Ivy and Kassam stick out another day at Casa Amor. This time, Ivy is over the edge.

Chapter Text

“PSST.” I groaned and rolled over, pressing my face against the heat of Kassam’s back. His subtle scent of woodsy peppermint almost lulled me back to sleep. I slid my arm around his waist, pressing my face against him again. “IVY.” I jolted and sat up in the darkness.

“Lottie?” Her colorful hair swung in front of her face.

“Oh hey Ivy. I didn’t know you were awake.” She smiled softly. “I need some company. Fire pit in ten yeah?” Before I could speak, she bolted out of the bed and the room.

After getting dressed, I joined her. “What’s the meaning of this, Lottie?” I groaned as I sat down with her by the fire pit.

“I want to read your tea leaves.” She forced the mug in my hands.

“Oh my god. You woke me up so you could do some Judy Moody type of ESP?” I looked up at the sky. “All of you better help her after this, spirits.” I drank it slowly. “Black tea?” I shrugged but drank more. “My mum used to drink eight cups of this a day.” I handed the mug over when I was done.

Lottie swirled it around making various “OOHS” and “AHHS”. “This is very interesting.”

“Am I going to be the next Beyoncé?” I asked, jokingly.

“You didn’t need me to tell you that.” Lottie smirked. “No, I’m just getting a lot of mixed signals from the leaves.”

“Like what?”

“Lots of ill omens, broken roads, and snakes.”

“Sounds like a country song.” I cringed. “Or Rocco’s resume.”

“Ivy! I think it means Henrik is going to be snakey.” She tsked. “I think he’s going to stick with his weather reporter.”

“Honestly? We’re just friends. If she makes him happy then so be it.”

“You're joking right?” She looked around for cameras. “There’s no way you are not freaking the fuck out.”

“Lottie, stop. I want him to do what's best for him if that’s his weather reporter, So be it. I trust if he does, she’ll be a great girl.” Laughter came from the dressing rooms. “We better go get ready, yeah?” She tugged me up to the dressing room.

The dressing room was fluttering with chatter when we sauntered in to do our makeup. “Ivy!” Chelsea beamed when she saw me. “Dolce K or Candy K?”

“Chels, you rock both.” I reminded her.

“You're so right.” Chelsea blew me a kiss and started to apply her lipstick. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Chelsea is such a little ball of giggles and sunshine.

Lottie Eyed me carefully. “Fancy a view, Lottimus?”

“You're in a good mood. It’s nice.” Lottie admitted quietly.

“Yeah, I suppose I am.” I smiled back softly before I went in with my makeup.

“Guys! I’ve got a text!” Hope leapt up. “It’s a video.”

“Already? I just started to bake!” I sighed as Hope sat down beside me.

———Gary and Henrik were alone in the kitchen. “I tell you what mate. I’d take any of these girls home to my nan.” Gary grinned.

“I know what you mean. They're all amazing.” Henrik grinned with a huge smile.

It felt like a weight was lifted off. Henrik didn’t actually like me. Did I actually have the guts to be more forward with Kassam? It was very obvious I fancied him.

Noah’s eyes went wide as he looks offscreen. “Woah, she looks just like Hope.”

Ibrahim was lying with a girl on one of the loungers. “You look incredible.”

“Only incredible? Come on, Rahim. I know you’ve got a better line than that. Tell me I look irresistible in this outfit.” She pressed him.

“You think that’s true do you?” He bit his lip softly.

“I don’t know...why don’t you show me?” The video cut off as they leaned in.

My eyes widened. It didn’t hurt. At all. Not even in the slightest.

Henrik was kissing a girl on the lawn. Some discontinued rag doll. “That’s it son! Come on!” Gary encouraged him. “That’s ten seconds!”

“They seem to be enjoying this…” Jakub eyed them suspiciously.

“You’re one to talk, mate.” Gary rolled his eyes.

Back in the kitchen, Noah and Gary were chatting. “I tell you what. Doing bits on the first night..it changes everything.”

“No doubt.” Gary nodded in agreement. ————

“What the hell, Gary?!” Chelsea threw her bench back. “Which one of those girls are you taking to see your nan?”

