by Rebecca Deel
“You might hurt Ivy if you pull that trigger, Porter. I can’t let you do that.”
“I hate you, Alexander.” A slight tightening of his grip.
A split second before Alex pulled the trigger, a shot echoed in the night. His brother dropped to the ground, clutching his right shoulder, moaning. Quinn secured Porter’s weapon and waved Rio over.
A small hand touched his back. He holstered his weapon, wrapped his arms around Ivy. His heart actually hurt, more for the hardships his brother would face than the sense of betrayal rocking Alex.
A hand squeezed his shoulder. His best friend said nothing, but Alex knew. Josh had pulled the trigger so Alex wouldn’t have to live with the knowledge that he’d shot his own brother.
He sighed, held Ivy tighter. How was he going to tell his mother?
Sirens sounded in the distance.
Rio glanced up, pressing gauze against Porter’s shoulder. “He needs an ambulance. He’s losing a lot of blood.”
“Shannon requested one for Ivy.”
“No.” Ivy pressed closer to Alex’s side. “Rio can treat me, but I’m not going back to the hospital.”
Alex let that slide for now. If the medic determined his angel needed hospital treatment, Alex would take her, protests or not.
The next couple hours passed in a blur of interviews. Though Clay wanted to separate him and Ivy, she refused to leave his side. Rather than upset her further, his friend agreed they could stay together.
Finally, his friend shoved his notebook in his pocket. “That’s it for now. Do me a favor, Alexander. Don’t talk to the media. We still have loose ends to tie up and I have a boatload of paperwork to process along with these clowns to book.” He started to walk away, paused. “I’ll inform your mother about Porter. It would be best if you stayed away from her.”
He started to protest, shut his mouth without saying a word. In his own way, Clay was trying to protect him much as Josh had. He glanced at the woman with her arms wrapped tight around his waist. She needed him. His mother’s recriminations could wait. “Are we free to leave now?”
“Yeah, just don’t leave town without checking with me first.”
“Ivy has to be back at school on Monday.”
“Legal procedures have to be followed.”
“We’ll do whatever you need, but I’m taking her home. There are a lot of flights going in and out of D.C. We’ll fly back for each stage as you need us.” He’d also be flying in to see Sam and check in with Yates.
With a wave, Clay left to check on Porter’s status and begin the interview process with him.
Alex pressed a kiss to Ivy’s forehead. “Let’s get out of here, angel.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Ivy dropped her brush into her overnight case, studied her reflection. She wrinkled her nose, wished she hadn’t. Her cheek not only looked bad, but it hurt. At least Evans hadn’t hit her with his fist. He might have done serious damage. The swelling would have been worse if not for Rio applying ice packs to her cheek.
She glanced at her watch. Ready just in time for Alex pick her up for their breakfast date. A smile curved her mouth. He’d been so thoughtful the night before. Every time she fell asleep, she kept seeing Evans’ hateful face in her dreams, and woke up in a cold sweat or gasping for air. When Stella had called Alex after midnight, he’d arranged for Ivy to sleep in the second bedroom of Josh and Del’s suite. He’d slept on the couch. With him resting feet from her door, she finally felt safe enough to sleep.
A knock on her door broke into her musings. “Ready, angel?” He escorted her down to the lobby and into the atrium, her hand clasped in his.
Her brow furrowed. “Where are we going?”
Alex smiled. “You’ll see.”
They followed a winding stone path deep into the heart of the foliage. Rounding another curve, she saw a table with a couple chairs. The table was covered with a white cloth. China, crystal, and silver sparkled in the morning sunlight. Domes covered what she assumed was food on the many china plates.
“How did you arrange this?” she asked.
“Whispered a few words in the right ear.”
“Thank you, Alex.”
He kissed her, stepped back and seated Ivy at the table. “After we eat, I’ll give you the rest of your charms.”
She grinned. “All four?”
“They’re a package deal, sweetheart.”
With those mysterious words, Alex uncovered the plates.
