When Damon came back in the room, I was certain Kace was dead. I begged him to leave me alone, but he didn’t say a word. He cut open my shirt which caused me to scream because I thought he was going to rape me, but he didn’t. He cut the zip ties and stood back. “Get the fuck out of here.” His deep voice saying those words is etched in my memory.
I ran and when I saw Kace was alive I almost lost the use of my legs. Having his arm around me, being surrounded by his scent made me finally feel safe.
That is until he told me to leave. I wanted to run but I wanted to run with him. That wasn’t the plan though. He gave himself up for me. I look up at the ceiling as a tear runs down my cheek.
I quickly wipe it as the door opens and Harper walks in. She’s carrying two plates with pizza and a few bottles of water.
“I knew you wouldn’t get any sleep,” she says, handing me my plate.
“Have you heard from Zane?” I ask, my sad eyes searching hers.
She takes a bite of her pizza and shakes her head. “Not yet. The entire club is with them, so try not to worry. They’ll come back whole.”
“Kace won’t,” I say, looking down at my pizza. “Rachel and Damon looked all too happy when I ran out the door.”
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“You don’t give Kace or the club enough credit. There’s always a plan.” She lifts her eyebrow looking at my slice of pizza, silently telling me to eat.
“Kace was alone when I left. There was no sign of anyone else. They could’ve killed him long before Zane got there. It’s too fucking much to think about,” I say, trying to eat around the lump in my throat.
“He loves you, Ivy. He did what was necessary to keep you safe. That’s what this club is about. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. They fight hard but love harder.”
I nod as I take in her words. I do understand now, I honestly do. The shit I went through was horrific and vile. Something that I will live with for the rest of my life. But Kace running in like a damn knight and saving the princess made me see it all so clearly. He told me he’d protect me, and the baby and he did. The look of relief on his face told me all I needed to know. He loves me enough to give up his life. It makes my heart hurt.
“I’m scared,” I whisper, picking at my pizza.
“I know, believe me. I’ve been in your position.” She pulls out her phone and presses it to her ear. When there’s no answer she gives me a sad smile. “Don’t give up on Kace.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
“I know you weren’t crazy about the club and all the shit they get mixed up in. I’m saying give him a chance before you decide you’re gonna walk away,” she says, finishing off her pizza.
I push the blanket off of me and stand up. I know she means well, but it pisses me off that she would say that to me. I go into the bathroom and close the door.
“Ivy, you alright?” Harper asks on the other side of the door.
“Yeah,” I say, sitting on the closed toilet.
As much as I don’t want to be alone with my thoughts, right now I’d rather that. I’ve never interfered with her relationship and I’d appreciate the same respect. I know what I’m feeling. I don’t owe those thoughts to anyone else right now.
“I’m gonna get more pizza and check in with Maren. I’ll be back.”
When I hear the door close, I slip out of the bathroom. I get back in bed and I eat my slice of pizza. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I started eating. I finish off a bottle of water and lay down. I wish I had my cell phone so I could call Kace. Even if it just goes to voicemail, I have a lot to say.
My eyes get heavier and I finally give in and close them. Kace’s face is the last thing I see before I’m finally pulled under.
I’m woken up by loud noises and fear wraps around me. Something is going on and I’m frozen in place. I pull the covers up to my chin as I sit there listening. I can’t make anything out, just that suddenly voices are loud. The door flies open, and I scream as I close my eyes.
“Ivy?”
My eyes fly open at Kace’s voice and I look at him standing there. His clothes are covered in blood. The side of his head has definitely taken a beating and has dried blood on it. But what stands out the most are his sad brown eyes. They look haunted. I must still be dreaming.
“Kace? Is this for real?” I ask, dropping the covers as I crawl to the end of the bed.
“Ivy, fuck,” he cries out, wrapping his strong, muscular arms around me.
His intoxicating smell invades my senses. His heart beats rapidly beneath my ear as I dig my fingers into his back. His hold on me tightens as he kisses the top of my head. I can’t fight it any longer, the tears begin to flow.