“None of your scars define you, Ivy.” I dip my finger underneath her chin and force those green eyes to mine. “They never have and theyneverwill.”
“I know that now.” Her lips stretch into a wobbly smile. “It took a while to realise it. The first night we met was the first time I allowed myself to be vulnerable with someone else.”
I clutch her chin a little tighter, not wanting to let go. “I’m so fucking sorry, Ivy. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I understand why you didn’t tell me. Jesus. He tried to kill you. He put you in danger on purpose. That is not okay whatsoever.”
“It gets worse.” Her eyes fall. “He’s getting out of prison next week.”
My eyes blink rapidly. “What?”
A sigh leaves her mouth. “Finn told me. I still have a restraining order against him, but I wouldn’t put it past him to come back here and act like nothing happened.”
“Are you scared of him?” I ask which sounds stupid considering he literally tried to kill them both.
She meets my eyes this time, and she nods.
If I ever meet this fucker, I am going to make him wish he died that day.
“Princess.” I let my eyes shut for a second. “I promise I won’t let him hurt you again.I promise.”
“I haven’t seen him in years, and I’m terrified to see his face again.” Her body trembles against mine. “I don’t want all of my progress to disappear.”
I cup her face between my hands, flicking my eyes between hers slowly. “Your progress will not disappear when you see him, Ivy. If you do see him, you will remind yourself how strong you are, how far you’ve come. That he is nothing, that what he did doesn’t make you who you are. The only person who makes youyouis yourself. The smart, amazing girl that I have completely and utterly fallen for.”
Ivy exhales sharply, two fresh tears rolling down her cheeks. “I thought I’d tell you this and you’d do a runner.”
“Why? This changes nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
She shrugs. “Because being with me isn’t easy. I know that.”
“I don’t want easy.” I kiss her cheek again, her salty tears dampening my lips. “I want you just how you are.”
Her head presses into my shoulder, and she releases a breath of relief. “I wanted to tell you because I trust you.”
“I’m honoured that you trust me, but just know, I’m always going to be here.”
She holds my stare. “Finn blames himself for what happened. That’s why he’s been drinking so excessively.” Her voice cracks a little. “I worry about telling him about us. You’re his best friend, and I know he doesn’t want history repeating itself.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek for a moment. “History won’t repeat itself. I would never hurt you, Ivy. I’d rather jump into incoming traffic than even think about hurting you.”
“I know,” she admits quietly. “I didn’t mean it like that, I mean that Finn carries this guilt, and he’ll spiral if he finds out about us.”
“Thank you for telling me,” I say as I slip my finger underneath her chin again. “For allowing me in.”
Her lips curve slowly, but tears are still evident in her eyes. I hate seeing her like this, it makes me feel like a failure of a human being. I wish I could do something to change how she feels, show her how incredible and brave she is. But it’ssomething she’ll need to work on herself. There is no doubt in my mind that she’ll get there.
“Are you okay?”
“When I’m with you, yes.”
“So, about that kiss?” I smile softly, glancing at her mouth.
She shuffles closer to me, our lips grazing. “I told you it was yours as long as you didn’t want to bolt a thousand miles away from me.”
I place my hand on the nape of her neck, tilting her head. “Trust me, you’re not getting away from me that easily. Nothing could push me away.Ever.”
“Good,” she whispers, relief washing over her again.
I lean forward and press my lips to hers in a gentle caress. She whimpers into the kiss, and I graze my tongue against hers softly. Her little fingers bunch against my T-shirt, trying to get as close to me as possible.
