Page 44 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Rain laughed; a low, amused sound.

“It sounds like you’re feeling a little threatened, Tyrian.”

“Threatened?” Julian scoffed. “I could sweep the floor with you if I wanted.” His jaw clenched, fists tightening at his sides.

“I truly think you’re delusional enough to believe that.” Rain said, deliberately sounding bored.

“Ok, Royale,” He pointed his finger too closely to Rain’s face, Ivy’s grip tightened begging him to remain calm. “Let’s make this interesting… how about a bet. My team beats your pathetic excuse of a team tomorrow.”

“And what are we betting on, Tyrian?”

“The winner escorts Ivy to the ball tomorrow.” His smugness was palpable as his gaze moved to challenge Ivy.

“There it is,” Rain said, slow and mocking. “Your true intention. Bravo.” He clapped a hand against Ivy’s ass; partly because it was the only hand, he had free, mostly to entice a reaction out of Julian.

Julian’s jealous glare didn’t disappoint.

“Deal.” Rain extended his hand. Ivy let out a tiny, startled breath. Julian took the offered hand, they both squeezed hard, each trying to crush the other’s fingers. Rain raised an eyebrow, smirking. Julian was the first to pull away, scowling. Rain would never be the one to back down.

“See you in the arena,” Julian said through gritted teeth. Then his expression softened as he turned to Ivy. “Sweet dreams, Ivy.” He dipped his head before walking back into the hall.

Only when he disappeared did Ivy’s body finally relax.

“Well,” Rain said, dropping his hands from her hips and stepping back, “this just keeps getting more and more interesting.”

“Come on, babe. Don’t let him ruin our night.” She tugged at his hand before he could move out of reach, releasing a small pulse of her power; a subtle lure, trying to pull him back into the heat they’d shared moments before.

He squeezed her fingers gently, then let go. The smile he offered her was weak, strained. His chest ached again, a familiar, unwelcome pressure.

He didn’t trust himself to speak. He simply turned and walked toward his rooms, Ivy following close behind.

Chapter 18

Rain paced the room with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, feeling like he was coming apart at the seams. He’d waited until they reached his chambers before confronting Ivy about Julian, but the walk back had been torture—every step feeding the storm in his head. Something was happening between them, something he hadn’t seen, and the not-knowing had eaten him alive.

What he hadn’t expected was her confession. They shared feelings for one another. And worse; she had shared Julians bed two nights ago. Igna must have known.

The hypocrisy wasn’t lost on him. He had no moral high ground. He was the one who told her she was free to do as she pleased. He was the one who’d let himself fall for Jay. Did she do anything wrong? Yes. No. Maybe. Logic didn’t matter. He was angry, hurt, sad, and so painfully fucking jealous he could barely breathe.

“Rain.” Ivy’s voice cracked. “Please… calm down and sit with me. Please.”

He stopped pacing. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, makeup smudged in dark trails down her cheeks. Ivy didn’t cry. Ivy didn’t get vulnerable. And he didn’t get jealous. Whatever cosmic switch had flipped between them, he wanted it turned off immediately.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered for what felt like the hundredth time.

“Ivy, you don’t have to keep apologising. You don’t owe me anything.” His voice softened as he took her hand, sitting beside her. The anger drained, leaving only despair. “I want to kill the bastard or at least rip his tiny dick off, but I don’t blame you. I pushed you toward this.”

“It’s not his fault either,” she murmured.

“I know, fuck I know. But it would make me feel better if it was.” He offered a tight–lipped smile.

“And it’s not so tiny. Not as big as you, but…” she teased weakly, knowing they shared the same twisted humour.

“I know. I had it inside of me before you did.” He countered. They both snorted, collapsing back onto the bed. Rain opened his arms and she curled into him, and suddenly he was terrified to let her go. His chest ached; he’d felt the torment of heartache through others before, but being the source of it was something else entirely.

Ivy sniffled and wiped a tear with the back of her hand, smearing more makeup.

“Oh gods, I’m a mess,” she groaned as she spotted the black smudge, burying her face in his chest.