He crosses the room in three strides and pulls her into a careful, shaking embrace.
Mr. Pickles hisses directly into his ear.
“Jesus—”
“He’s protecting me,” Ivy says. “You’re fine.”
The cat remains unconvinced.
Her dad pulls back, hands braced on the mattress. His voice cracks just enough to make my chest tighten. “You scared me.”
“I know,” she says softly. “But I’m okay.”
His eyes flick to me. “You,” he says again.
I meet his gaze.
“She’s safe because of you,” he says. “But don’t think that means I forgive you for forgetting to call.”
I nod. “I wouldn’t expect you to.”
He stares at me for a long beat. “You love her.”
It’s not a question.
“Yes,” I say. “She’s my world.”
He stares at me like he’s inspecting my soul. Finally, he exhales. “Good. Because if you didn’t, I’d have a problem.”
Mr. Pickles growls approvingly.
“Dad,” Ivy huffs, rolling her eyes. “Be reasonable.”
He gives her a look that saysneverbefore turning his attention back to me. “By the way, Thomas is safe.”
My eyes widen. “Shit. I feel terrible not asking about him.” My voice lowers. “No wonder he didn’t answer.”
“Thomas.” Ivy looks panicked.
Her dad grabs her hand. “He’s okay, sweetheart. Silas snuck into his cottage and tied him up. The police found him when they were investigating the grounds.”
“I feel like an asshole for not checking it,” I mutter.
Her dad levels me with a look. “You were concerned about my daughter. I heard it in your voice. She’s all you could think about.”
My eyes meet Ivy’s. They’re soft, a look of pure adoration in them. I bet I’m looking at her the same way.
It seems impossible to believe I once feared she’d hex me.
Or that I was terrified of getting involved with her.
Now, I’d give upeverythingfor her. I’d burn the fucking world down to keep her safe.
And judging by the look in her eyes, she’d do the same for me.
Later,when the house is quiet and it’s just Ivy and me in our bed, I hold her in my arms and watch her breathe.
I almost lost her.
