Chapter 571
"Bend, don't break; simplify the complicated; go with the flow and gain control."
After those words left her lips, she kept smiling softly, eyes fixed on his handsome face.
But Jamison saw right through her. Scowling, he reached out and gently squeezed her cheek, letting out a cold huff. "You're using the same tricks on me that you used to fool my mom, aren't you?"
Ivy didn't bother denying it. She just shot him a playful wink. "Dr. Ludwig, sometimes it's a blessing to play the fool. A little bit of ignorance now and then makes life sweeter, don't you think?"
As she finished speaking, she leaned in and tilted her face, offering him a kiss that was nothing short of tempting. Jamison had never been immune to her. Seeing her take the initiative, he surrendered instantly, pulling her closer by the nape and deepening the kiss.
Still shaken from the scare he'd gotten earlier, he clung to her like a child desperate for comfort. His kisses grew more urgent, and before long, he was standing, sweeping her up onto the dining table, clearly ready to "punish" her right then and there.
Breathless, Ivy cupped his face and pleaded, "Wait! Dinner's hot and ready. At least eat something first."
Her eyes were bright and dewy, mesmerizing him even more. Jamison felt his blood surge as he pinned her for another kiss. "But I want you first…"
"Stop messing around," Ivy protested, forced to tilt her head back as he traced damp kisses down her neck. "You always insist everything has to be clean and tidy… It's a hassle…"
Jamison paused, a bit of reason returning to his eyes.
Ivy lowered her gaze, her voice gentle as she coaxed him, "It's Friday night. We've got all the time in the world. Eat first."
The hint in her tone made Jamison's obsession flare. He stared at her, utterly smitten.
"Alright then. Tonight, I'm going to make you pay for spinning everyone in our family around your little finger!" He kissed her again, but this time he bit down lightly.
"Ow—what are you, part dog?" Ivy yelped, frowning as she smacked him. Her palm hit his chest, and suddenly Jamison's expression twisted in pain. He instinctively clutched his ribs.
Ivy froze, surprise flashing in her eyes. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Jamison muttered, trying to play it off. He'd nearly forgotten the bruise he'd gotten back at the old house, courtesy of a well-aimed blow from his father. His ribs still ached with every touch.
He tried to step away, but Ivy caught his arm.
"Let me see." She tugged him back, fingers moving to unfasten his shirt buttons.
There was no way a little smack from her could hurt that much, unless he was already injured. Jamison tried to hold her hands back, insisting he was fine, but Ivy was relentless. Sitting at eye level, she deftly got his shirt open.
He shot her a look, grumbling, "You're getting way too good at this, you know. Stripping me down like a pro."
Ivy ignored the tease, pulling his shirt aside to inspect the damage. Sure enough, a dark bruise marred his chest.
"How did this happen?" she asked, brow furrowing with concern.
"Just bumped into something," he replied, brushing it off.
"Yeah, right. You expect me to buy that?" Ivy called him out immediately. Jamison was always careful and composed—there was no way he'd just run into something.
"You went back to the old house and got on your dad's bad side, didn't you?" Ivy pressed, eyes narrowing as she guessed.
Looking embarrassed, Jamison scooped her off the table and set her on the floor, quickly straightening his clothes. "Weren't you just saying it's good to play the fool sometimes? Knowing the truth but keeping quiet is an art, too," he muttered, taking his seat and starting to eat.
Ivy settled in beside him, elbow propped on the table, watching him with lazy amusement.
"Etiquette's for outsiders. You're my husband—no need for pretenses."
He didn't reply.
"But, thank you…" she said all of a sudden, her smile blooming, warm and sincere.