“If I catch you…” I reach down and adjust myself. “I fuck you.”
A delighted squeak escapes her as she rubs her hands on her thighs.
“Ivy… run.”
She’s on her feet, sprinting past me and up the stairs. Mr. Pickles’s ears twitch as he stares after her, body crouched like he doesn’t know what to do.
“Stay here. Your parents need some alone time.”
Then I’m gone, racing up the stairs after her, anticipation drying my mouth.
40
IVY
I run into the bedroom, slam the door, and lock it behind me.
I open the closet door, then shut it quickly, hoping he’ll think I’m hiding there.
Instead, I slip through the sliding glass door onto the balcony and climb over the railing like I used to.
My eyes dart around when I hit the ground. I could run for the woods, but Sebastian is fast.
Instead, I stay pressed against the house, the cold air biting through my shirt, my skin erupting in goosebumps. I keep going until I reach the door to the garage. It’s unlocked.
I sneak inside, letting my eyes adjust to the darkness. The only light comes from the small window in the door, and I know I need to get away from it before Sebastian spots me.
I don’t hear his footsteps, but for such a large guy, he’s surprisingly quiet.
Pursing my lips together to control my ragged breathing,I quietly walk beside his car, heading toward the door between the garage and the house.
I freeze when I hear a noise outside.
Shit. He’s closer than I thought.
I open the door and quietly close it, then sneak through the living room. My eyes dart around?—
His masked face is pressed against the patio door.
I take off, heading down the hallway and into his office. I slam the door behind me and lock it.
Seconds later, the knob twists.
“Ivy,” he calls through the door. “I’m coming for you.”
I look around, considering my options. There’s a closet, but he’ll find me far too easily.
I hurry to the window and shove it open. I’m halfway out when I hear the key in the lock. I practically fall out the window, landing awkwardly but staying on my feet. But I keep moving, going around the side of the house and to the balcony. I climb it the way I always do, not looking back.
One leg goes over the railing, then the other. I hop down and race to the door.
But it opens, and strong arms grab me and pull me inside.
I scream, my heart hammering in my chest.
“You fooled me,” I say breathlessly.
He tosses me onto his bed and climbs on top of me, pinning me with his weight. “I know how you think.” He lowers his lips to my ear, and I squirm as his hot breath comes through the fibers of the mask. “I know you better than you think.”
