Burning Ivy (KORT, #1)

by Brandy Hynes

They might not realize it, but Ivy is the healing balm, opening us all up to a life with love. Because of her, they may finally be ready to let someone penetrate the armor they’ve carefully constructed after years of unfathomable loss so they can each enjoy a connection, like Ivy and I share. Liam palms her head, his eyes closing as he breathes her in. His lips nuzzle her temple with calming words that don’t boil my blood because I know she needs to hear them as much as he needs to voice them. “I’m okay. I’m so sorry, Ivy. You did so good. So strong and smart, baby girl.” “I thought you were … unalived,” she whimpers against him, seemingly unwilling to validate the grief she’s endured with the word dead. “I know.” He strings his fingers through her wet hair, gingerly, aware of her abrasions. “Fuck, I’m so proud of you. The way you funneled money from our accounts, strung us along, and found your parents. You’re brutal.” She hooks her arms snugger behind his neck with a wince and a sniff. “I love you, Liam. You’re my family, forever and always.” His eyes flit to mine as he says, “Right back at ya, High Society. You’re worth so much more.”