Page 34 of Crossfire
A shadow fell over her face, erasing the light that had flickered there moments before, and her smile wilted.
He’s hurting her.
On purpose.
Ivy ripped her focus away from him and glued it to the barista. Over the next few minutes, it became apparent to me that the guy was putting on a show, laughing loudly at the blonde, complimenting her, and even kissing loud enough that we could hear it over the hiss of milk steamers. Their voices carried over the static of conversations around us, and every so often, Ivy’s body would tense, as if it had just been dealt a fresh blow.
“Next!” a different barista from yesterday called out.
Ivy ordered a hot mocha with whipped cream, and after I ordered a black coffee, I joined her in the designated waiting area, hoping I could convince her to talk to me before our drinks were ready.
Years of shadows and silence had honed me into a weapon, but now, I needed to dust off my social skills.
“You’re Iva, right?” I said, tilting my head slightly. “We met yesterday.”
As she turned to face me, I saw a flicker of recognition on her face, followed by a subtle sparkle that hinted at excitement. For a brief moment, her frustrated facade melted away, revealing a ghost of a smile that reached her enchanting eyes. It was as if the mere sight of me had brought a touch of unexpected joy to her day, and that…
That broughtmemore joy than it should have.
“Ivy,” she corrected softly, her voice carrying a warmth that hadn’t been there before. “Grayson, right?”
She quickly tried to compose herself, but the slight flush in her cheeks and the way she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear told me that our encounter had affected her more than she wanted to let on. The knowledge sent a small thrill through me, and I couldn’t help but feel a swell of satisfaction at the idea that I had made an impression on her.
I shoved my hands into my pockets, trying to appear nonchalant despite the sudden quickening of my heartbeat. Who knew watching a woman tuck a piece of hair behind her ear could be so…fascinating? I found myself staring, transfixed by the simple gesture.
“Thank you again for what you did.” Her eyes were warm.
“Tell me something.” I motioned toward the guy with my chin, pretending not to know the answer. “That’s the man who grabbed your arm yesterday, right?”
Her smile fell, and she glanced down at her feet. “The one and only.”
What a loser. Guys like him thought excessive weight lifting and wearing shirts two sizes too small made him look like a tough guy, but chances were, he’d be the type to piss himself should anyone put a pistol to his temple.
“He keeps staring at you.”
“I know,” she sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly.
I didn’t like the defeat in her tone.
When an unfamiliar pang of worry invaded my thoughts, I leaned closer, my voice softening. “Are you okay?”
I searched her face for any signs of distress, noting a faint scar on her forehead, right above her left eyebrow. She covered it well with makeup; if I hadn’t been searching, I would never haveseen it, but now, I wondered,Had that Neanderthal given that to her?
“Is he hurting you or something?”
Ivy’s chuckle danced across my skin, and she shook her head, her hair swaying with the movement. “God, no. I could take him down with one hand tied behind my back.”
I know. I wish you had.
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow, letting a mix of skepticism and genuine intrigue play across my face.
Her resilience was a sharp contrast to the vulnerability she’d shown yesterday, piquing my interest further.
She shrugged. “Tae kwon do, black belt, among other things.”
My focus flickered to her hands, trying to imagine them as lethal weapons. Noticing my gaping, she flexed her fingers slightly, as if acknowledging their hidden strength.
“So, you’re not a damsel in distress, needing to be saved?”