Free Blake: A Bad Boy Romance by Laura Day Page A

building she noticed Blake’s hand was still resting on her lower back. She leaned into his embrace and he tightened his grip around her. It felt good to be here with him. It felt safe and for the first time all day, she let herself relax.
     
    Blake unlocked the door to his apartment and guided Ivy inside, locking it again behind them.
     
    Ivy looked around Blake’s apartment, impressed with how nice it was. There was a large kitchen to the left with brand new appliances that led to a large living room and dining room that had a stunning view of the Seattle skyline. It was modern and sleek and clean and Ivy felt safe.
     
     
     
     
     

 
    Chapter Thirteen
     
    Ivy looked pale and shaken, like an animal that had just escaped a trap. Blake watched as she looked around the house and he could tell she was impressed. But at that moment he wasn’t worried about Ivy’s opinion on his house; he wanted to know why she was here. Something had spooked her, but she didn’t say what.
     
    “You want a drink or anything?” Blake asked as he dropped her bag next to his kitchen table.
     
    “A drink would be great, thanks,” Ivy said. She was standing near his wall looking at the pictures and newspaper articles his mother had professionally framed for him. They were testaments to his ability in the ring. He had won a lot of fights, enough to make him a champion. He was proud of the work he had done.
     
    “Whiskey? Although I don’t know if I have anything to mix it with.”
     
    “Whiskey’s great, thanks.”
     
    He poured two glasses and brought them to the living room. He sat down on the couch and set the two glasses down on the coffee table, inviting Ivy to come join him. She took one last look at an article from ESPN The Magazine before she sat next to him on the couch. They were a respectable amount of distance apart. They weren’t touching, but they easily could be.
     
    “So, what’s going on?” Blue asked.
     
    “Oh, it’s nothing...” Ivy said with a wave of her hand.
     
    “Really? Then why are you here instead of at home? Is someone bothering you?”
     
    She looked at him and opened her mouth, but nothing came out. He could see that she was debating with herself. She was struggling to keep some secret.
     
    “You can tell me anything, Ivy,” Blake said.
     
    “There’s this ex who’s a real pain. But he hasn’t actually done anything. He just likes to scare me.”
     
    Blake’s felt himself go numb with her words. Who would dare hurt Ivy? All Blake needed was a name and he would personally show this guy the error of his ways.  “Who?” Blake said, one word all he could muster.
     
    “It’s nothing you need to worry about and I don’t want to involve you in this.”
     
    “Just give me a name, Ivy.”
     
    “Blake, no!” Ivy said, putting her drink down and standing up. “This was a bad idea; I should have known as much. I’m gonna go, but thanks for the drink.” She put her half-filled glass back down on the coffee table as she stood to leave.
     
    “Come on, Ivy. Don’t be like this. It’s me, all right? We don’t have to talk about it tonight if you don’t want to,” Blake said. The sight of her leaving filled him with a sudden panic. He would have said anything to keep her there and safe with him.
     
    “I’m just tired of talking about this guy. He’s a real jerk and I feel like I’ve already wasted so much energy on him,” Ivy said, but she was still standing, still halfway to the door.
     
    “Don’t go home,” Blake pleaded. “Stay here, we won’t talk about it until you're ready.” He wasn’t ready for the tears, but they came quickly to her eyes before sliding down her cheeks. Blake stood and walked towards Ivy, gently wiping away her tears and tilting her head so she looked him in the eyes.
     
    She smiled up at him and nodded before walking back to the couch and quickly finishing her drink. “You’ve won a lot of trophies,” Ivy said, indicating all the