Page 140 of The Devil of Downtown

“That’s good,” I whisper back.

She nods, satisfied, and then disappears, reappearing again not long after.

“She has a big bruise,” she informs me.

“I know.”

“And a big Band-Aid.”

“I saw.”

She thinks about this, then adds, “She’s still pretty.”

Something tightens behind my ribs.

“Yes,” I say. “She is.”

“That’s probably why Matty from the school bus said his dad wants to invite her for a date.”

“He does?” I smirk. “Well, tell Matty’s dad to stay away, as Ivy already has someone.”

“She does?”

“Yes, me.”

“Oh,” she giggles, her hand covering her mouth.

Eventually, Sloane comes back out, her expression softer now, fatigue edging out the earlier tension.

“I’m taking Elsie home. Ivy’s resting. They want her to sleep as much as possible.”

She hesitates, then meets my eyes.

“You can stay,” she adds. “If you want to.”

Relief hits me so hard I have to steady myself.

“I do,” I say. “I really do.”

Sloane nods. “I’ll be back in the morning.” She looks back at her sister one more time, her voice dropping. “Look after her.I’m doing this because I know she loves you. Don’t make me regret it.”

“I won’t. You have my word.” Sloane just nods, holding Elsie a little tighter. Elsie watches me as they leave, a mischievous grin lighting up her big blue eyes, pulling another smile from me. God, she’s too cute; no wonder Ivy dotes on her.

When I return to the room, Ivy hasn’t moved. She is still so beautiful even against the hospital bed, lashes resting dark against her cheeks, breath slow and even.

I sit.

I don’t leave again.

Later—sometime deep in the night—Charlotte slips in, trying and failing to be quiet. Her composure fractures the moment she sees Ivy.

“Oh, Dane,” she whispers.

She pulls me into her arms, her grip tight, desperate. I feel her tears against my cheek, soaking into my collar, and I close my eyes because it’s suddenly easier to let her cry than to hold it all in myself.

“Julian told me,” she says. She pulls back, cupping my face. “Thank God she’s alive.”

“Yes,” I say, voice rough. “Thank God.”