutton, Billie, Ford. Like, what the fuck is happening? Have they polluted the water or something?”
“There’s nothing happening between us. I just… might’ve hooked up with him once, and we fell into old habits.”
Hawke’s eyes narrow. “You’ve fucked him?”
“Oh, come on, Hawke, she’s not an innocent angel. I knew there was a little she-devil in there.” Ivy turns to me and encourages, “I think you should definitely do it again.”
“No,” Hawke adamantly says, and he’s in his power pose—legs shoulder width apart, arms crossed, glaring down at me. It’s rather intimidating to see him when he’s like this. He may have respected my wishes so far, but this might change things.
Without going into detail, so Ivy doesn’t become further interested, I simply say, “It’s not something I intend to repeat.” I want to add I didn’t know who he was the first time, but those bits of information intrigue Ivy far too much. Her father, Will Walker, is well known for his tracking abilities. And the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. However, she’s never revealed to her parents how gifted she is. She pretended to lose interest in it in case she didn’t want to pursue the career path. But she does it on the side for money, among other freelance IT things.
“Besides, weren’t you two having fun? I think I might go home. Those tequila shots really went to my head,” I say. It’s true that the alcohol may be impairing my judgment, but really, these two don’t need me here. And I’d much rather curl up in my bed and read. I also want to try and process what the fuck just happened.
“Noooo. The night’s still young,” Ivy whines, grabbing for my hand. She looks over her shoulder at her reverse harem, and I know she wants to stay. And I’d never stop her.
I laugh and pat her hand. “I can get home on my own. You know I prefer it that way.”
“I’ll call Ford to pick you up,” Hawke offers, taking out his phone and calling his brother. I can’t help but roll my eyes. He was so excited for me to come out tonight, but I know he’s shifted into protector mode. And if that is the best way for me to get home, then I’m completely fine with it.