Chapter 44 Safe in His Arms

Chapter 44 Safe in His Arms
Ivy

I couldn't shake the words from that letter, like they were stuck in my head, making everything hurt.

My hands shook as I folded the paper back, the ink smearing a little from my tears. Mom's words cut deep, blaming Zara for everything and making me remember all the bad times. I needed someone, anyone, to make it stop feeling so heavy.

"I have to see Lucian," I whispered to myself, wiping my face. The room felt too small, like the walls were closing in. I slipped out quietly, down the hall to his part of the estate. "Please be there," I muttered under my breath.

When I knocked on his door, it opened fast. Lucian stood there, his hair messy like he'd been up late. "Ivy? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice soft but worried. He pulled me inside quick, shutting the door behind us. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

I stepped in, my eyes blurry. "It's that letter. The one the maid gave me. It's from my mom, and it's awful." I handed it to him, my fingers trembling. "Read it if you want. It's all about how Zara messed up everything, how she owed them."

He took it gently, his eyes scanning the words. "Damn, Ivy. This is rough. She says all this stuff about abandoning the family?" He looked up, his face tight with anger. "No wonder you're upset. Come here."

I moved closer, letting him wrap his arms around me. "It makes me feel like I'm back there, with all the yelling and the control. I hate it." My voice cracked, and I buried my face in his shirt. "I don't know how to deal with this."

"Don't let it get to you," he said, holding me tighter. "You're stronger than that. Sit down, okay? Talk to me." We sat on the edge of his bed, his hand on my back. "What else is in there? More blame?"

"Yeah," I said, nodding. "She says Zara ruined our chance at money, like marrying your dad was the only thing that mattered. But it's not just that. It's how they treated us growing up." I paused, taking a deep breath. "They were always twisting things, making us feel bad for wanting our own lives."

Lucian shook his head. "That sounds messed up. My dad's not perfect, but this? This is something else." He pulled me onto his lap, his arms around my waist. "You're not alone in this. I'm here."

I looked at him, feeling that warmth spread through me. "I know. That's why I came. I just needed to feel safe for a minute." My heart raced, and I leaned in, kissing him soft at first. "Is that okay?"

He kissed me back, his hands on my cheeks. "More than okay. I want to help you forget all that crap." His voice was low, full of care. "Tell me what you need."

"I need you," I whispered, my lips brushing his. "Just hold me and make me feel like it's going to be alright." We kissed deeper, and it turned into something more, but not like before. It was slow, like we were holding on to each other against the world.

He pulled back a little. "Ivy, are you sure? With everything going on?" His eyes searched mine, full of that mix of worry and want.

"Yeah, I'm sure," I said, my hands on his chest. "It helps. Being with you helps." I tugged at his shirt, and he helped me pull it off. "You're the only one who gets it."

He smiled a bit, even though it was serious. "Then let's do this." He kissed my neck, his hands sliding under my top. "You're amazing, you know that? Don't ever let them break you, Ivy."

I shivered at his words. "I won't, not if you're with me." I took off my top too, feeling the cool air on my skin. "Touch me, Lucian. Make me feel good."

He did, his fingers gentle on my breasts. "Like this?" he asked, his thumb brushing over my nipple. "Tell me if it's too much."

"No, it's perfect," I breathed, pulling him closer. "Keep going." We lay back on the bed, his body pressing against mine. I felt his hardness through his pants, and it made me want him more. "I need this. I need you inside me."

He nodded, his breath hot on my ear. "Okay, but we're taking it slow." He helped me out of my pants, his hands careful. "You're so beautiful, Ivy. Every time."

I blushed, even now. "Stop talking and kiss me." Our lips met again, and he slid my underwear down. "Yes, like that." His fingers found my pussy, wet and ready, and I gasped. "Oh, that feels nice."

He groaned softly. "You're always so responsive." He stroked me slowly, his other hand on my hip. "Is this what you want?"

"Yes," I said, my voice shaky. "But more. I want you." I reached down, undoing his pants and pulling them off. His cock was hard, and I wrapped my hand around it. "You're ready too."

"Fuck, yeah," he muttered, positioning himself over me. "Are you good?"

"I'm good," I said, guiding him in. When he entered, it was gentle, like he was cherishing me. "Oh, Lucian, that's it." I wrapped my legs around him, pulling him deeper. "Don't stop."

He moved slowly, his thrusts steady and full of emotion. "I won't. You're safe with me." His voice was thick, and he kissed me between words. "We can handle this together."

I held on tight, feeling the build-up inside. "It feels so right. Like we're the only ones who matter." My hands gripped his shoulders, and I moaned. "Faster, a little."

He picked up the pace, but still careful. "Anything for you. Come on, Ivy, let go." His words pushed me over, and I came, shaking in his arms. "That's it, beautiful."

He followed soon, his body tensing against mine. We lay there after, breathing hard, his arm around me. "That was... I needed that," I said, my head on his chest.

"Me too," he whispered, kissing my hair. "Now, talk to me. About your parents. The letter brought it all up, didn't it?"

I nodded, feeling the weight again. "Yeah. They were awful. Always yelling, always making us feel small. Zara saw it all, but she never did anything. Like when Dad hit me once, she just watched and ran away later." My voice broke. "She left me with them, and I had to pretend everything was fine."

Lucian held me closer. "That's horrible. Why didn't she help?"

"I don't know," I said, tears coming again. "Maybe she was too scared. But it made me see how different we are. I'm not like her. I sometimes fight back, even if it's hard."

He looked at me, his eyes soft. "You're stronger than her, Ivy. And I'm glad you're here, not her." He paused, like he was thinking. "We can figure this out. Together."

I clung to him, feeling that promise in his words. "I hope so. But what if Alistair already finds out? Or worse?"

"Don't think about that now," he said, pulling me closer. "We'll face it when it comes."

As I lay there, the storm felt a little less scary, but I knew it was still out there, waiting.