Page 17 of Gravehouse

“So?” I play, teasing because Atlas is easy. “And because you’re standing here looking like the version of him that doesn’t hate me.”

Shit.Thatwasn’t supposed to come out.

Atlas’s mouth tugs to one side. “Because Idon’thate you,” he confirms, as if I didn’t already know.

“But you’ve changed your mind with the flirting?” I bite back my laugh.

His gaze drops to my mouth, then snaps back up like he’s been caught. “I’m not stupid enough to risk getting chopped up by my brother.”

I roll my eyes. “Your brother won’t chop you up. He’s too busy planning his revenge on me.”

Atlas reaches out and hooks a finger under the strap of my top.

“Don’t get me wrong, I find you extremely attractive.” His voice drops. “I always have and you know that.”

He releases the strap and lets his hand fall. “That doesn’t mean I’m going to do anything about it.”

It’s the first time I’ve seen Atlas drop the joke.

“Self-control.” I tap his shoulder, keeping it light. “Love that for you. But relax. I’m not about to rub up on you in your sleep.”

He groans and bites down on his fist. “Fuck, Ivy, you did not need to give me a visual of your fine ass all over me!”

I retreat toward the closet, desperate for space. Atlas follows, shadowing me by a single step. I wish he wouldn’t.

“But for the record, Asher doesn’t care about me in that way,” I say, flattening out my tone. “Not anymore, anyway.”

I grab a hanger and shove it aside. “He’s too busy fucking Camille.”

Atlas freezes behind me.

I glance over my shoulder, catching the tight pull of his brows.

“You talk like you know what he feels,” he says, his tone carefully neutral.

“I talk like I know what he does.” I lift my hand, the ring catching the light. “This is punishment. It’s always been about Camille.”

I drop my hand. Isn’t that obvious to everyone?

Atlas cuts his eyes to the closet. “Everything you’ll need is in there.”

“What’s everything?” I glance up the spiral staircase. “Maybe a time machine?”

When he ignores the question, I turn around.

He’s gone.

I didn’t buy any of these clothes. I flip tag after tag, checking every single one until I’m sure.

My phone buzzes in my back pocket.

I fish it out. The screen floods with notifications. Instagram first. The little heart icon sits pegged at 99+. I tap the app, and the comments stack up.

So happy for you both!!!

ASHVY FOREVER

SHE DESERVES THIS!