LUCA
“I get it now,” Dad snickers as I walk into the house.
“Get what?”
“The fascination with her.”
The statement makes the blood in my veins run cold. Because I know he’s referring to Ivy, and I don’t want him anywhere near her. “Stay away from her.”
“That’ll be difficult because she’s coming over for dinner with her father.” He makes a show of looking at his watch. “They should be here momentarily. You’d better go get changed.”
It’s too late for me to leave this room because the doorbell chimes.
Micah shuffles down the stairs, fastening the cuff link on his sleeve before adjusting his tie. He knew about this. And I wouldn’t be surprised if he facilitated the entire thing.
Fuck. There’s no way this ends well.
Dad directs several staff members to make sure dinner is ready and will be served soon in the formal dining room. He looks at me again before the door is opened.
When I see her, I decide I’m not letting her out of my sight the entire time she’s here. This was all designed for a reason. And she’s the target.
She’s wearing heavy makeup, her hair in loose waves over her shoulder. The emerald dress she’s wearing is short and tight, leaving nothing to the imagination as I take her in. There’s no world where I wouldn’t get on my knees and beg just to touch her. I want to bury my face in her hair, wrap her up, and keep her shielded. But I can’t because all I can see is the way my father is invasively studying her body.
“Chad,” my father calls out like they’re best buddies as Ivy’s dad strides over.
“This is my son, Zachary. And you’ve met my daughter, Ivy.”
Dad extends his hand to Ivy. “You look stunning, dear.”
“It’s why I’m here,” Ivy replies with a flat, detached tone that I know all too well.
There’s a shift in Chad before he chuckles. “We’re honored to be here. These must be your boys. You weren’t lying when you said they were twins.” Chad lingers on Micah and that’s when Ivy must notice my brother’s black-and-blue face. Her eyes dart to my battered knuckles before her questioning gape asks if what she’s seeing is true. She already senses that it is.
“Yes, twins. But presently there’re some distinguishing marks. Boys will be boys. They got in a tussle over something insignificant.” The jab from Dad is for my benefit. He wants to degrade Ivy in front of me without her being aware.
Dad motions to my brother as he says, “This is Micah and that’s Luca.”
“Nice to meet you,” Chad extends his hand, and I want to punch the man as much as my own father. “You go to Belgrave, too, right? Have you two crossed paths?”
“Unfortunately,” Ivy responds.
“Now come on, Ivy. You know we’re your favorite part of the day,” Micah teases, making me want to rip his arm off and beat him to death with it.
She shouldn’t be here.
“Totally.” Her sarcasm is thick as I move closer to her, itching to grab her hand and pull her as far away from here as possible. The only problem is who would protect her from me.
“Luca, go get dressed. Dinner will be ready shortly.” Dad motions to my T-shirt and jeans.
It’s Chad who says, “Oh don’t get all dressed up on our account. Be comfortable and cozy. We’re just thankful to be here.”
I don’t need his permission. There was no chance of me leaving her here vulnerable in this snake pit.
“Very well. Let’s eat.” Dad leads us to the formal dining room where the table is set and ready. I stay next to Ivy and drop down in the chair beside her.
My father starts his interrogation. “So, Chad, we didn’t get to chat for long earlier today. What is it that you do?”
“I’m between careers right now,” Chad replies as I hear a soft chuckle from Ivy before her father asks mine, “What about you?”
