Ivy's Twisted Vine Redux by Latrivia Nelson (books to read for beginners .TXT) 📕

“I think that you can do anything you set your mind to.”

“What if I’ve set my mind to proving myself to you?” He didn’t smile.

Again, Ivy was silent. “You don’t owe me anything, Nicola.” She looked down at her shaking hands realizing that she and Nicola were actually in her bed having a conversation. She became acutely aware of her position at the same time that she became acutely aware of Nicola.

“I want you to love me, Ivy.” Nicola couldn’t believe that he was allowing himself to say the words that he had kept in the back of his mind for months. He tried to catch them before they slipped deceitfully from his tongue, but they leaped forth with such intensity that he had to submit to his unconscious will.

“I do…love you.” Ivy looked up from the bed holding on to her engagement ring.

“You do?” He was startled and elated by her response.

“Yes, but…”

“No,” Nicola put his index finger on her lips. He wouldn’t allow her to ruin this moment with their crude reality. “No stipulations. No clarifications.” He shook his head. “You love me.” He smiled at her, and she smiled back.

“Ivy?” a man’s voice said as the front door closed interrupting the tense moment.

“In here,” Ivy said blushing at Nicola. Emerald had perfect timing. She needed someone to save her from making a total fool of herself. “That’s just my big brother.”

“Great,” Nicola said frustrated. He took a deep breath on the brink of an explosion.

“Sorry it took so…long.” Emerald stopped at the doorway of Ivy’s bedroom. What in the hell had he interrupted?

“Emerald, this is Nicola, my friend,” Ivy stood up beside the bed. “Nicola, this is my brother Emerald.” She could see Emerald’s confusion.

Getting up off the bed, Nicola went over to the doorway and shook Emerald’s hand.

“Nice to meet you, man” Emerald said grinning slyly. So, he wasn’t the only one that had been involved in an interracial relationship. Strangely enough, he would have never guessed it for Ivy. In fact, he would have never guessed anyone for Ivy except her beloved Grey. He was glad for the change.

“Like wise,” Nicola said picking up on Emerald’s smirky grin.

“So you’re the cop that our family has been buzzing about.” Emerald instantly liked Nicola. He seemed sure of himself. Maybe he could be good for Ivy?

“That would be me,” Nicola said leaning on Ivy’s entertainment center. He was still relaxed and unconcerned for the moment basking inwardly at the possibility of what may have happened if they were not sorely interrupted.

“Yeah, my fiancé Kakeline used to be the talk of the family. It’s good to finally meet someone that can take her place in the spotlight.” Emerald smiled at Ivy.

“I’m sure that I won’t be in the spotlight for long. Once the babies get here and wedding takes place,” Nicola stopped to look at Ivy. “There will be a lot more to talk about than little old me.” There was no since of blowing his cover.

“Babies?” Emerald had not yet heard the news. “There is more than one?”

“She’s having twins. I won’t know if I’m having twins until after they get here.”

“And we won’t know until the test,” Grey interjected, standing at the door listening with a keen ear. No one had heard him come in only a second before; so he sat quietly listening to the conversation awaiting a slip up and a perfect time to surprise them.

“Grey!” Emerald said trying to take the instant tension out of the room. “How are you doing, man?” Walking over to Grey as he emerged out of the hallway, he hugged him warmly. Emerald laughed. “Shit it’s been what…two years?”

“Almost that long,” Grey said smiling. “And man, a lot has changed, huh? You look great. Did you do go over to Hawaii and get buffed?”

“I tried.” Emerald flexed playfully, but inwardly he knew that this was not a laughing matter. Ivy had developed some serious issues while he was away.

“How long have you been lurking over in the corner?” Ivy asked offended by his prowess.

“Just a moment…not long enough, I’m afraid.” Grey kissed Ivy on the cheek and looked over at Nicola in total disapproval.

“Well, I better go,” Nicola said looking at Ivy. “Call me if you need me for anything.” His eyes searched hers for the fervor he had seen only minutes before, but it was gone. Now, only a cool calm was present. It was then he knew just how strong of a hold Grey had on her feelings.

“I will,” Ivy said as her heart skipped a beat. She was sure that an argument would soon ensue between she and Grey once everyone had left. Recalling Nicola’s words she smiled again. It would be worth it.

“I’m here. I don’t think that she’ll need you.” Grey’s smiled disappeared as he heard Nicola’s offer. How dare this bastard be so cocky? If it weren’t for Emerald being there as a witness, he would have surely lashed out on them both the way that he really wanted. But there was also their interaction at the Black Tie to consider. No, he should wait. A better time would present itself soon enough.

“Hey, you never know,” Nicola said walking past Grey with their eyes planted on each other. “Nice to me you, Emerald. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again. Ivy, see you later.”

“Yeah, nice to meet you too,” Emerald said picking up on the hatred between the two men. He was glad he had been there to keep peace. Otherwise, he could only imagine what would have happened.

“Grey, get some rest.” Nicola said laughing. Grey’s little antics barely bothered him now. With a last look at Ivy, he turned and headed back to the precinct. The race was on now, and he was officially in the lead.

“Well, little sister,” Emerald said as Nicola closed the front door behind him. “What are we getting into today?”

“I’m too sick to really