Good grief. Ivy was stunned at the array of food in front of her. Bagels, muffins, cut fruit, pancakes, bacon, biscuits. “There’s enough food here to feed your teammates.”
He snorted. “Not hardly.” He began placing food on her plate.
Since her appetite wasn’t that great this morning, she was grateful he gave her small portions of everything. From somewhere he produced a covered hot beverage cup. “Coffee?”
Alex shook his head. “Not this morning. I thought you might like a special treat.”
Curious, Ivy took a sip. Sighed with contentment and comfort. “Hot chocolate.”
“I’ll take you out for coffee later if you still want it.”
After they set aside their empty plates, Alex came around the table, knelt beside her chair. He took her hand in his, reached into his pocket and attached a charm to her bracelet.
She tilted her head. “A star?”
“Because you are the brightest star on the darkest night, a light that will always guide me back to you.”
How had she been so blessed to have him in her life? Ivy lifted her other hand, cupped his jaw. She loved him so much she almost couldn’t keep the words silent.
Another charm.
Her breath caught. “A heart.”
“You own my heart, angel. I love you.”
She leaned down, kissed him. “I love you, too, Alex.”
He smiled, attached another charm to her bracelet.
“A house?” she whispered.
“Marry me, Ivy Monroe. Create a home with me, one that will stand the test of time.”
Tears trickled down her cheeks. “I want to be your wife more than I’ve wanted anything in my life.”
Another kiss, this one deeper, longer. “One more charm, my love.” He attached the last to her bracelet.
She smiled. “Children.”
“When you’re ready, I want a family with you. As many kids as you want. And a big dog that sheds hair all over the furniture and adores you and our children. I want a home filled with laughter and love and toys all over the place. I want a Cahill kind of family, baby. One that is there for each other no matter what storms may come.”
Unlike their own families who created the storms and abandoned them in the aftermath. “Yes. Yes to all of it.”
“Then I have one more gift for you.” Alex dug into his pocket again and this time pulled out a diamond solitaire platinum ring.
Ivy’s heart turned over in her chest. “Alex, it’s gorgeous.”
He slid it on her ring finger, kissed the back of her hand. “Not as beautiful as you. I know it’s too fast, but I want you to be my wife as soon as possible.”
She blinked. “Why the rush?”
“Maddox is sending Durango on a mission in a couple weeks. I don’t want to go without marrying you. Will you think about it?”
“I don’t have to. The answer is yes. How about next weekend?”
His hand tightened around hers. “Will you have enough time? I don’t want to cheat you of a big wedding if that’s what you want. We could ask Marcus Lang to marry us in a private ceremony and plan a larger one for later.”
“Alex, all I need is you. I don’t want a large ceremony. I’d like to get married in the Cahill’s backyard if they’ll let us. Liz can help me find a dress. I’ll ask Serena to bake the cake. Maybe Aaron would agree to walk me to you.”
“What about your mother and father, angel?”
“I’ll invite them, but they won’t come. They made thei
r feelings plain.”
He rose, drew Ivy to her feet. “Our family is waiting for us in the suite. Let’s go share our good news.”
On Monday, Ivy found herself distracted while teaching every time the diamond on her hand caught the light. She had to laugh at herself. Her female students had spotted her new accessories immediately and made over the bracelet and engagement ring. All the excitement made it that much more difficult to help her students focus on the curriculum they needed to cover for the day.
Finally, her last class session ended. Breathing a sigh of relief, Ivy shooed the last of her students out the classroom door and headed for her office. Once she’d unloaded her book, she shoved all the papers she needed to grade into her book bag, grabbed her purse, and locked up.
She had just over an hour before meeting Liz at Del’s bookstore at six. Butterflies fluttered in Ivy’s stomach. On tonight’s agenda was hunting for a wedding dress. Serena had already begun the search for the perfect cake. Madison and Megan, Serena’s sisters, were pulling together a bridal shower for Wednesday. The wedding might be happening fast, but everybody was pitching in to make it happen. In five days, she would be Mrs. Alexander Morgan.
