Chapter 28
“What the hell!” Ivy yelled, lunging at Rosie, but Silas caught her just in time. “Why would you do that?”
“That’s for not respecting your marriage to Silas,” Rosie said, her eyes glinting with amusement.
Ivy knew Rosie destroying the phone had nothing to do with her marriage to Silas. Rosie just didn’t want her answering the call because she knew it would ruin her claim that she was plotting with Mason.
“That was too far,” Silas said, chiding Rosie. He was too close to Ivy, and she could feel his hardness pressing against her butt.
She wiggled free, her face burning. She was pissed at him for taking Rosie’s side without hearing her out first.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Silas,” Rosie said, tossing a strand of hair away from her made–up face. “I acted out of anger. I was just pissed Ivy would do such a thing to you,”
Ivy looked at Silas, daring him to say a word. He caught her gaze and turned to Rosie. “Can you give us a minute?”
Rosie was taken aback, and she couldn’t conceal her surprise in time, “Yes, sure.” She snarled at Ivy as she left the room.
Silas locked it behind her, then turned to face Ivy. “I’m sorry about the phone. I’ll get you a new one,” he said, trying to sound apologetic.
“You need to leave, too,” she said, pointing toward the door.
“I need an explanation,” he insisted, folding his arms. “You need to tell me your discussion with Mason.”
“I already did. Now, leave!” she snapped, hoping her anger would drive him away.
She was furious, but beneath the anger, was a deep ocean of pain and sadness. Cole had called her again, and when she didn’t pick up, he’d left her a voicemail.
“I can’t believe you’re married to the family responsible for our mother’s death. Maybe Dad was right after all–you don’t deserve this family,”
Her heart shattered as she recalled his cruel words. Silas noticed the change in her expression and moved closer.
“I didn’t pick a side this time,” he said softly. “Please, I’m begging you to tell me your side of the story. The whole plan could fall apart.”
Ivy’s shoulders slumped as she walked to the bed and sat down. “I already told you,” she said weakly, defeated by her emotions. “You can go now. Just let me know when next you need me for public appearancès.”
But instead of leaving, Silas walked over to the bed and sat beside her.
“God, I don’t know how to act around you.” His voice was low, the vibration sent a sudden jolt through her body. “I get so angry–more angry than usual, when it comes to you.” He chuckled sheepishly.
He turned to face her, and Ivy almost melted at the look in his eyes. He took her hands in his, cupping them gently, “I want to trust you, Ivy. I really do.”
“Then believe me when I say I have nothing to do with Mason,” she replied softly, surprising herself.
“Oh, Ivy,” Silas murmured warmly, placing a kiss on her fingers.
A moan escaped her lips, and she blushed to her roots.
“You make me so jealous,” he continued, his voice low and heated. “You’re mine for six months–no one else can have you.” He shifted his mouth from her fingers, trailing all the way to the curve of her palm.
Ivy pressed her legs together, trying to contain the heat building between them.
“You can’t talk to Mason anymore, please,” he pleaded, his lips already brushing the sensitive nape of her neck.
Ivy melted as he cupped her face, kissing her neck. All her pain, her anger–everything–faded.
“You have to tell me whenever he calls you, Ivy.” His voice was a low murmur as his mouth moved to the other side of her neck. “I’m a jealous man, Ivy. I don’t want to share you with anyone.”
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Chapter 28
Desire surged through her, starting in her heart, spiraling down to her stomach, and then in between her legs. She clung to him, pressing his thighs against her center–weak and flushed.
He kissed her, claiming her lips possessively. She was his, and he showed her just that as his tongue explored the inside of her mouth.
Ivy opened up to him, against common sense, welcoming his kiss.
He pulled her even closer, his hands searching for the opening of her gown. After a moment of fumbling, he gave up and squeezed her breasts through the fabric.
“You’re so hot,” he whispered against her lips, his claim deeper and harder.
He grabbed her behind, lifting her to sit on his lap so she could feel his length under her. She ground her hips against his bulge, deepening the kiss.
He moaned, unable to hold back. He reached for her clothes, tearing the fabric with urgency. His eyes lingered on her exposed skin before he buried his face in it, licking her cleavage.
“My dear Ivy,” he whispered, a smile tugged at his lips as he looked into her eyes. “If I didn’t have people waiting and freaking out, I’d have you right here, right now.”
Despite the heat on her face and the burning desire between her legs, his words were enough to shove some sense back to her. She stood up from his lap and realized some of her wetness had stained his trousers.
He chuckled, looking down at himself. “Fuck, you’re so hot.”
Ivy quickly covered her breasts with the torn piece of her gown. “I’ll join you downstairs.”
He stood up and adjusted his shirt. “I’ll be waiting.”
She nodded, watching him leave. The instant he was out the door, she bolted it shut.
“Two lessons, Ivy,” she muttered aloud. “Always bolt your door and never get so carried away with Silas!” She snapped, chiding herself.
She needed to learn self–restraint. She couldn’t let herself be moved by every touch or kiss from him. This marriage was only for six months; she couldn’t afford to be swept away by the pleasure.
She stripped out of the torn gown and took a quick shower to clean herself. Afterward, she picked out a new gown and headed downstairs.
This time, everyone was gathered in the living room. When she entered in a different gown, Rosie narrowed her eyes, giving her a knowing look.
“How are you feeling, Ivy?” Thomas asked. “I apologize for Rosie’s behavior earlier.”
“Thanks, I’m good.” Ivy nodded, weary of Thomas’s voice.
She still had her suspicions, and until she had more answers, she wasn’t going to trust him. Cole’s voicemail echoed in her mind as she took a seat.
“You wanted to say something, darling?” Thomas said, turning to Rosie. Despite his sweet words, there was an unmistakable coldness in
his voice.
“I… apologize for damaging your phone,” Rosie said sweetly..
Ivy scoffed inwardly, knowing the apology was fake.
“Please forgive me, would you?”
“Sure.” Ivy gave her a tight, fake smile.
Two could play this game.
“So,” Silas began, his hazel eyes balancing between tease, desire, and amusement. “I have news.”
Aware of the heat on her cheeks but choosing to ignore it, Ivy asked, “What’s that?”
“To debunk Mason’s claim and scatter his lies, I’ve decided we should get married in three days,” he announced, pleased with his
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