Burning Ivy (KORT, #1)

by Brandy Hynes

“You’re the one I need, Ivy.”

“Ivy is the light.”

“Except Ivy!” Ty spits out. “She’s a traditional girl. Marriage. Babies. PTA and cocktail parties. Jesus, as if she doesn’t have enough shit to face right now. She won’t be towing her two lovers along to events. What the hell?”

Sorry, why can’t she get with Ty? He’s a sweetheart 😭 Currently my fav rn.

I suspect her indignation is directed at me, but that is wholly misplaced. I’m the savior here.

“I have no intention of ever getting rid of you, Ivanna. That’s what you should be concerning yourself with.”

“Look at that. You talk like a brat, but you jumped right up to do as I ordered. Good girl, Ivy. You’ll do just fine.”

But out of all the guys, Ty is the one who puts me most at ease.

Gavin Wells might not be the hero of my story, but he may be my dark knight.

“Liam, I love you like a brother, but if you value your life, you’d be wise to keep your fucking hands off my wife.”

“You, Little Storm. I was waiting for you.”

He stares pointedly at me. “I’ve seen the expression pass over you—the look I had on my face for fifteen months—when you speak about my daughter.” He raises a firm palm, halting my objections. “I’m not suggesting anything happen now. She’s got her work cut out for her and preparing her and protecting her must always be the priority. I don’t question that keeping her safe would be your priority though. You’ve become like a son to me over these years, earned my respect and my trust. So, if something should take shape, you have my blessing.”

If I could live only one snippet of life, it would be a string of endless Octobers.

Since I’m surrounded by people who, regardless of their reasons, have been pretending, lying, and using me as a paycheck. I don’t know how to trust any of you.”

why is she seeing it that way 😭 how many times did they have to show and tell you otherwise fr

“Who owns this place?” I ask. Her gaze flits to mine, and there is the briefest hint of panic—an apology she’s gulping down. I hit on something. “The owner prefers to remain as a silent partner,” she supplies. “Any issues are mine to handle.” I scoff, realization smacking me in the face like a baseball bat. “It’s him, isn’t it? He owns this place. That’s why he brought me here—so he could control the situation. He was always ten steps ahead, setting my life ablaze while I chased the fireworks. He still is. Fuck.” “I’m sorry,” she whispers, her quavering tenor telling me I nailed it. Somehow, she’s at his mercy too. “But you need to leave.”

My guys wanted to sell our home and pretend our time together didn’t happen. This is far more cathartic.

“Hello, boys.” Celeste’s haughty smirk leers back, her voice a taunting trill. “C’mon in.”

Ivy is goated for this lmao 😂

“No moment before you was living. You, Little Storm, are my life, the light striking through the darkness, as close to Heaven as I’ll ever get.”