If she hurried, she’d have enough time to take a quick shower and change before she needed to leave.
On the short drive to the apartment, her cell rang. She glanced at the screen, smiled. “Hi, sweetheart.”
“How was your first day back, angel?”
“Busy. My girls were very impressed with the ring and bracelet. It’s a good thing I’m marrying you this weekend. Otherwise, I might have to worry about one of them trying to win your affections.”
He chuckled. “Never going to happen, baby. You own my heart.”
And with that reminder, happiness and a sense of rightness overwhelmed her. “Thank you for the flowers, Alex. They are so beautiful.” She’d opened her apartment door that morning to see a vase filled with a mixture of colorful blooms and a card on which he’d written that he loved her.
“The first of many over the coming years, angel.”
“How are the trainees?”
“Progressing.”
“Even Carson?”
“Actually, he’s made the most progress of all.”
“Great.”
“What time do you think you’ll be finished with Liz and Del?”
“Stores close at eight. I should be home a few minutes after that.”
“Want some company?”
“Sounds like a perfect end to the day.”
“Since you’re eating dinner out, why don’t I bring dessert?”
“Make it ice cream and you’ve got a deal.”
“Any flavor requests?”
“Something with chocolate.”
He laughed. “Now how did I know you were going to say that? I have to go, angel. Got a class to teach. I love you, Ivy.”
“Love you, too.”
Ivy parked in her slot, grabbed her stuff and climbed the stairs to her apartment. Inside, she showered and dressed in jeans and a pink shirt. She laced her tennis shoes, glanced at the clock. Hmm. She had enough time to brew a cup of coffee to take with her.
She filled the coffee maker with water. While waiting for the coffee to brew, she scanned her emails, checked her text messages. Found one of each from the love of her life, both sent earlier in the day. She checked the time, discovered he’d been thinking about her during his lunch break.
Ivy smiled. Being married to Alex was going to be so much fun. She sent a text to him, giving hints about the painting she was working on for him. Not enough to spoil the surprise, but enough to tease. She planned to give it to him on their first month anniversary since there was no way she could finish the painting before their wedding. Too much to do.
The coffee maker beeped. She poured the drink into her mug. A couple minutes to cool, screw on the travel lid, and she could leave for the store.
A scratching sound came from her front door.
Ivy frowned. Had the neighbor’s cat gotten out again? Peaches was quite the escape artist.
More scratches. Then Ivy noticed the door handle twisting. Fear gripped her. That was no cat. Someone was trying to get in her apartment. There was only one way out of the apartment unless she climbed out a window. Before she could move, her front door flew open.
A voice from her worst nightmares said, “Hello, honey. Did you miss me?”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Alex scowled. “Move it, Riley. This isn’t kindergarten. The perp just took a shot at your principal. Run him to ground.” The trainee sped up, gained ground on his quarry, one of the other instructors.
His cell phone vibrated. Wondering if the call was from Ivy, he checked the readout. His eyebrows rose. “Morgan.”
“Got a lead on Hall,” Brent said. “He used his debit card at a gas station in Otter Creek.”
His hand tightened around his cell. “How long ago?”
“Fifteen minutes.”
“He’s going after Ivy. I’ve got to go.” Alex ended the call and signaled Quinn to take over.
As he sprinted to his SUV, he called Ivy. She didn’t pick up. Heart racing, he hit speed dial. “Josh, Hall’s in town and Ivy’s not answering her phone. I just talked to her a few minutes ago.”
“On my way. I’ll be there in five.”
In his vehicle, Alex burned rubber peeling out of the parking lot. He prayed either he or Josh would get there in time.
“What are you doing here, Lee?” Ivy was pleased her voice sounded calm. She sure didn’t feel that way on the inside. Her ex-boyfriend looked bigger than ever. Must have had plenty of time to pump iron in prison.
Her cell phone vibrated in her pocket. She was afraid if she tried to answer it, Lee would take it from her. That cell phone might be her only lifeline to help if he managed to take her away.