“Chelsea….” I was cut off as she stomped off outside. We could all hear her shrieking and throwing things around. “Oh lord.”

Hope was too focused on Noah to care.

Lottie was annoyed that Chelsea was upset about Gary when she had been getting along with Elijah.

Priya just Eyed Noah’s breakup beard. It was tragic.

After seeing the video, everyone else in the room seemed to be annoyed but me. I just felt confused. I knew I liked Kassam. It was evident to me. I knew I had to do what would be right for me. I had to put myself first.

As soon as I was done with my makeup. I waltzed out to the yard immediately to Kassam and Carl. “Please tell me…”

“They sent us the video, too.” Carl frowned. “It’s so horrible. How are you taking it?”

“I’m not going to be mad at Henrik. It just goes to show me that I need to do what’s going to make me happy too.” I sat down relatively close to Kassam. Our knees brushed as I did. He gave me a quick look before turning his attention back to Carl.

Carl Eyed the small space between Kassam and I. “I’m going to go find Hope.” He could read the tension like a first year book.

“Yeah, of course.” I gave him a small nod as he awkwardly shuffled around us.

“Some video.” Kassam shook his head. “I’m shocked you aren’t freaking out.”

“Why is everyone saying that?” I sighed. “I’m not going to freak out. Henrik and I are just friends!”

“I meant Ibrahim.” He clarified.

“Oh.” I felt my cheeks heat for a moment. “Well, we’re broken up. He can do whatever he wants. It’s shit for Lottie if she doesn’t switch. She’ll be single.” I moved my hair to one side. “I just want Rahim to be happy. He looked so happy with that girl. That’s all I want for him. I don’t care if it’s with me or without me. He’s such a good person. He deserves the world.”

“Should I be concerned that you might actually have a heart?” I didn’t respond. Kassam gently rested his hand on my leg. “Ivy, it’s going to be fine. I think in the end, Lottie will be fine too.”

“It’s not going to be fucking fine.” I shook my head. “Chelsea is a mess, Hope is now Mope, Lottie is annoyed with Chelsea, Marisol is all loved up, and I’m just sitting here praying to fucking Love Island God that Lottie doesn’t get pied.”

“I don’t think she will switch.” He was convinced of it. “But you, you need to do whatever will make you happy. This is the one situation where you can be selfish. Don’t think about anyone else but yourself.”

“So it shouldn’t be too hard for me right?” It was bitter and ill fitting.

His soft smile told me he was going to tease me. “Piece of cake.” He squeezed my thigh softly. Man, I hope Bobby is making a cake at home. “Whatever you decide to do, Ivy, you’ll have the people who truly care about you and what you want.”

“What if I don’t know what I want to do? What if I don’t know what makes me happy? I only have until tomorrow morning to figure it out!” I sighed. “Fuck. I hate this.”

“You're keeping yourself somewhat together. It’s okay.”

“If you were me, what would you do?”

“Choose more sensible shoes, cut back on the caffeine…”

“Kassam.” I complained.

“Go with your heart, Ives. That’s all you have to do.” Hearing him call me Ives melted me. It showed he really could be soft inside.

“That’s What I’ll do then.” I nodded my head softly. “I have to do what's going to make me happy.” I turned toward him slightly. “I need you to do something for me.”

“What is it?”

“Keep Arjun and Felix the hell away from me.”

“Already done.” He shrugged.

“What do you mean it’s already done?”

“I gave them the same advice this morning after you and Lottie disappeared.” I kept my eyes down as I laced our fingers together. He didn’t pull away. “It was rather painful to watch.”

“It was painful to hear too. Trust me.” I laughed under my breath. “Can I ask you something?”

“As long as it’s not too creepy or stuck up.” He allowed.

“Yesterday morning before Chelsea came out, I just had a feeling about it. I didn’t want to mention it before because people were around…” Kassam's eyes didn’t leave my face. Meanwhile, I couldn’t even look him in the eye.

“Why are you talking about our almost kiss like it was a server breach?” He raised a brow at me with a concerned look on his face. “If she didn’t come out, we would have kissed. I render that to be the obvious outcome.”

“So you were trying to kiss me. I knew it.”

