We are all laughing, until Harper hits me and Riley. “Alright guys come on. Kace is pissed and Ivy is scared.”
“Why the hell are you scared? We didn’t really kidnap you, I was fucking around,” Riley says.
“Shut up, Harper,” she whispers.
My muscles tighten and I pull Harper closer. What the fuck are they hiding? Did more happen and she doesn’t want me to know? “What the fuck is going on?” I ask, looking between them.
Kace comes back with shots for us all, except Ivy. I toss mine back, but my eyes never leave Harper’s.
“This isn’t a world or life that Ivy wants to be around. It’s different and scary for her. She had a normal life,” Harper says, giving Ivy an apologetic face.
“You’re scared of us?” Kace asks, frowning.
“Yes, alright? Is that what you want to hear?” Ivy replies as her brown eyes narrow at Harper.
I look at Kace and Riley. They have the same look, like she slapped us. “Why the fuck would we want to hear that? We don’t want you scared of us,” Kace says.
“We aren’t bad guys, Ivy. We have a club that makes us family, it’s no different than your family,” I say.
She laughs a humorless laugh and crosses her arms. “I’ll ask my parents, oh shit right, they’re dead I can’t ask them,” she says.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Riley says, tipping his beer at her.
“Are you?”
“Ivy, they aren’t assholes to the people they love and respect. Of course they’re sorry to hear about your parents,” Harper says. “Come on, I’ll go to the bar with you and I’ll personally get you a drink. I think you need it.”
Ivy doesn’t argue, she follows closely behind Harper. “We really come off as scumbags to people outside the club, don’t we?” Kace asks, a bit of sadness in his eyes.
“We can’t change what people think of us, but we can try to change Ivy’s mind. Maybe start by apologizing for forcing her here,” I say. Kace is watching Harper and Ivy, but I know he heard me. He’s just paying no attention to me. It hits me and I smile. “You fucking like her.”
He snaps his head to me and leans back in the chair, grabbing his beer off the table. “What? Fuck no I don’t. Just sucks she thinks so little of us.”
“Cause you thought she’d be on her knees for you later,” Riley says laughing.
“Fuck you, and stop thinking about my dick all the time.”
It’s been a long time since Kace has been interested in someone. After he was shot and Rachel fucked him over, he’s just kept it casual. He’s my best friend and I want him fucking happy, but he’s got his work cut out if he thinks he’s gonna hook up with Ivy. Especially after what she just said.
The girls come back and Harper has drinks for us all. After she passes them out, I pull her onto my lap. I wrap my arms around her and place a trail of kisses up to her ear. “I’m sorry about before, babe. Are you alright?”
She presses her lips to mine and I open my mouth, welcoming her warm tongue. I move my hands to her hair and deepen the kiss. Her nails are digging into my shoulders and she moans when I bite her bottom lip.
“Seriously?” Ivy groans.
I ignore Ivy and keep my eyes on Harper. “Babe?”
She smiles and rests her hand on my cheek. “I’m good. I’m sorry too,” she whispers.
“I just want to keep you safe and shit keeps happening to harm you. It’s killing me,” I say.
She presses a soft kiss to my lips and hugs me tight. “I know, baby, but I’m safe with you.”
“Is this what we do? Watch these two work their shit out all night?” Ivy asks, causing everyone to laugh.
“Not all the time, but it’s nothing new,” Kace says.
“Fuck you,” I say, with a smirk. “Don’t be jealous.”
He flips me off and waves Finn over.
“So what that kid just brings endless drinks all night? You guys watch these two work their shit out, while tits bounce all over?” Ivy questions.
We all once again start laughing. She might not be trying to be funny, but she’s definitely got a smart mouth you wouldn’t expect from her. She’s all of five feet tall, blonde hair, brown eyes, exactly what you’d picture the girl next door to look like. She gives the impression that she’s a timid, soft voiced, angel. The girl I’ve watched so far tonight is anything but.
“Yeah pretty much,” Riley says.
“Exciting,” she says, rolling her eyes.
I leave them to it for a few minutes. I tell Finn to order some food and go back to my room for a second. It takes me a little bit to find what I’m looking for, but I grin when I do. I take a second to look around the room. Harper’s clothes are tossed around, her makeup on the dresser, and her shoes on the floor. The room even smells like her now. I blow out a breath and head back out.
“Here,” I say, handing the book to Ivy. “I’m still the same guy, just older.” She and Harper look at the old yearbook and at each other. “We were friends once. I’m just trying to make you understand that we aren’t bad guys.”
The girls look through the book, laughing. I know she never wanted to be associated with us, nevermind be in this club, but shit changes. It wouldn’t be the worst thing if she stuck around.
After pizza, a lot of alcohol, and more talking, Ivy is finally having fun. Her and Harper are dancing, laughing, and still drinking.
“So, you guys all went to high school together?” Kace asks, watching them like I am.
Riley left with one of the Soul girls, so it’s just the two of us now.
“Yeah we did. They were always good friends, but she didn’t like the clubs,”