“Payback, honey.” His smile didn’t reach his icy blue eyes. “You had me locked in a cage for eighteen long months. And while I was gone, you two-timed me. You’re gonna pay for that. After I’ve punished you for eighteen months, you won’t even remember his name much less what he looks like. I have a place lined up where he’ll never find you and no one will hear you scream.”
Ivy shuddered. His calm voice made his threats that much more terrifying. And the look in his eyes. Lee Hall was no longer rational. Obsession and evil gleamed from their depths. “You are the one who’s been sending texts and pictures to my phone, haven’t you?” She and Alex had been sure Evans was the culprit.
“You’re mine, honey. I don’t share, something you won’t ever forget.”
When her chest tightened, Ivy gritted her teeth. No. She was not going to slide into panic. If she did, he would take her away from Alex. That wasn’t happening. She had plans for Alex Morgan and Ivy wasn’t giving them up.
Her gaze fell on her bracelet, on the angel Alex had given her. Ivy raised her head, her gaze fixed on the man looming feet from her. She was not a victim. Lee had no idea Alex had trained her. Sure, he had a foot of height on her and was stronger than ever, but he didn’t know what she could do. Ivy just needed an opening and the element of surprise so she could run for help.
Lee watched her with that creepy smile on his face. When he began advancing on her, Ivy instinctively backed up. The counter blocked her escape. Her hand brushed against the coffee mug.
She grasped the handle.
“A coffee mug won’t do anything but make me mad, Ivy. If you hit me with it, I can promise you’ll regret it for a very long time.”
Ivy said nothing, simply waited. Let him think she was too cowed to move. It would bring him closer. She’d only get one chance at this.
Finally, he moved close enough, an ugly smirk on his face as he reached for her.
She flung the hot coffee in his face. He shouted in pain and rage. Ivy ran for the door. Nearly at her goal, Lee grabbed her and threw her to the floor, straddled her. His hands closed around her neck.
Despi
te his vicious cursing and ranting, Ivy heard Alex’s calm voice in her head, the lesson he’d drilled into her only days ago.
Ivy grabbed one of Lee’s hands, yanked it away from her throat, bucked him off balance and onto his back. Throwing her body weight into it, she punched his throat.
As he gagged and coughed, hands clutching his throat, Ivy scrambled away from him. Lurching to her feet, she raced for the door. Her hand grasped the knob, turned it. Hard hands jerked her backwards, dragging her inside.
“No!” She was sick of being tossed around by men who were bullies. When Lee yanked her back against his chest, she jabbed her elbow into his stomach. Tearing out of his grasp, Ivy grabbed the vase filled with Alex’s flowers, swung, connected with the side of his face.
Blood poured from a gash in his cheek. He dropped to the floor, moaning.
Not waiting to see if he was going to stay down, Ivy yanked open the door, ran into the hall and into a hard chest. Hands grabbed her.
She fought against the hold. “No! Let me go!”
“Kitten, it’s Josh. Stay here.”
In two strides, Josh was inside the apartment. He wrestled Lee onto his stomach, cuffed his hands behind his back. Alex’s best friend glanced over his shoulder, grinned. “Good job, kitten. Lee Hall, I’m very happy to say you’re under arrest for violating your parole, breaking and entering, assault, attempted murder, and anything else I can come up with.”
“Ivy!” Alex raced up the stairs, gathered her tight against his chest. “You okay, angel?” He eased her away from him enough to look her over. His gaze stopped on the marks she knew were on her throat. His expression darkened. “Where is he?”
“In here,” Josh said. “He’s down.”
Alex tucked Ivy against his side. Together they entered the apartment.
“She did this herself.” Josh nudged Lee with his foot. “I got here in time to cuff him.”
Ivy’s body trembled in the aftermath of her fight and escape. No wheezing, though. Looked like her husband-to-be was right. She was getting better. Good thing. Alex looked ready to tear Lee apart.
