Kace (Shattered Souls MC #3) - Heather Dahlgren Page 0,71

me he’d protect me, and the baby and he did. The look of relief on his face told me all I needed to know. He loves me enough to give up his life. It makes my heart hurt.

“I’m scared,” I whisper, picking at my pizza.

“I know, believe me. I’ve been in your position.” She pulls out her phone and presses it to her ear. When there’s no answer she gives me a sad smile. “Don’t give up on Kace.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“I know you weren’t crazy about the club and all the shit they get mixed up in. I’m saying give him a chance before you decide you’re gonna walk away,” she says, finishing off her pizza.

I push the blanket off of me and stand up. I know she means well, but it pisses me off that she would say that to me. I go into the bathroom and close the door.

“Ivy, you alright?” Harper asks on the other side of the door.

“Yeah,” I say, sitting on the closed toilet.

As much as I don’t want to be alone with my thoughts, right now I’d rather that. I’ve never interfered with her relationship and I’d appreciate the same respect. I know what I’m feeling. I don’t owe those thoughts to anyone else right now.

“I’m gonna get more pizza and check in with Maren. I’ll be back.”

When I hear the door close, I slip out of the bathroom. I get back in bed and I eat my slice of pizza. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I started eating. I finish off a bottle of water and lay down. I wish I had my cell phone so I could call Kace. Even if it just goes to voicemail, I have a lot to say.

My eyes get heavier and I finally give in and close them. Kace’s face is the last thing I see before I’m finally pulled under.

I’m woken up by loud noises and fear wraps around me. Something is going on and I’m frozen in place. I pull the covers up to my chin as I sit there listening. I can’t make anything out, just that suddenly voices are loud. The door flies open, and I scream as I close my eyes.

“Ivy?”

My eyes fly open at Kace’s voice and I look at him standing there. His clothes are covered in blood. The side of his head has definitely taken a beating and has dried blood on it. But what stands out the most are his sad brown eyes. They look haunted. I must still be dreaming.

“Kace? Is this for real?” I ask, dropping the covers as I crawl to the end of the bed.

“Ivy, fuck,” he cries out, wrapping his strong, muscular arms around me.

His intoxicating smell invades my senses. His heart beats rapidly beneath my ear as I dig my fingers into his back. His hold on me tightens as he kisses the top of my head. I can’t fight it any longer, the tears begin to flow.

“You’re alive?” I ask, my voice muffled against his chest.

“I’m alive, angel,” he whispers, kissing my head again. He finally pulls away and sits on the bed, pulling me onto his lap. “Alex isn’t though.”

He buries his head in my shoulder and I can feel him begin to shake. He’s crying. “It’s alright, Kace,” I say, running my fingers through his hair.

“I’m so sorry, Ivy. I didn’t protect you and I almost lost you and the baby. You suffered injuries and torment because of me. Fuck, I’m sorry,” he cries, holding me tighter.

I allow him to cry against my shoulder as I soothe him the best I can. I rub his massive back with one hand and hold his head with the other. The pain he is feeling needs to be released and I’m giving him that.

He eventually lifts his head and seeing his wet, haunted eyes makes my heart crumble. “I failed you, Ivy. I allowed unspeakable shit to happen to you because I wasn’t there to protect you. I’m so fucking sorry.”

I brush my thumbs under his eyes and cup his cheeks, careful not to touch where he’s been hit. “You saved me, Kace. You’re the reason I’m alive.” I reach down to touch my stomach. “That we’re alive.” I give him a small smile. “I thought I was going to die, and it was the scariest thing I’ve ever encountered.” He goes to interrupt, but I place my finger on his lips. “Until I