“You know what? I’m not going to argue with you. That’s what would have happened. It was the heat of the moment. I do fancy you, Ivy. But I didn’t follow you outside just to kiss you. That’s sleazy.”

“At least we both agree on that. Why did you go out there then?”

“You were sad.” He frowned. “Why would I want you to sit there and mope?”

“Because some people find pleasure in others' misery. I figured you were one of those people. I think it’s fair given the fact that you’ve grilled me since the second I step foot here!”

“Ivy, stop pushing me away with your poor defense mechanisms.” Kassam rolled his eyes. “It’s not going to work.”

“Then show me they won’t work.” I couldn’t believe what I was going to do.

“How do you expect me to do that?” He quirked his head to the side, studying me.

“Come back with me.”

His eyes widened in complete shock. “What?”

“You heard what I said. I think you should be there with me. Either as a friend or in a couple.”

“Ivy.” He sighed.

“No. This time I’m doing the talking. This whole thing scares the absolute fuck out of me. I don’t ever do this shit. I don’t stray from my comfort zone. I don’t respect people’s feelings or thoughts. You did this to me! You know what? I saw that stupid video and the first thing I felt was relief. Relief that I didn’t know I needed to feel. It was the piece I needed to move forward with what is best for me.”

“It’s a big risk. I think you need to sleep on it.” His hand squeezed mine softly. “Don’t rush it just because you’re panicking. It’s not going to help you.” I just nodded curtly. “Good. Just in case. Really do think about it, Ivy.” He let go of my hand as he headed over to the pool and I went back upstairs to check on the girls.

“What the hell are you lot doing in here?” I raised a brow as the girls all touched up their makeup.

“Get your best gloss on, Ives. We’re going to have some fun today.” Lottie grinned sneakily.

“Why is that?” I did apply another coat of gloss.

“We’re going to fight fire with Fire.” Lottie explained. “Kiss the boys a bunch and be extra flirty. That kind of thing.”

“Is this about that video?” I sighed, brushing my hair out. “Don’t think too hard about it.”

“It’s just a bit of fun. Stop worrying! It doesn’t have to be on the lips or whatever. Just having some flirty time. It’ll be a little contest.” Lottie twirled a Black rose pendant around her fingers. “This’ll be first prize.” It would help me relax a little bit. Besides, there wasn’t going to anyone snogging every single boy.

Priya, Marisol, and Chelsea all wanted in. Hope wasn’t going to do anything. Of course. I wanted all in.

“I’m not really interested in snogging around, besides, you'd lose.” I shrugged.

“That sounds like a challenge, Ivy.” Lottie tilted her head to the side. Priya shook her head at both of us before she headed out of the room.

“I'd have to have some competition first in order to have a challenge.” I winked before sliding out the room.

“Hey Ives!” Priya waved me over. “I sent Felix off to fill my bottle. I kissed his butt.” She grinned.

“Why would you-You know what? Nevermind.” I waved it off. “I’ve got this victory sewn up.”

“Oh I know you do.” She winked. “Everyone is convinced you will.” Priya leaned closer to me. “Chelsea told me you almost kissed Kassam.”

“Of course she did.” Thank the lord she doesn’t know my social security number.

“I think you two are cute.”

“Ugh. Don’t say that.”

“Why not? I think he’s good for you.” She insisted. “He takes more interest in you than any other girl here. Even Lottie. Like at the party, he kept looking around everyone else until you showed up. It was cute.” She grinned goofily. “I think he really does fancy you. He has great taste. Designer taste if you will. Reckon you’ll take him home?” She wiggled her brows.

“Oh don't you start!” I shook my head.

“I’m just teasing, babe. I do think you two would be good together though. Not to mention, you’re both hotter than any cuppa I’ve ever had.” She waved herself dramatically.

“Nevermind that.” I shrugged. “Even if it’s true.”

“Do you want to talk about this Rahim thing then?” Priya bit her bottom lip gently.

“I just want him to be happy. Even if I don’t make him happy.”

“You really are sweet.” She was surprised. She was smart enough to know I did care about Rahim. Couple or not.

Felix came bounding over then. “Come to check out the show, Ivy?” Instead of responding, I placed a small kiss against his forehead. “That’s even better.”

