Chapter Seven

Ivy

Maverick was true to his word. We made a stop and got me a bagel and juice. It’s been a while since I had apple juice. I almost forgot how it tasted. It was crisper than I remembered it and I wanted another glass of it as soon as I drank it.

“Is apple juice your favorite?”

“I don’t have a favorite; it’s been a while since I had apple juice.”

“I’ll include it with your breakfast in the morning. I’ll take your garbage when you’re done. We’re here and we can’t have people waiting for us.”

I gave him my garbage and took his hand when he held it out for me. He helped me out of the car and walked me across the street to a nice small boutique.

“Remember, you can get anything you want and need. I already told the owner that you are looking for pants and that you may need underclothes.”

“Thank you.”

I couldn’t believe he was taking the time to make sure I had the clothes that I only needed, but wanted. I couldn’t wait to wear jeans again. I’ve missed them. I can’t wait to wear colors and patterns. It’s almost overwhelming.

“Thank you for choosing my shop, Mr. Ronan.”

“It comes well recommended. The goal is to find Ms. King some clothes that she is happy with.”

“Of course. I’ll do my best. Would you like to have a seat and a glass of tea, Mr. Ronan, as I get Ms. King taken care of?”

I couldn’t help but smile at the use of my last name. It’s been a while since I’ve heard it and it brought memories from home flooding back.

We left Maverick in the waiting area, while the owner shuffled me around the room.

“My name is Elaine, and all you have to do is tell me your likes and dislikes.”

“I want nothing to show off my back.”

“Is that your only requirement?”

“Yes. I’m open to anything else.”

“Can I look at your tags to get your size?”

She walked behind me and pulled at the tag before walking over to a rack of clothing.

“I’m not sure I have anything that small. Your shirts may be a little bit big.”

“That's alright. I prefer them to be a little bigger.”

“I can see why,” she mumbled under her breath.

A few minutes, she returned with some shirts and a few pairs of pants.

“Would you like any dresses?”

“Yes, please.”

“Try these on and when you come back out, I’ll have some dress for you.”

I walked into the dressing room and took a deep breath. I was getting way too excited over new clothes. I had to keep calm and not embarrass Maverick.

The pants fit like a glove and I ran my hands over the material several times admiring them in the mirror. I haven’t worn jeans in over a year. They felt foreign and fresh.

It didn’t take me long to try on the other clothes and I came out long enough to get the dress she picked out. I wasn’t too excited about the dresses, but being with the Ronan brothers, I knew I would need dresses.

“How did they look?”

“I’ll take these two dresses, all the jeans and the floral shirt, the green shirt, and the long-sleeved shirt, and do you have a pair of sandals?”

“Yes, just one moment.”

She came back and handed me a pair of white sandals with cloth bows on them.

“Can I change into these and wear them out?”

“Yes. I’ll get Mr. Ronan and close out the purchase.”

“Thank you.”

I quickly changed into a pair of pants and the floral shirt. I was ready to ditch my work outfit. I would be happy if I never had to wear it again.

“You look nice. Did you find everything you wanted?”

“I did. Thank you so much for this. I didn’t get underclothes.”

“We can stop somewhere after lunch. Are you ready to eat?”

“Very much so.”

***

Maverick

Ivy looked amazing in the jeans you picked out. I can’t stop staring at her ass and I’m currently walking around, trying to hide my erection.

The place I wanted to take her for lunch was within walking distance, so I decided it would be best to walk next to her instead of behind her.

“Where are we going?”

“I figured you could use a big lunch, so I’m taking you to Caglione’s. They serve amazing pasta.”

“Why are you doing all this for me?”

“I want to prove to you I’m not the asshole that I came across as the other night.”

“You need to do more than treat me to nice things. I want you to put forth an effort to make things better.”

“I am. I’m getting the doctor to come out to look at the other girls.”

“That’s not enough. That’s only the beginning of it. We are more than treated unfairly. We are abused, often in more ways than one. I’ve been lucky with my placement, but some girls got more than lashings at their last place of service. Men usually take what they want and leave us to deal with the aftermath, and I’m tired of it. If you want to be with me, and if you want me to forgive you, you’ll need to change the way things are done. You have the power to do that.”

“Change takes time.”

“It does, but it can’t happen if you don’t plan for it to happen. You’re quietly waiting to take over before you make changes. That’s not how it works.”

“It’s the way it has to work.”

“No, you have power. “You’re the son of Mathias Ronan. People respect you because of your birthright. You have the power to change things now. Don’t be a coward.”

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her to me before getting into her face.

“I’m not a fucking coward and you better watch the way you talk to me. I won’t tolerate disrespect, especially in public.”

“What are you going to do, lash me again?”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“Did you enjoy hitting me? Did it turn you on? Are you itching to do it again?”

I pushed into the alley and against the brick wall before slamming my mouth onto hers. She let out a hiss but kissed me back. I grabbed her by the throat and broke the kiss.

“Watch what you say to me in public,” I said, a little calmer, but the grip on her neck tightened. “Don’t make me find other ways to shut you up. Now turn around and let me see your back.”

I was thankful to see that she wasn’t bleeding. The bandage the doctor put on her must be protective. I grabbed her hand and pulled her with me.

“I may let you get away with talking like that to me in private, but in public, you’re walking a thin line. I have a family reputation to uphold, and you will learn to acknowledge that.”

I didn’t know if I should be angry or turned on. Her defiance was fucking confusing. She was far from being submissive, and if I’m not careful, it’ll cause problems.