Wild Flame Read Online Free PDF Page B

just us five for a long time,” Christian continued.
    “At least y’all had each other.”
    “Yeah. My brothers are a pain in the ass, but I wouldn’t have survived that night without them. We needed to be strong for Riley, too. She was so young. She didn’t really comprehend it all at first.”
    “She’s very lucky to have you.”
    Christian wasn’t so sure his sister felt that way, not after the latest fiasco. How could they have been so wrapped up in things that they hadn’t realized she had graduated from the University of Texas?  
    “She came home recently. We had just defeated Delphine for a second time, and we never wanted Riley involved with the family business.” Christian ran a hand down his face. What was it about Ivy that made him want to spill his guts? “We didn’t exactly give her a warm welcome. In fact, I’m pretty sure Vin told her to return to Austin immediately.”
    Ivy’s forehead furrowed. “Is that where she’s at?”
    “We don’t know where she is anymore. She called and told us she was fine, but she’s still angry.”
    “As she should be. What were y’all thinking?” Ivy admonished. “You’re her family.”
    If Christian didn’t think he could feel any lower, all he had to do was hear Ivy use that disappointed voice and he was proven wrong. “She won’t answer my calls.”
    “Give her time. She’ll come around.”
    “Delphine is dangerous, Ivy. We have each other here, but we don’t know where Riley is. If she’s alone, she could be targeted.”
    Ivy raised her brows. “Then you better start leaving some heartfelt messages to get her to call you back.”
    “Probably.” His mind was already past Riley and centered squarely on Ivy. “You’ve been alone for a year?”
    She nodded, her gaze lowering to the porch for a moment. “I have. There are times it’s bad, but the days are getting better. I work from home as a medical transcriptionist, so I can make my own schedule.”
    “Interesting.”
    She laughed, her eyes twinkling. “Now you’re making fun of me.”
    “Never,” he vowed, his smile growing.
    Silence stretched as they stared at each other again. Christian was thankful he was so far away from her on the porch because if he had been closer, he would’ve kissed her.
    “So, no one new in your life?” he asked after he cleared his throat.
    She looked pointedly at him. “Just you and your family. Before that, no one.”
    “You’re not seeing someone?” It was a valid question, though he wanted to know the answer for himself, not for the investigation.
    “No.”
    One simple word, but with it, Christian wanted to rejoice. Then he reminded himself that he didn’t care. He didn’t want a relationship.
    Of any kind.
    “Do you want to know my favorite color, as well?” she asked with a grin.
    Christian laughed as he dropped his arms and pushed away from the column. “I’m sorry I’m prying into your life.”
    “It’s all right. I’ll tell you anything you want to know. I don’t want to die.”
    That wiped his smile away instantly. He didn’t want her to die either. “Did anything significant happen ten years ago?”
    “That’s right. The ten-year deal thing.” Her face scrunched up as she considered his words. “I left the hospital for the last time and got better.”
    Christian knew of her illness, but hearing her say it was like a punch in the gut. “You were sick?”
    “Yes, but no one could diagnose what was wrong with me. I was sick for years. In and out of the hospital all the time. I missed so much school that my mother decided to homeschool me.”
    “You look healthy.”
    She glanced down at herself. “Now. Back then, I could barely lift my hand from the bed. My mother had to feed me. My mind worked great, but my body...well, didn’t. No one could get near me because a simple cold could kill me.”
    “My God.” Christian didn’t know what else to say.  
    Ivy tucked a curl behind her ear and put her hands in the back