“That’ll do Felix! Thank you!” I smirked before skipping over to Hope. The least I could do is have some fun with her.

“Hey trouble.” Hope didn’t look up from her magazine.

“Funny. This isn’t Roccogate.” I sat down on the opposite lounger. “Where’s Carl?” It was awkward to speak to her without us arguing. Everytime I made an attempt, she was a flaming bitch.

“I think Arjun and Graham have him helping with drinks. Lord knows he’d be dying out here with us.” Hope shrugged. Oh great. This Noah funk was going to last forever. My favorite. Cue the sarcasm.

“He’s sweet but man he is quiet.” I agreed.

“Where’s Kassam?” She applied more sunblock.

“Probably with Lottie.” This made Hope push her sunglasses back. “What?”

“You obviously fancy the headphones off the guy. Why aren’t you over there?” She nodded toward Lottie and Kassam who emerged from the Casa.

“Why would you- Fine. I can take a hint.” I stood up.

“Hey, Ivy.” I turned around to face a beaming Carl.

“Hey!” I pecked his nose and walked away. He was confused as I kept my beeline toward Lottie. “Last time I try to be nice to the jail warden.” I muttered under my breath as I crept over to Lottie.

“Hey, Ivypalooza.” Lottie grinned. “Nice game.” She winked.

“What the fuck did you just call me?” I raised a brow.

“I said..” She started.

“I know what you said.” I cut her off. “I was giving you a chance to take it back. It was horrible.” I grimaced.

“It was atrocious. Be honest with her.” Kassam shuddered. “I told you not to call her that.” He reminded Lottie.

“He did warn her.” Graham nodded in agreement as him and Marisol sat down with drinks.

“Having a wandering day?” Marisol asked me cautiously. She knew I would have to drag her eventually.

Instead, I sat next to Graham and gently kissed his neck. He gasped lightly as his pale skin heated up. Marisol didn’t do anything other than smirk.

“You know me. I get around.” I grinned, toying with the end of my hair.

“Do you?” Kassam raised a brow, his eyes moving between Graham and I.

“Like a back alley hooker.” I snorted. “No, I don’t.”

“Lame.” He tsked.

“Oh shut up, twat.” I rolled my eyes.

“Make me, Pageantzilla.” He was challenging me? Now. Not today, Edward Scissorhands.

“You are such a..” I struggled to find the right word.

“Such a what?”

“Guys?” Marisol spoke louder.

“What?” Kassam and I asked in unison.

“Can I have a word, Ives?” Lottie butted in.

“Sure thing. Lead the way.” We ended up going back into the dressing room. Just far enough to be out of earshot of everyone else. “What is it?” I crossed my arms.

“Kassam told me something today. Earlier actually.” She frowned slightly but shook it off.

“What did he say?”

Lottie took a deep breath before explaining. “He basically said that he has legit feelings for you.”

“Shut the fuck up.” My eyes widened. “Then what?”

“That it didn’t feel right to couple up with me or lead me on. He was really nice about it.” She shrugged. “I wasn’t going to couple up with him anyway but it was nice to know he wouldn’t have allowed it.”

“What did you say and how mad are you?”

“That your first born daughter better be named Lottie.”

“Charlotte…” I warned her.

“Kidding. Tarot would be better.”

“I promise you, it wouldn’t be.”

“Also, I’m not mad, Ivy. That’s the name of the game. Besides, we both know I have a vanilla gorilla waiting for me at home.” She patted my shoulder. “I’m not upset with either of you. If anything, I’m shocked you haven’t tried to stick it on him. You two have so much sexual tension.” She chuckled.

“I think you’re making that part up.” I reapplied powder across my skin. “I do want to be honest with you.”

“Shoot, babe.”

“I really like him. It scares the hell out of me to admit that outloud to someone else who isn’t him.”

“You’ve told him then?”

“Of course I have. I don’t want things to be awkward between you and I, though. We’re still friends and I know he was yours first.”

“Ivy.” She laughed. “He’s not mine. We haven’t even kissed or done anything. That lap dance was about the height of it.”

“Really?” The surprise dripped off my tone. She nodded. “You have no idea how relieving that is. No offense.”

