BREE RIVERS

FROZEN Ivy

excerpt:

 

When she woke up, she was surprised to find she was alone in the bed. Turning her head, Ivy saw Gray standing in the light of the window, revealed by opening one of the heavy tapestries lining the walls. He must have taken some time to shower. Dressed now in a white Henley and faded jeans, his beard was gone revealing his faeatures. Ivy could see more of the family resemblance on the outside. The inside was a different story. The only thing he seemed aware of was the exterior. He seemed miles away from this room and his bed. His attention was riveted on something far on the horizon; his stillness called to her. Wrapping his discarded flannel shirt around her body like a robe, she slid from the bed and approached his back, walking with silent care. Ivy paused before touching him, suddenly unsure if he wanted her there or not.

     He reached out a hand to pull her into his body, settling her against his warmth.

     She rested her cheek against his chest, the thump of his heartbeat a pleasing rhythm. “What are we looking at?”

     “Just checking the perimeter,” he admitted, after a pause.

     “Are the barbarians at the gate?”

     “No.” He let the tapestry fall, leaning against the wall. “But my enemies might be.”

     “You really as bad as you think you are?”

     “I’m the baddest.”

     His cold certainty sent a shiver racing over her spine. “Your brothers didn’t expect you for a few days.” She reached desperately for conversation, seeking to fill the uncomfortable silence wrapping around them.

     “I got some intel. I wanted to make sure you all were safe.”

     “Don’t you think they can take care of themselves?”

     “Not against the people looking for me.”

     “What happens if they find you?”

     “I cut them in two.” His head tilted to the side as he appraised her. “That doesn’t scare you?”

     “Nope.” She gave him an impish grin.

     “How come?”

     “I’m not your enemy.”

     “And how am I supposed to know that?”

     “What would you like me to do to prove it?”

     Gray cupped her cheeks, his thumbs brushing against the sides of her mouth. “Complete submission would be nice.”

     “I’ve given you that,” she said.

     His head tilted to the side, his eyes running over her face. “No.” He smiled to lessen the rebuke. “You haven’t. But you will.”