Page 18 of Canvas’ Muse

A knock on the door makes me look up. It's the auburn-haired woman, Ivy.

"Hey," she says, slipping into the room. "Saint said you needed food." She holds up a plate covered in plastic wrap. "Turkey sandwich okay?"

"That's fine. Thank you." I take the plate but don't unwrap it. I'm not sure I can eat right now; my stomach is in knots.

Ivy pulls up a second chair and sits down, her kind green eyes looking at me. "I'm Ivy. Phoenix's girlfriend. I heard what happened at the studio."

"Word travels fast."

"Small clubhouse, big drama." She glances at Davis, then back at me. "You holding up okay? That must have been terrifying."

"I'm fine." The automatic response. "Just worried about him."

"You barely know him and you're already worried." Ivy's voice is gentle, understanding. "I get it. These men… They get under your skin fast."

I don't know how to respond to that, so I focus on the plate in my lap, peeling back the plastic wrap. The sandwich looks good: wheat bread, turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato.

"I was you just three weeks ago," Ivy continues. "Running from an abusive ex, showed up at the clubhouse at four in the morning begging Phoenix for help. Fell for him in about two days." She smiles slightly. "So, trust me when I say I understand what you're feeling right now."

"I'm not—"

I stop, because I don't know how to finish that sentence. I'm not falling for him? That's probably a lie. I'm not scared? Also a lie. I'm not in over my head? Definitely a lie.

"It's okay," Ivy says. "You don't have to explain it. Just... don't beat yourself up for feeling something. The heart doesn't care about timelines, logic or how insane the situation is."

Davis shifts in his sleep, his hand tightening around mine for a moment before relaxing again. I watch his face, the way the harsh lines have softened in unconsciousness, the way his breathing is deep and even.

"I should let you eat in peace," Ivy says, standing. "But Eden? You're covered in blood and you look like you're about to fall over. When you're ready, I'll show you to a room where you can clean up and rest."

"I need to stay with him—"

"He's going to be out for hours. Saint told me he pumped him full of enough pain meds to knock out a horse." Ivy's voice is firm but kind. "You can't help him if you collapse from exhaustion. Take care of yourself for a bit."

She's right. I know she's right. But the thought of leaving Davis alone, even for a shower and a change of clothes, makes me worried he’ll suddenly wake up and I won’t be near him.

"I'll eat first," I compromise. "Then maybe a quick shower."

"Good enough." Ivy heads for the door, then pauses. "For what it's worth? Canvas is a good man. One of the best in the club. If you're going to fall for a biker, he's a solid choice."

She leaves before I can form a response.

I finish unwrapping the sandwich and take a bite, forcing myself to chew and swallow even though I'm not hungry. My body needs fuel, and Ivy's right, I can't help Davis if I pass out.

By the time I finish, my eyelids are getting heavy. The adrenaline is fully gone now, leaving behind exhaustion so profound I can barely think straight.

Another knock. This time it's the dark-haired woman, Nora.

"Ivy sent me," she says, stepping inside with an armful of clothes. "Figured you might want a change of clothes after a shower. These should fit. We're about the same size."

I look down at myself. My jeans are stained with Davis's blood. My shirt has smears of it on the sleeves. I probably have it in my hair, on my face, everywhere.

"Thank you," I manage. "That's really kind."

"We take care of each other here." Nora sets the clothes on the chair Ivy vacated: sweatpants, a soft t-shirt, underwear still in the package, and a sports bra. "Your room's upstairs. Small, but it has a bathroom. I'll show you."

"I don't want to leave him alone." The words come out more desperate than I intend.

"Saint's right down the hall. If anything changes, he'll know immediately. And I promise, Canvas isn't going anywhere for the next few hours. That medication will keep him down."