Chapter 20 Ivy
twenty
Ivy
Ivy adjusted the ruched skirt of her dress and appraised herself in the mirror.
The bodice hugged her curves, and the illusion neckline disguised her scar.
The dress was a deep, blood-red, and although the colour pushed unwelcome thoughts of Killian into her mind, it looked too damned good on her to hang in the armoire unworn.
Ivy felt incredible, and she was ready to find Finare at The Succ.
He’d ventured out to meet with his latest fling, but Ivy didn’t feel like being a third wheel and stayed behind.
She regretted her decision when her boredom set in, so she decided to seek him out.
She managed to convince Voresta to drop her off once she was ready.
Voresta’s willingness to leave her in Finare’s care was a result of Killian’s absence from the social scene—at least from Voresta’s observations.
Ivy was still reeling at the fact that her encounter with Killian at the theatre escaped the notice of her clan.
The subsequent nights continued as normal, as did the relaxed nature of her protection.
It was a significant improvement over Voresta’s usual domineering nature.
Another reason for her mounting boredom was that Leseldh was preoccupied with another case.
Nightly forays around Zentroa furthered his investigation, and when he was at home, he was sequestered in his study conducting research.
This meant Ivy was left to her own devices.
While she was usually content to lose herself within the pages of a book, on this evening she felt a strong desire for something beyond Veldmoor’s walls, involving blaring music and a drink or two.
Voresta drove Ivy in Leseldh’s sedan in silence, and when he spotted Finare’s car parked outside The Succ, he double parked to let her out.
She was still reflecting on her good fortune to be allowed out unchaperoned, but once she got inside the bar and observed her surroundings, she realised just how alone she was.
Finare was nowhere to be seen. The attractive young Warlock he’d spent several nights flirting with was wiping down the tables in the back of the venue.
When she asked him where Finare was, he merely shrugged his shoulders and seemed unhappy about being quizzed on his whereabouts.
Looks like he’s broken it off with another one.
The Silver Sluice was nearby, and Ivy wondered if Finare had changed venues without moving his car. She decided to stick around for one drink before leaving, in case he was still here but she’d missed him.
She ordered a Burning Thrill, and when the bright-red beverage was pushed her way, she was reminded of Killian’s eyes. Shuddering involuntarily at the sight, she carried the drink to a booth in the back of the room and drank it quickly to eradicate the reminder.
“Someone’s thirsty tonight.” Killian’s voice drifted over her shoulder and Ivy’s head snapped around so quickly in the direction of the sound, the movement made her head spin.
Killian’s lips pulled into that familiar smirk and Ivy would be lying if she said it didn’t make her heart beat a little faster. He slid into the booth across from her.
“What do you want?”
“Thought I’d give you some company. You look awfully lonely.”
“I was just leaving.” Ivy threw the rest of the drink back, and the rush from the alcohol made her feel lightheaded.
“Not until you’ve finished your drink,” Killian remarked playfully. Ivy raised her empty glass and looked at him as though he were an imbecile. A bartender appeared from the side, setting down another pair of Burning Thrills. Ivy scowled at them.
“Drink up, pet.” Killian slid one towards her before lifting his own. He smirked over the rim of the glass at her before taking a sip while maintaining eye contact.
“Don’t call me that.” Ivy leaned back in her seat, leaving the drink untouched.
“Hmm, perhaps you aren’t Leseldh’s pet. You have slipped the leash tonight, after all.” Killian set his glass back down and ran his hand through his hair. The smirk on his lips turned devilish. “But we’ve already established what a naughty thing you are.”
Ivy was reminded of the blush that had confirmed Killian’s suspicions at the theatre. A similar one spread across her cheeks again, and she finally snatched up the glass and took a sip, if only to avoid a response. Killian’s eyes remained upon her, watching her every move.
“Does Leseldh know you’re here alone tonight?” His tone was disarmingly playful.
“Finare is around here somewhere.” Ivy glanced about the bar casually, as though expecting to see her Broodmate nearby. The way Killian sipped his drink and continued to pin her with his blood-red stare told her that he didn’t believe her.
“And Voresta? He’s usually never too far away.” The query sounded more like criticism of her Broodmate than probing.
“Maybe he doesn’t view you as the formidable hunter you think you are.”
Killian’s eyes flashed in response. She blamed the alcohol for loosening her tongue, but it didn’t stop her from taking another sip.
“I think you still find me formidable.” Killian’s eyes clouded over with black trails of mist. She found the spectacle so captivating that she failed to stop him from closing the gap between them.
He slid his arm around her shoulders, and she was enveloped in his scent and warmth.
It felt strangely comfortable, so much so that she didn’t try to resist him.
He lifted his hand and freed a strand of hair that was tucked behind her ear with a finger.
His finger traced the outline of her jaw, and her heartbeat quickened with the delicate touch.
She watched the movement of his fingers, before her eyes travelled up his muscled arm.
She caught the hint of his tattoo peeking out from beneath his shirt sleeve.
There wasn’t enough visible to appreciate the design, and she couldn’t stop herself from wondering just how much of his skin was covered in those dark markings.
She felt her temperature start to rise as her imagination took a detour, and when her eyes continued upward, she found his gaze fixed intently upon her.
She swallowed thickly as she stared back at him, and a rumbling chuckle fell from his lips at the sight.
He’d proven his point, and he knew it. Formidable indeed.
“Tell me, Ivy. Does your heart race like this when Leseldh has you in his arms?” Killian’s finger traced a feather-light path down her neck, tracing over her racing pulse before skating along her collarbone through the mesh neckline of her dress.
“I’m not worried Leseldh will snap my neck like a twig, so no. Leseldh is more interested in kissing me than Ending me.” Ivy’s voice wavered as she struggled to keep her breath steady.
“What makes you think I don’t want to kiss you?” Killian’s eyes drifted to Ivy’s lips as if to persuade her, and she had to clench her thighs together as desire pulsed through her.
“Probably because you’ve been close enough to kiss me several times yet have never tried.” Ivy wasn’t sure what made her challenge him, but her heartbeat spiked when it caused him to lean in closer, so that his lips were mere millimetres from hers.
“You only have to ask, baby vamp.” His words were low and sensual, and it sent chills running up her spine.
Before she had the chance, movement out of the corner of her eye drew her attention, and she whipped her head around to see Voresta charging towards them.