Stay Close(17)

I glance over at Pandora, who’s standing there with her hands on her hips. “I’ll sit on your lap,” I tell her. She lets out a deep sigh and gets in the car. I slip in after her, sitting awkwardly on top of her legs. Ivan closes the door then goes around to the other side. I move a little so my back is more towards the door.

When Ivan gets in, he reaches over and pulls the seat belt over both my sister and me, clicking it into place. His hand comes up to brush my cheek for a soft touch before he cranks up the car and pulls away from the curb.

We ride in silence for a moment before Pandora breaks it.

“Fuck it,” she finally says, and I roll my eyes. “I’m just going to say it.”

Yeah, like she’s ever bitten her tongue when there’s something she wants to say.

“You’re no good for her. I know you see it. Look at her. She’s sweet and soft and all that shit. She’s like the freaking heart of our family. Hell, I bet you’ve even killed people before.” She snaps the last part, and the air in the car feels like it’s alive.

I watch something pass over Ivan’s face, and I hate it. I elbow Pandora, hitting her right in the ribs before I place my hand over Ivan’s, ignoring Pandora’s string of curses. He moves his thumb against mine as he welcomes my touch. His eyes stay on the road, but God I wish I could see them right now. I wonder how many other people have judged him all too quickly. Don’t they see the man underneath all the tattoos and scars?

“Do you hear her?” I tell him. Leaning more towards him, I say, “She’s trying to tell you all the reasons we can’t be together. But I don’t care. Do you?” I reach up, rubbing the back of my fingers across the stubble on his face. I know if we really want to be together, my sister will be the least of our battles.

“If you want me, krasotu, I will forever be yours.” He says it so simply, as if I can have ownership over him. He leans into my hand.

“I want you,” I tell him. “All of you.” I watch tension leave his body. I smile at him, and for the first real time in my life I’m pissed at my sister.

“So, Taco Bell?” Pandora says.

I grit my teeth.

“Are you hungry?” Ivan asks, glancing over at me.

“I’m always hungry,” Pandora pipes in like he’s talking to her.

“Krasotu?” he asks, ignoring her.

“I want to go home. With you.” I add the last part because I don’t want there to be any confusion. I need to be alone with him.

Pandora huffs, and the car grows silent again. I place my hand on top of Ivan’s as he drives us home. He pulls up to the gate and keys in the code. He takes us to the front of the house, and I hop out and Pandora follows.

“Ivan, I’m coming with you,” I tell him as he gets out of the car. I grab Pandora by the arm and pull her towards the side of the house. “I just need a moment with my sister,” I call over my shoulder.

I stop when we make it to her bathroom window.

“I’m sorry,” she says before I can even yell at her. “I just worry about you. Don’t be mad at me.” She reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “We don’t fight. I was wrong about him I think,” she adds, taking me by surprise. “I watched him when I said those things in the car. He’s—”

“Don’t.” I cut her off. I don’t want to hear about how he’s broken or whatever it is. That’s for me and Ivan to work out. I feel so protective of him. I don’t want anyone thinking of him in any way but positive.

“You’re already so far gone,” she says, studying my face. “I know we always joke about how you take care of us. You’re the tender one, but no one gets as angry as you when someone goes after what you love.” She leans in, kissing me on the cheek. “I’ll sleep in your bed tonight so when Mom and Dad get home they’ll think we’re both in there,” she says before opening the window and slipping in. “Be careful. I don’t want to have to kill him,” she adds as she climbs in and shuts the window.

I think about her words, about how angry I got when she made a comment that I thought hurt Ivan. It only makes me believe even more that he was meant to be mine.

I don’t have to turn around to know he’s behind me. I have a feeling that’s where he’ll always be.





Chapter Ten

Ivan

“I snuck in here when I was younger, but there was only a gym at the time, so it didn’t hold much appeal.”

Penelope takes my hand and leads me down the hallway to where my bedroom is. I should stop her, take her back to the living room, but where she leads I will follow.