“Why do you think I was so surprised that you asked Arjun to share with you and not him? I thought for sure that’s where it was headed. If you really like Kassam, I want you to do whatever will make you happy. I’ll be there for you no matter what happens. You know that.” She stood up and pecked the top of my head. “Besides, he would be an absolute knob to not want you in his bed.” She winked before heading out of the room, leaving me sighing in relief.

I finished up before making my way to Chelsea and Elijah. “What are you two doing?”

“That video won’t stay out of my head.” Chelsea frowned.

“It was just edited, babe. Things get taken out of context and mashed together to look shady.” I insisted.

“You’re not the slightest bit worried that they would have gotten a video of us too?” Her big blue eyes looked worried.

“Chelsea, if you don’t think you did anything wrong, don't fret about it.”

“You are totes my chill pill right now, babe.”

“What about me, babe?” Elijah frowned.

“You can’t compare to the love Chels and I have.” I shrugged.

“It’s true. Sorry, babe.” Chelsea patted his shoulder softly. Then, she glanced at me. “Buuuuut. You can get a taste.” At the same time, we both pecked either of his cheeks. “Perf, babes.” She winked as a loud whistle rang out.

“Limbo party in half an hour!” Arjun yelled out. The girls clambered up into the dressing room. Arjun was lingering close by as he pushed the sliding door open to allow all of them in. I started to beeline toward him. Halfway there, I was immediately stopped. “Hey!” I wriggled one Kassam’s grip. “I have to get to Arjun!”

“Oh then I’m definitely not letting go now.” His grip didn’t loosen. I pouted slightly.

“I don’t want to lose.” I explained.

“Lose?” His brows furrowed. “All of you are definitely up to something.” He let his guard down slightly when I stopped wiggling in his arms.

“Up to something?” I gasped. “I’m ashamed you think so low of me.” Kassam rolled his eyes. “I just want to win. You should want me to win too.”

“I know you are not trying to reason with me over this weird kissing thing.”

“Be thankful you’ll share a bed with a winner, babe.” I tried again. He thought about it briefly, his arms slightly loosening. I slid under them. “Gotcha!” I took off running into the Casa.

“Ivy!” I ignored Kassam calling me back as I bolted up into the dressing room.

“Don’t move.” Arjun froze immediately upon hearing my words. I kissed his shoulder swiftly. “Victory!” I skipped back into the dressing room. All the girls stared at me in shock.

“You never fail to amaze me.” Lottie shook her head in disbelief. “But.”

“But?” I raised a brow.

“You kissed every boy but Kassam.” Lottie argued.

“He doesn’t count.” I waved her off.

“I’ve gotten every boy but Kassam too!” Priya spritzed herself with Piña Colada body mist.

“Looks like we have ourselves a tie.” Chelsea giggled.

“No way. I’m winning this!” I insisted, slamming the compact down onto the counter. “It’s so on.” I looked over at Priya. There was no way I was going to make it easy for her to kiss Kassam. Over my dead body.

“On like Chelsea’s fake tan.” Priya smirked.

Chelsea gasped. “Well….. she’s not wrong.”

Priya and I exchanged a look before we both flew down the stairs. “Kassam!” Priya called out. Kassam turned around slowly as he watched in amusement as we both ran over. We both approached him at the same time, breathless.

“Fuck that was killer.” I wheezed.

“Maybe we shouldn’t do that next time.” Priya huffed.

“What is it?” Kassam kept his gaze on me.

“Ivy has something to tell you.” Priya cut me off before giving my lower back a small shove. “I give.” She winked before heading over to Arjun.

“God damn it.” I sighed. I should have known she would have tricked me.

“What is it, Ivy? Did you win?” His tone was slightly teasing. The other half of it was slightly seductive. For a brief moment, I lost my train of thought in those intoxicating dark eyes.

“Not yet I haven’t.” I said softly.

“Why is that?”

“Because I don’t want to kiss you and make you think that winning was the only reason I’d do it.” I shook my head. “I fizzed out when Priya said she had kissed everyone but you. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“Feeling a little territorial are you?” I couldn’t look him in the eye as he spoke to me. “I understand that.”

“Do you?” I raised a brow.

