Flirting With Fire ✅

43 - Respect

Ivy

I have no idea how long I've been in that dark room, just lying back on the table, my eyes closed while I try to calm my mind in an effort to help me think clearly about what my next step would be.

The lights suddenly switched on, and the bright glare made me wince uncomfortably. I quickly got up to a fighting stance with one hand on the chair, ready to fling it at whoever would walk in through the door.

The door opens and Luke walks in. I let out a breath of relief at the mere sight of him. My posture softened and I took a step to embrace him but his eyes gave me a look that stopped me in my tracks. He took a side step, causing my eyebrow to raise slightly, wondering what was about to happen. 

Don Lombardi walks in and I immediately step back toward the nearest chair. My hand poised to grab onto it if the need arise. Itching to take a quick swing at the big man himself and make my getaway. But Luke is here and that alone reassures me that he would protect me and nothing really bad will happen. Don Lombardi ignores my cautious demeanor and went straight to take a seat in one of the chairs.

"Why don't you have a seat, Ms. Greyson." He said and gestured to the empty chair.

"I think I'll stand, for now, thanks," I replied in a tone that was void of any emotion. I know Luke's presence should have made me relax a little bit. Luke won't let anything bad happen to me. But I don't know what's going on in the Don's head and I'd prefer to be on guard and ready for anything in case something bad truly happens.

"Suit yourself." He said, uncaringly. "I'm here to make a deal."

"What kind of deal?" I asked back while doing my best to school my face to reveal nothing. 

Luke instantly takes a long stride forward upon hearing his father's words. "Wait, that's not what we talked about–"

"Shush now. You can have your say later, for now, do not interrupt me again, understand?" The don scolds him while throwing him a look of disapproval.

"Yes, sir," Luke replied meekly. His father's words instantly halted his previously vigorous step. His hands fisted by his thighs and I can tell he's trying hard to remain calm.

"We just found out who wants you dead." Don Lombardi continued. "I will help you deal with this scumbag but in exchange, I want you to break this little love fest with my son," his finger pointed to me and Luke. 

"Dad," Luke pleaded to his father, the surprise was clear in his voice. He then quickly turns to me. "Ivy, don't listen to him. You can handle this on your own. You don't need his help. Vinnie said it's your cousin Johnny, he's the one who has been trying to kill you."

"Yes, you can try and handle this on your own." The Don said in an unnaturally calm voice. "But can you? You have no idea which one of your men can be trusted. I heard he's a pretty popular guy among the Greyson's clan. Do you think your father would believe you that his own nephew could be the killer?"

Don Lombardi is right, Johnny is a pretty popular guy in the family. He's well loved, and very respected, that's why my dad had considered him to be his successor. Not to mention that my dad considers him like the son he never had. And if I had come to him with information that Johnny was the one responsible for Mike's death, for my plane crash, for the break in, would dad believe me? I would like to think he would but I know it's a hard pill to swallow.

I take a shaky step toward the chair before planting my butt in it. My mind is reeling, trying to weigh my options.

Luke kneels next to me, holding me by the shoulder, bringing my attention back to him. "Ivy, baby, don't do it. We're a team. We can handle this on our own."