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How do I tell her that it would be me who pulls the trigger?

“Because I'm sure. But, Ivy, no one is going to kill you. I'll kill them all if I have to.”

“That's what scares me, Dante. I don't want blood spilled because of me. What's your father going to say about all this?”

“He doesn't have a choice.”

Turning, Ivy straddled my lap, draping her arms over my shoulders. Running her nails up and down my back, she sat quiet for a moment. “Don't do anything stupid, Dante, I'm not worth the trouble. You'll do what you need to, but not for me.” Her fingers found the back of my neck, scraping up into my hair. “Do what needs to be done for both of us. If that means I need to go back to Remo, so be it. I won't let you risk your life for mine.”

Her eyes filled with sadness, the blue turning dark gray. As she stared at me through glass coated eyes, I felt my heart sink. She really couldn't see the beauty I did.

“Don't do that.”

“Do what?”

“Don't put yourself down, Ivy. I'm going to do what needs to be done, that's it.” Stroking her hair, I tugged it back into a tight ponytail so I could see all of her features. Her nose perked at the end, cheeks high and rounded. And when she smiled, a single dimple would imprint her right cheek.

I fucking loved that dimple.

“You have no idea the things I would do to keep you safe.” Kissing her neck, I planted my lips up her throat. Moaning, Ivy's head fell back, her eyes rolling shut. “You're not his anymore, you need to realize that.”

Lifting her off my lap, I laid her gently onto the bed. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the small key for the lock. Holding it next to my face, I ran my finger up and down the slim metal, and placed it down onto the blanket. “Here. I'll be back later.”

Ivy's arm was bent up near her head, her face so perfect like a porcelain doll. Her lips were a natural pink shade, face flushed and flustered from my kisses.

A small smirk pulled to her ear, her eyes brightening again with life. I watched the spark ignite. She was gleaming on the inside. “Trust, Dante.”

“I can't unlock you myself. But if you decide to run, head east. I'll understand if you're not here when I get back. But just know I won't be able to protect you if you go. If you run from here, it's all out of my hands.” Digging my hands into my pockets, I headed out the door, closing it behind me.

I had to trust she'd stay. There was something between us and I was certain she wasn't just playing me to get what she wanted.

If she wanted to fight me, she would have. There was no doubt in my mind about that.

That key had been in my pocket every day. She could have taken it at any time and she hadn’t.

Trust was what she had from me.

Trust was what I was giving to her.