“Believe me. I do.” He rolled his eyes. He looked like he wanted to say more.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ivy…” Arjun's loud whistle echoed again as he waved us over. “Later then.” He didn’t drop my hand as he led us over to the group of other Islanders. Chelsea winked at me. I gave her a look.

‘Do it!’ She mouthed over at me. I shook my head. ‘Come on.’ I rolled my eyes. ‘You do it or I will.’ My eyes narrowed. Oh I would love to see you try.

‘Don’t you fucking dare.’ I mouthed back.

“What the fuck are you two doing?” Elijah and Kassam glanced between the two of us.

“I learned it’s better if you don’t ask.” Elijah shrugged.

“It was nothing. Just nothing.” Chelsea smiled sweetly at me. “Heads up Ivy.”

Arjun started a game of limbo as soon as we all approached him. It was comical watching Felix try to slide his way under the stick. “Too easy.” I smirked. It was rather easy for me to slide under the stick.

“Professionals.” Chelsea tried to whistle but couldn’t. “Watch this!” Chelsea did a backbend and crawled under the stick.

“This looks like a scene from a horror film! I love it.” Lottie grinned.

“This is how you do it, ladies.” Marisol knocked Arjun in the shin lightly, causing him to drop the stick in shock. She then stepped over the stick. “Ta da!”

“You cheating bitch!” I gasped. “Disqualified!”

“Bet it wasn’t the first time Marisol has heard that one.” Lottie shrugged. Chelsea elbowed her. “What? Not like I was wrong.”

“You are too much Lozza.” Priya grinned.

“What can I say? I’m the whole buffet.” Lottie smirked.

“I don’t even want to know what that means.” I fake shuddered.

“Ivy!” I spun toward the sound of my name. “Bring it here!” I rolled my eyes before taking myself over to Hope and Chelsea.

“Do you want Priya to win?” Chelsea raised a brow.

“Chels I love you and you are my world but I will not hesitate to shave your head if you put your lips on him.” She gasped as I pecked her cheek and skipped off.

The party carried over to the pool where Marco Polo took place. Yes, a bunch of grown adults playing Marco Polo for hours until the sun went down.

“All that swimming has worn me out!” Chelsea sighed, blow drying her hair after her shower.

“I feel that.” I sighed, applying moisturizer.

“They better be making a hearty supper or I’m going to drop kick one of them.” Lottie scoffed.

“Please make it Felix.” I begged. Priya stuck her tongue out at me. “What? We can afford to lose him!”

“Marisol!” Graham’s voice wafted up the staircase. “Come lend me a hand!”

“Typical, men.” Marisol snorted before going down to help him.

“I’m sure Marisol will help them get it under control.” Hope reassured us.

“Ivy!” Wow. New record. She was only down there for thirty seconds.

“What?” I yelled down the stairs.

“Come here!” Marisol called again.

I groaned before I stood up. “Yes, stepmother.” I muttered under my breath. I made my way down the stairs.

Everything was perfectly fine. Carl was making a chopped salad, Graham and Marisol were working on dessert, and Kassam was just supervising. Typical. Arjun was slicing lemon and Felix was folding napkins. Elijah was the one doing the actual cooking. Bless him.

“Oh good!” Marisol grinned when she saw me. “Here! Ivy can help you.” She put her hand on my lower back and pushed me nearly against Kassam’s side.

“I can help you too, Marisol.” I offered.

“How?” She tilted her head.

“I can put you in the nearest hospital.” I glared. She rolled her eyes.

“You’ll be fine.” She tsked before going back to Graham’s side

“What did you need help with?” I raised a blonde brow at Kassam.

“Come on.” He led me outside, closing the sliding door behind us.

“You didn’t really need help did you?”

“Of course not. I know my way around a kitchen.” He rolled his eyes. “I know my way around a lot of places.” Hopefully that means the bedroom. For fuck’s sake, Ivy. Simmer down. “I just wanted to talk to you about what you said earlier.”

“I talk a lot. You'll have to be more specific.” Or pacific rather.

“About switching.” He reminded me. “I figure since it’s the last night we should talk about it.”

“Oh. That. It was a mere suggestion.”

“Just a suggestion?” I nodded briefly. “So you weren’t considering it?” He pressed again.

