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“Ivy, angel, there’s nothing you can say right now that will make me change my mind.”
“Fine. Just know I’m not happy about it.”
Smiling at me, he nods. “Noted, angel. Do you have a change of clothes or something in your car?”
“I think there might be a gym bag in the trunk of my car. I fled the city so quickly that I didn’t even think about stuff like that.”
“All right, you go get settled and I’ll bring the bag to you in a couple minutes. Room’s down this hallway, door at the end.”
“Thank you,” I tell him, turning from my place at the hallway entrance. “For everything. I know you didn’t sign up for an arranged marriage and an almost-wife who brings a lot baggage but I’m thankful. Grateful, actually, that you’ve come into my life.”
“Angel, now that I know you’re mine, there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for you.”
I swallow, his words making my heart rate increase. I squeeze my legs together, trying to control the ache that’s built in my core at his possessive words. Too overcome with lust, I give him a small nod then head on shaky legs down the hall.
I’m instantly hit with the smell of him when I enter the main bedroom. Peppermint and pine. How a smell alone can provide me comfort and, at the same time, have every inch of my body tingling with need I have no idea.
Then again, it’s Connor. He pulls this reaction from me.
Taking one last deep pull of the intoxicating scent, I open my eyes and toss my bag on the bed. The room, like its owner, is surprising. I had been expecting all dark woods and possibly a grayscale color scheme.
Yet, just like Connor, the room is a shocking surprise. The bed and curtains are draped in an emerald green, making the room feel like an enchanted forest. The walls are a light off white, making the space open and airy.
Running my hand over the soft velvet blanket, I sigh. I was going to get changed and then insist again that Connor take his room and I take the sofa. Yet after seeing this room…I’m going to say a word. This room is a dream.
I’m so tempted to throw back the sheets and crash for the night. I’m at that level of exhausted that I’m sure I could forget about how uncomfortable this dress is and pass out. But there’s no way I’m doing that. I need this thing off me. Now.
Bending my arm at an unnatural angle, I flail for the clasp at the base of my neck. My muscles burn as I undo one button, then two. Sweat breaks out on my brow as I twist and bend, trying desperately to get this monstrosity off me.
I get only four buttons undone before the feat becomes impossible. I can’t reach the rest. My arms just won’t do it. Desperate, I whirl around, thinking that this quick motion will give me the momentum I need to grasp the button. I greatly overestimate my grace.
I spin too quickly, one of my legs getting caught in the skirt of the dress, and I tumble to the ground.
“Ouff,” I cry, a piercing pain shooting from the shoulder I landed on. Pressing my lips together to hold back more cries of pain, I roll onto my back. Bracing my hurt arm across my chest, I hold on to the elbow with my good hand. I have to keep breathing through the pain or I’m going to break down in dramatic tears.
“Ivy? Are you okay?” Connor asks through the bedroom door.
I nod, not able to get the words out. I fully realize this doesn’t help, but I can’t release my lips yet.
“Ivy?” He pauses, then tries again. “Ivy, if you don’t tell me you’re okay in five seconds I’m coming in to check for myself.”
A tear trickles out of the corner of my eye. This is going to be so humiliating. I try to get up, even though the pain is overwhelming, but it doesn’t work. I flop back down. My dress is too big and I can’t roll myself over.
I hesitate for too long and before I can regain my voice the door is opening. Connor steps inside, his head swiveling from side to side, looking for me.
Crap. He hasn’t spotted me yet. The kind fool hasn’t realized I’m on the floor.
I open my mouth to call for him, but instead of words I make a sad, pathetic mewing noise. After witnessing just how much of a mess I am he’s definitely not going to want anything to do with me.
“Jesus, Ivy! Are you okay?” Connor rushes to me, crouching down on the floor. Softly, he brushes the backs of his fingers down the side of my face, catching one wayward tear. “Are you hurt?”
“I can’t…” I start, my voice wobbly. “My dress…I can’t get up. I can’t get my dress off!”
Chapter Five
Connor
My cell isin my hand the second she turns down the hallway. Heading of out the cabin so she can’t hear me, I walk to Ivy’s car as my call connects.
