Untouchable

0.35

Alistair’s POV

I don’t turn around after I say it.

If I do, I might take it back.

I shove my hands into my pockets, heading down the hall, my heart pounding way harder than it should. I should feel better after that conversation—like a weight has been lifted.

Instead, it feels like I just handed her off to someone else.

And I hate it.

I hate it.

I knew this was coming. The moment Ivy and I ended things, it was only a matter of time before someone else stepped in. And of course, that someone had to be Nathaniel.

Nathaniel, who moves slow as hell but always gets what he wants in the end.

Nathaniel, who looks at Ivy like he sees her in a way no one else does.

Nathaniel, who—despite being my best friend—is the last person I want anywhere near her.

Not because I don’t trust him.

Because I do.

And that’s the problem.

I don’t know if it’s jealousy or something worse, but every time I see them together, something in my chest tightens. Nathaniel has never been reckless with his emotions. He doesn’t date—not really. When he decides to go after something, it’s intentional.

And Ivy?

She’s already halfway gone for him.

I saw it in the way she looked at him during that stupid party game on the island. The way she let him get close without pushing him away. The way she kissed him.

And now, knowing Nathaniel, he’s just waiting for the right moment to claim her completely.

The thought makes me feel sick.

Not because I don’t want Ivy to be happy.

But because what if he hurts her?

Nathaniel is careful, but he’s also distant. He doesn’t do messy emotions. He can be ruthless when he wants to be, and Ivy? She’s not built for that.

She acts tough, but she feels everything.

And I don’t want her getting caught up in something she can’t handle.

Not with him.

Not when I—

I stop walking.

My jaw clenches.

No.

I can’t go there.

I already made my choice. I stepped back for Adrian’s sake, convinced myself I could move on. And even now, as I’m telling myself this again, I know I don’t believe it.

But it doesn’t matter.

Because Ivy isn’t mine to lose.

She never was.

I run a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply.

This is why I told her not to let Nathaniel break her heart.

Because if he does, I won’t be able to just stand by and watch.