Chapter 27 Just Ivy

Chapter 27 Just Ivy
Ivy

I couldn't breathe right after telling Lucian every last thing. My heartbeat was pounding loud enough he might have heard it too. I knew Alistair’s plan was tightening around me... no doubt about it now. We had to get out of that mansion before the house would swallow us whole.

"Let's go,"Lucian said, pulling me by my hand. His grip was warm... solid, and strong, like he could stop time itself. "My private apartment's not far. We need to talk without those walls listening."

A nod came from me first, my voice shaky. "Okay, but what if he follows us? Your dad sees everything." We slipped out through the side exit, the night air hitting my face like a cold slap. The estate's edge felt like freedom, even if it was just for a bit.

Lucian’s private apartment felt tiny, still, hidden inside an aged structure near the border of the estate. It smelled like coffee and books, a different world away from the polished scents of the big house. I sat on the edge of his bed, Pulling drew my legs up close. "I don't get it. Why isn't Alistair yelling at me? It's like he's waiting for me to mess up."

He knelt in front of me, his eyes dark and intense. "Because that's how he works. He twists things in your head first." His hand brushed my cheek, making me shiver. "But forget him for now. You're safe here."

I looked at him, feeling that pull again. "Safe? I don't feel safe anywhere. Not with all this lying and pretending." My words came out fast, like I was scared they'd get stuck. "I'm just Ivy, not Zara. And I'm tired of it all."

Lucian moved closer now. "Then be just Ivy." he said. "Right here beside me."He kissed me then, gentle at first, yet shifted fast into something deeper. His hands found my waist, drawing me near without any pause. "Let him play his games," he murmured by my throat. "In this moment, you’re simply Ivy. My Ivy."

Still, I whispered asked, "Could this mess things up even more... us being together like this?" But I didn't pull away. His hand on me was the one true feeling left in my broken world. Leaning in, I pressed my lips hard to his, my hands gripping his hair. "I need this. I need you."

He pushed me back onto the bed gently, leaning over me like a shadow that fits just right. "I need you too. More than you know." Those words came out slow, rough at the edges. His palm slipped beneath my fabric, moving slow and tracing my skin. "Tell me to stop if you want."

"No," I said, my breath catching. "Not now," I whispered. "Stay right here." His body lowered, and I felt his hardness pressing against my thigh. The whole thing was more like fear mixed with thrill. I tugged at his shirt. "Take this off. I want to feel you."

He tugged it fast over his head, his chest bare and strong in the dim light. "Like this?" A small smirk played on his lips, though his gaze stayed firm. "Truly, you’re beautiful, Ivy."

I blushed right then. "Shut up and kiss me again." Our lips met, and things got hotter. He unbuttoned my jeans, his fingers... strong yet gentle. "Tell me if you’re good with this," he asked, his voice heavy.

"Yeah,” I whispered, helping him slide them off. I was in my underwear now, feeling exposed but not scared. “Just… touch me, Lucian.” One hand moved slow between my legs, finding my pussy, wet and ready, and I gasped. "Oh, god, that feels so good."

He groaned, my clit feeling his thumb move slow. "You're so wet already. I love that." His lips found my neck then, warm and soft, while his fingers pressed into one breast right through my bra. "Tell me what you want."

"I want you in me,” I whispered, my breath unsteady from desire. "Right now.” My hand moved lower, feeling his hard cock through his pants. "Take these off."

He jumped up quick, pulling off the last of his clothes. His cock caught my eye... thick and ready and I watched for a moment. "Come here," I said, sitting up. I wrapped my hand around it, stroking it slowly. "This is what I've been thinking about."

"Fuck, Ivy," he said under his breath, his hips jerking slightly. "You're killing me." His hands pressed me down again, spreading my legs. "Are you sure bout this?"

"I'm sure." I pulled him closer, guiding him in. When he entered me, it was like fire racing through my veins. I held him closer, moaning. "Oh, yes," I moaned. My nails pressed hard against his back, leaving marks. my nails digging into his back. "Don't stop."

He went deeper, his hips slamming mine without pause. “You feel incredible," he panted, his breath hot on my ear. "So tight around me." His Fingers dug into my hips, yanking me closer every time. "Say my name."

"Lucian," I whispered, then louder. "Lucian, deeper." The bed made sound under us, and I locked my limbs tight around his back. "This is what I needed. To feel alive."

He kissed me deep, his tongues moving just like his hips. "You're mine, Ivy. No matter what." His words made me clench around him, and I felt that build-up inside. "Come for me."

A shudder ran through me as the waves hit. “I’m coming,” I cried out, my voice trembling while my limbs quivered. He followed soon, groaning as he filled me. We collapsed together, sweaty and breathless.

For a while, we just lay there, still trying to catching breath, we stayed close on the mattress, his arm warm across my neck. "That was... wow," I said, the words slipping out, heart still racing. "Never thought it’d feel anything like this."

He chuckled softly. "Me neither, not like this." He kissed my forehead. "You're not alone in this mess."

I moved closer to him now, his warmth spreading through me like I mattered for once. My fingers moved over his chest, then paused... and I noticed his nightstand drawer gaped slightly open. A sliver of light touched it, revealing what lay inside: an old picture, worn thin by time.

"What's this?" I asked, pulling it out before I could even think for a second. It was a picture of a woman with Lucian's eyes... bent toward a child who mirrored Lucian exactly. Her smile was warm. His tiny face lit up beside her. "Is this your mom?" The words left my mouth even though I already knew who it was.

He froze, his jaw tightening. "Yeah. put it back where it came from, Ivy."

But I didn't. "You keep this hidden? Why?" I looked at him, seeing the pain in his eyes. "You miss her, don't you?"

He sighed, turning away a bit. "Every day. She died when I was a kid, and Dad acted like it never happened. I hide it because... it's mine, you know? My way of holding on."

The feeling I felt in my chest was heavy when he spoke. "I'm sorry. That sounds awful." I said, putting the picture aside, hugging him tight. "Life keeps handing out tough moments neither of us wanted."

He pulled me closer. "Perhaps this is what brings us together," his voice suggested. But as I lay there, that sense of belonging felt dangerous, like the storm with Alistair was getting closer.

Lost in Lucian’s arms, I felt a fragile defiance, but I knew it wouldn't last.