Page 67 of Caging Liberty
“I’m kidding… Kind of. Bring her back to the manor whenever you’re ready.” He backpedals a step toward the door, waggling his brows. “Never thought I’d say this, but I’m looking forward to having her back.”
“Mm-hmm.”
He gives me one last grin before spinning and leaving through the back door. I scratch at the stubble on my cheek and head for the bathroom.
My steps slow when I get near the bathroom door, deflating at the soft cry that filters into the hall. My shoulders hunch and my mouth sinks into a frown.
I sigh and step up to the door, lifting my fist. I knock softly and turn my head so my ear is nearly pressed against the door.
“Ivy?”
Seconds go by without a response, and I sigh. “Are you okay?”
“Fuck off,Mr. A,” she sneers, emphasizing my title in a way that’s more insulting than the, “fuck off.”
I glance behind me down the hall and debate over leaving to give her some space. Something tells me that would make things worse.
I turn back toward the door, more guilt sifting in.
“Come on, it wasn’t that bad.”It didn’t seem like you minded it.Because I’m not entirely stupid, I don’t add that last part.
I grasp the knob and jiggle it, but of course, the door’s locked.
I knock again. “Open up so we can talk.”
I listen, fully expecting another phrase containing the word ‘fuck,’ but there’s only silence.
Her island name sits on the edge of my tongue, but when I open my mouth, I hesitate. A gust of air rushes past my lips instead. “Lib,please.”
Another minute passes before the lock clicks and the door opens. Her hand stays on the edge of the door, ready to swing it shut at any moment. Her eyes are glossy and red from crying, but she’s wiped the tears from her face.
“Please leave me alone,” she says, her voice deceptively even.
“No.”
Her lips pucker like she wasn’t expecting that. “Why? Are you not done humiliating me?”
“How did I humiliate you?”
Her jaw drops, and her eyes expand in disbelief.
My guilt eases to make room for annoyance. “Last night you broke into my home and threatened to kill me with my own gun, but what, I can’t have a fucking blowjob?”
Red tints her cheeks as she closes her mouth.
“I’m not your Prince Charming.”
“I never asked you to be.” Her voice is soft enough that I bite back my next retort.
Her bloodshot eyes meet mine. “I get what Sawyer was wanting. It was only a matter of time.” Her chest rises as she draws in a slow breath. “But did you have to be so eager?”
I scoff. “Didyou?”
Too far. I can tell by the way she flinches at my words like they physically struck her.
“I’m sorry,” I say after a few seconds of silence. “I shouldn’t have said that.” Another moment passes. “And you’re right, I didn’t have to be so eager. I’m not sure how to hide the fact that I want you, though, and I don’t understand why you would expect me to. I’ve been pretty up front about my attraction toward you.”
She nods, but it seems more out of resignation than agreement. “Fine.”