“I mean, I was. I just think I might have scared you off the idea.”

“You didn’t. I’ve been thinking about it, too. A lot.” Kassam hesitated before frowning slightly. “Are you not worried about it at all?”

“Henrik is just a friend. He’ll do whatever is best for him. Which is the same thing I want to do.”

“How cute.” His solemn face didn’t falter.

“Cute? That’s what you told me to do!”

“What is best for you, Ivy?” He leaned against the side of Casa Amor with me standing directly in front of him.

“Someone who teaches me to be accountable and less of a twat.”

“The second one will be hard for you, I reckon.” He chuckled under his breath. “I want you to do whatever you think is best for you. Fuck what anyone else thinks. I know I told you to take others into consideration but when it comes to this…….. You’re here to find love for yourself. Never forget that.”

“Then my mind is made up.” I crossed my arms.

“Is it?”

“I want to switch.” He looked almost…. pleased with my answer. “That is, if you’re willing to agree to that.”

“I’m a lot of things, Ivy. Stupid isn’t one of them. I’ll do whatever you want. I just want you to be happy.” I frowned as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. His hand rested on the curve of my neck. “What?”

“I didn’t expect you to be so nice about this. I expected you to reconsider it. Especially with all the shit you’ve been giving me.” Kassam didn’t speak. His eyes traced over my face slowly, as if trying to preserve the moment. “Kassam.”

“You’re so easy to read. There’s not any reason for you to worry about that. I couldn’t say no even if I tried. You were always capable of changing. You just didn’t bother until someone lit a fire under your ass.”

“I guess I didn’t know I would need it.” I bit my lower lip for a moment or so. “I don’t even know how to explain it.” I shook my head. “I hate being told what to do and how to do it. When you tell me what to do or how to do something, it doesn’t irritate me. It did at first but I’ve grown used to it. It’s so confusing. My head has been in circles this entire stay.”

“I understand.” His thumb gently stroked my cheek. Having him be so calm and understanding was melting me.

“Everything is all over the place. I don’t even know what to say.” I admitted.

“Tell me why you want to switch to me.”

“I can do that, I suppose.” I sighed. “I think you’d be good for me. You’ve been keeping me level headed and under control since I got here. You’ve gone out of your way to do so as well. You haven’t lost your cool at all. Not to mention, you listened to me talk about my life and all of that. I’ve never felt that comfortable with anyone else like that aside from Priya. Anyone that’s willing to spend that much time with me and actually cares about how I act is good in my book.” It was hard to keep my thoughts together as his pale fingers traced over my jawline. “Is that what you wanted to hear?”

“You are such a diva, Ivy.” His breath fanned my face gently. “It drives me absolutely crazy.”

Before I could respond, his mouth was pressed up against mine. The wave of emotion crashed over me instantly. He didn’t leave any space between us as I pressed myself against him. The heat of his mouth made me sigh softly. His taste was unlike anything I had experienced before. The mixture of peppermint and a dash of smoke surrendered something inside of me as his hands slid down to cup my waist. I could feel his heart beating faster and faster as our kiss deepened. His lips moved against mine as if trying to claim them as his own. He knew his way around my body better than I did. His touch sent chills down my spine and heat across my face and neck. Every bit of physical attraction and chemistry boiled over the more I let my hands run over his abdomen. It was better than I ever could have imagined.

Kassam was the one to pull away. He didn’t pull away completely. His nose still brushed against mine as his hand stroked my cheek. “I’m not going to apologize for anything.” Was the first thing to leave my mouth.

“What makes you think I am?” His voice was breathless.

I couldn’t resist anymore. I brought his lips back to mine for a softer yet intimate kiss. The feelings took complete control again. If there was any more space for me to remove between us, I would have. I let my mouth move against his. His fingertips glided over the open back of my dress, instantly heating the skin up. I was the one to pull away. I had to before I ended up pressing him against the wall and having my way with him.

It was silent between us. It wasn't the slightest bit uncomfortable as we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, with our faces painfully close. “Kassam.”

“Ivy.” It was soft and sweet. Almost as if he was trying to savor the taste of my name on his tongue.

“You drive me absolutely crazy.”