Tiger in Her Bed Revised Kindle(22)

“They aren’t Huskies; they’re wolves.”

“Right. Like wolves are going to be that tame. Anyway, what are you doing here?”

Ivy advanced. “I know you slept with Quinn. I can smell him all over you. How dare you?” Ivy accused her.

Vanessa was taken aback but quickly recovered. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

Ivy Bishop looked a mess. She didn’t seem like herself this morning. Her eyes were wild and glassy. Her hair was in disarray. No makeup either. She had never seen Ivy like this. Ivy always dressed like she was going to enter a pageant. Big hair, full makeup and full-on bling. She hadn’t been nicknamed The Princess for nothing.

Ivy had dark circles underneath her eyes as if she hadn’t slept in a week. Vanessa wondered if she had run out of her medication. Ivy was known for being extremely moody.

And when did she fly in here anyway?

“You know I like him!” Ivy shrieked. “We’re supposed to get engaged and married. You ruined that for me.”

“Excuse me?” Vanessa said, bewildered. Did she just hear right? “You’re supposed to be engaged to Quinn?” What is the meaning of this? What is going on?

“Yes. My uncle had arranged it for me. It’s supposed to unite our families. But you had to mess things up.”

“Ivy, you have to start from the beginning. You’re not making any sense. Quinn had an arranged marriage? He didn’t tell me anything.” Anger flared inside her. Did Quinn just two-time her? Why did he seduce her if he was engaged to someone else? If he planned on marrying this woman? “I didn’t even know you knew Quinn outside the office.”

“Of course, I do.” A look of triumph colored Ivy’s face. “I’ve known him since I was a kid. I’ve loved him all my life. I did everything to make myself beautiful. The diet. The exercise. Do you think this look just happens? I even followed him to New York to be with him. How could you do this to me? You’re not even pretty.” Ivy shot her a dirty look. “You’re fat.”

“Hey! I’m Rubenesque and proud of it.”

“I don’t know what he sees in you.”

“Great personality and brains, apparently,” Vanessa scoffed. “Something you clearly don’t have.” She couldn’t believe she was arguing with Ivy over a guy. How childish.

And how come Savannah also didn’t tell her anything? Quinn’s mom had taken her shopping and given her a makeover. She and Savannah had become close in the past couple days. One would think Savannah would mention it if Quinn had a prior marriage arrangement. Or perhaps Quinn’s own mom didn’t even know? No. Quinn wasn’t that kind of man. Not after what they shared the past two nights. Vanessa knew better than to draw hasty conclusions. She needed to hear Quinn’s side of the story. “We need to clear up this misunderstanding. How about we find Quinn and ask him to set the record straight?”

“It’s too late. You ruined my chances. I hate you!”

“What are you—five? We’re adults. We’ll talk and solve our problems like adults. Enough with your tantrum. I’m not happy Quinn had an arrangement without telling me. But I’m sure he had a solid reason and I’d like to hear it.”

Ivy didn’t seem inclined to embracing her reasonable side. “None of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t kissed Quinn.”

“You’re the one who dared me to do it. Did you forget that?”

“I didn’t think you had the guts. You should’ve known better. I love him. No one can ever love him like I do. No one!”

“Jesus. You need to calm the hell down, girl,” Vanessa snapped. Ivy came easily unhinged. She became touchy and irritated when others expressed interest in Quinn. She didn’t pay her too much attention when she was in emo mode. Vanessa had better things to do, but it really irritated her now. “Look, we can argue until the cows come home, but it won’t do us any good. I suggest we get out of the cold and find Quinn. I’m freezing.”

“Fuck you. You’re going to pay for this,” Ivy snarled. She lunged and knocked her off her feet.

Vanessa yelled. This woman was crazy. What the hell was wrong with her? Ivy came at her again, attacking her head on. Vanessa shielded her face with both arms. “Ouch!” Pain exploded. What the hell, man? What is this? Vanessa watched in horror as a droplet of her blood fell onto the snow.

She had been wounded. Ivy struck at her again but Vanessa rolled aside to avoid her. She staggered to her feet, trying to flee. She couldn’t believe Ivy had attacked her with a knife. This woman was crazy. She didn’t even see it coming. No. It wasn’t a knife. It was claws.