Chapter 52: A Lot Of Hope

Chapter 52: A Lot Of Hope

Leo

Fuck… the things I was dying to do to her.

Ivy’s hand was still shyly cupping my erection through my pants, her fingers barely wrapping around half of me.

She held it like she wasn’t quite sure what to do with something so hard and big, but the gentle pressure she applied told me she was curious. Learning.

It was adorable as hell and the most arousing thing I’d experienced in weeks. Just the warmth of her palm had me fighting not to come in my pants like a horny teenager.

Christ, this girl was driving me wild.

She kept her hand there as she spoke, voice soft but threaded with genuine curiosity. “Where were you? Where have you been all this time since you went MIA?” Her fingers flexed, applying a little more pressure that nearly made me swerve.

I cleared my throat and adjusted my grip on the wheel, spreading my legs wider to give her better access. “I had two matches. Out of town. Don’t worry—I didn’t fuck any other girls. I’m only interested in you.”

She rubbed me once. Nervous, tentative, but she still did it. The friction sent a bolt of heat straight up my spine. “I thought you didn’t want to see me anymore.”

“I thought you were scared of me,” I chuckled, glancing over at her. “I figured after I nearly bashed your Prince Charming’s head in, you’d look at me like I was a monster.”

Unconsciously, she squeezed my bulge in clear annoyance. “He’s not my Prince Charming,” she hissed. “He’s just my best friend’s brother.”

I laughed, the sound a little strained as I tried to keep my focus on the road. Her grip was perfect—too perfect. “You literally have me by the balls, Ivy.” I glanced down at her small hand working me through the fabric. “Be careful down there. That’s the hope of the next generation you’re holding in your hand.”

She stared down at my lap, head cocked to the side like she was analyzing a particularly interesting puzzle. “That’s a whole lot of hope you have in these pants,” she said with a straight face.

I burst out laughing, the tension in my chest easing for the first time since I’d seen Anderson’s mouth on hers. “You’re one funny girl, Ivy.” I shook my head as I made the turn into our neighborhood, mansions lining both sides of the wide, tree-lined street. “That’s my entire lineage right there. Handle with care.”

She looked ahead at the familiar gates and sprawling estates. “So… your dad’s really out of the country, huh?”

“Yep.” I pulled into our driveway, the automatic gates sliding open smoothly. “For the next two weeks. Guess who offered to come keep me company?”

“Who?” she asked, already sounding wary. “Maddie?”

“Correct.”

“What did you tell her?” Ivy’s entire body went rigid beside me, her hand freezing on my cock. “Did you agree?”

I hated how quickly a single mention of her half-sister could kill her mood. It was like flipping a switch—one second she was relaxed and playful, the next she was shrinking back into that old insecurity.

“What do you think? Do you want her here? This is going to be your home for the next two weeks.”

She shook her head immediately. “No. I don’t want her here.” Her voice was firm. “She’s bad news. Plus… I think she likes you. I’m not making that up.”

I smiled at her, reaching over to squeeze her thigh as I killed the engine. “I know. I’ve known about Madison’s not-so-subtle affections since the very first day.”

Her eyes widened. “Does Andy even know?”

I nearly rolled my eyes at the sound of that asshole’s name. “He’s harboring lustful thoughts about you. He’s not innocent, and he’s definitely not a loyal lover. They’re both the same. The only difference is Madison hasn’t had the guts to act on her urges yet. Anderson already has. Twice.”

Ivy just stared at me, processing. I gently removed her hand from my crotch, brought it to my lips, and kissed her palm. “Come on. Let’s go inside.”

I grabbed her duffel from the trunk while she stepped out, looking around at the massive house like she still couldn’t believe it was real.

I walked up behind her and slid an arm around her waist, pulling her back against my chest. “You’ll get used to it,” I murmured against her ear. “Amongst other things.”

The way her body shivered against mine told me she understood exactly what I meant. Good.

I led her through the front door. The house was quiet—too quiet without Dad around. Just as I was about to steer her straight upstairs to my bedroom, Mrs. Kathy appeared from the hallway, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

“Leo, you’re back.” Her warm eyes landed on Ivy and brightened. “We meet again, Ivy.”

Ivy offered a shy smile. “Hello, Mrs. Kathy.”

“What would you like for lunch?” Mrs. Kathy asked, already looking eager to get started. “I was about to—”

“To not be disturbed until dinner,” I cut in smoothly. In one fluid motion, I scooped Ivy up into my arms, bridal-style, while still holding her bag in my other hand. She let out a surprised squeak and immediately hooked her arms around my neck for balance.

“I’ve got lunch right here,” I added with a grin. “Take the rest of the day off. We won't be needing you.”

“Leo!” Ivy gasped, burying her face in my shoulder.

Mrs. Kathy blinked, clearly not sure she’d heard correctly, but I didn’t wait around for clarification. I spun on my heel and carried Ivy up the grand staircase, taking the steps two at a time. Her soft laughter mixed with embarrassed protests vibrated against my chest.

The moment we were inside my bedroom, I kicked the door shut behind us.

“What is wrong with you?!” Ivy whispered fiercely as I dropped her bag and tossed her onto the massive bed. “Why would you say that to Mrs. Kathy? What must she think of me now? God, I’m so embarrassed, Leo.”

I crawled over her, caging her in with my body. “Mrs. Kathy has a husband and kids, Ivy. Relax. She’s had sex—multiple times, I’m sure. She’ll live.”

I kissed her then. Hard. Hungry. Like I’d been starving for weeks. All the frustration, the jealousy from seeing Anderson’s mouth on hers, the weeks of silence—it all poured out into that kiss.

I claimed her lips like they belonged to me. Because they did.

She melted instantly, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist, locking her ankles behind my back. I ground my hips into her center, letting her feel exactly how badly I wanted her. The friction was maddening.

I dug one hand into her fiery hair, tugging the ponytail free so the strands spilled across my pillow.

She moaned into my mouth, arching up to meet me as I stripped her clothes away—shirt, jeans, bra, panties—until she was completely bare beneath me.

The first thing I noticed was how she didn’t try to cover herself. No arms crossed over her chest. No shy curling inward.

She lay there bold and open, looking up at me with a mix of nerves and power that hit me straight in the chest. My girl was growing more confident every day. That tiny detail warmed something deep inside me.

Before I could lower myself fully, she placed a hand on my chest and shook her head.

“Not yet,” she said, voice breathy but determined. “You said I’d suck your… dick.” She swallowed hard, like saying the word took real effort.

I smiled, brushing her bangs back gently before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “You want me to stuff your pretty face with my dick?”

She smiled—actually smiled, bright and a little shy. “Yes, Leo. I want your dick. Take off your clothes.”