The Billionaire And The Ice Queen (A Fantasy Romance)

#12 Ivy

A piercing pain shot through my head making my stomach queasy. I kept my eyes closed and stayed wherever I laid, until the pain settled.

“Ivy!” A worried voice shook me, making my stomach do somersaults. As I tried to keep the nausea at bay, I remembered what happened and why I lay on the floor.

Ethan tilted my chin back, opened my mouth and pinched my nose.

My eyes snapped open.

Is he trying to kill me?

The only thing I saw was Ethan’s thick dark brown hair, before he pressed his lips onto mine.

My eyes grew round.

What on earth was he doing?!

He blew air into my mouth and I coughed back into his. Jerking his head back, he gazed at me with relief.

“Oh, thank God. You’re okay.” He crushed me to him, resting his head on top of mine, rocking me gently. “Your body was cold, and you weren’t breathing.”

His arms shook even though he held me so tightly, and his heart galloped under my ears. I must have really scared him, and the knowledge warmed me inside. I shouldn’t read to much into it, after all he’ll be the one having to explain what happened, and the publicity that would follow should I die. It’s not really a big surprise he was relieved that I was alive.

“You took 30 years off my life.” He pulled me away, gazing into my eyes. “Don’t you ever do that to me again.” He shook me gently then jerked me back in a tight embrace.

My face lay at the base of his throat, where I got a whiff of his cologne. But because my nose was squashed to a patch of skin, I got a hint of his natural scent. A scent that reminded me of a forest after a storm. It was fresh, light and tantalising. I could have stayed in that position sniffing him like a junky. However, every time a took a lungful of his unique smell, pain stabbed my head. My body felt heavy, I couldn’t shove him away, instead, I wanted to put my head down and sleep. It didn’t help that his body was warm, my eyes sore, and I had a runny nose.

Why did I have a runny nose? I must have fallen flat on my face. I didn’t keep any tissues on me, but Mary kept a stock of supplies in one of the cupboards. She stored them in here believing that the girls would not dare venture in my domains and this way they cannot take supply whenever they felt like it.

It took everything I had to move my head slightly to gaze at him.

His eyes grew round. “Your bleeding.”

That was what I feared. I put my hand over my nose to stop him from gawking at me more than stopping the flow of blood. “There is a box of tissues in the cupboard over there.” Pointing to the cupboard below the microwave. I know, not the best place to store stationaries and paper. I needed a clear out to make room and organise everything better.

He extracted himself from me then took two steps to reach the sink. Flinging the door open, he snatched the box in front of him. It was a good thing Mary had placed the small boxes of tissue at the front otherwise I feared what he might have done to find it. He came over, tore it open, and handed me a wad of tissues.

“Thank you.”

He flung the box onto the table and paced the room.

“Can you please standstill. You’re making me feel sick.”

He glanced at me and ran his hand through his hair. I tried to get up, but the room started to spin, and I laid back down. “Can you get me the rubbish bin, please.”

“Why?” He gazed at me worriedly.

“Because I might vomit.” What did he think I wanted to do with it?

He stepped away from me, and franticly looked round for it. If I wasn’t feeling sorry for myself, I would have laughed.

I sat up slowly and this time Ethan helped me. Then he strode to the desk, lifted the chair, as if it weighed nothing, and plonked it next to me. Without asking, he picked me up, gently put me down on to the seat, and hands me a small empty bin. There must have been one in here. Nobody had used this room since David did.

“The doctor will be here soon.”

I snapped my attention back to him. “I don’t need a doctor.”

Ignoring me, he studied the room then walked out into my office. What was he looking for? He came back with a chair, plonking it next to mine.

Ling- a – ling

Snatching his phone off the table, he answered it. “Lily not now.” Walking back, he collapsed onto the chair. “I wouldn’t care less if he sprouted wings and decided to test drive it. I’ll talk to you later.” Turning the mobile off, he gave me his full attention, making me nervous. It doesn’t help I couldn’t use my ability, a first time that has ever happened to me.

His chair blocked my escape route, not that I am able to make a run for it. Most likely, I would trip over my own feet, whack my head on the tiled floor and knock myself unconscious. I had relied on my ability too much, and now I felt vulnerable without it.

“Stop it!”

I jumped not expecting the outburst, looking at him in confusion. What have I done now?

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

He leaned forward; his face close to mine. “Don’t play games with me Ivy. I am not in the mood for it.”

“I’m not playing any game.” I winced as I tensed up. I relaxed my muscles before I carried on. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He studied me for a long while. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

Well that’s good to know.

“So, you can stop using your ability.”

It took a few seconds for what he said to penetrate my aching head.

He knew.

I sat there silently gazing at him trying to process what had just happened. I had used my gift many times in front of others. Some have mentioned the drop in temperature, shivered or put extra clothing on. But no one had ever associated it with me, they’d sound nuts otherwise. Ethan, as far as I knew, was sane, and not the joking kind.

Whatever he saw written on my face, made him frown. “Don’t worry I’m not going to tell anyone. But your playing a dangerous game.”

“What are you talking about? Just spit it out.” Wincing, I forced myself to relax.

“What do you know about the others?”

“What others?” I said in exasperation and winced again. I hugged the bin closer to me as the bile rose to the back of my throat.

He straightened, his eyes never leaving mine. “It can’t be.”

“Who’s your handler?”

What the hell is he talking about? What handler?

“I don’t have one. Why should I need one?”

He looked at me with shock. “You-“

“Ivy.” Sonia called from my office.

We both jerked our heads at the unexpected interruption, and I winced in pain. I shouldn’t have done that. The nausea had settled a little, until my sudden movement. I breathed slowly in and out of my nose and leaned my head back onto the chair.

“This is all we need.” Ethan mumbled, getting up and flinging open the door.

“Can I help you?”

“Ethan.” Her voice purred. “Where’s Ivy?”

“Do you need anything?”

I thought it best if I spoke to her before Ethan blew a blood vessel. However, my body had other ideas, it still felt like jelly.

“I would like to talk to Ivy.” She persisted, her voice changing from seductive to suspicious. “What’s that stain on your clothes?”

“Food.” He lied without batting an eye lash. I could see a vein throbbing in his forehead. It looks like he’s about to blow.

“Mr Westfield.” A female voice interrupted their tug of wills. “Just the man I want to see.” The clicking of heels as it hit the tiled floor made its way closer.

“That’s all Sonia.” Dismissing her, as if she was his employee not hers.

The woman walked into the room then Ethan shut the door in Sonia’s face. Great, she was going to be a nightmare after this.

The female who knew Ethan, looked to be in her early Sixties with white hair, slim figure, that any woman would envy, and smooth unblemished skin. I hoped I would look that good when I turned her age.

“This is Dr. Geneser,” Ethan said.

The older woman said nothing, placed her bag next to my chair and started to examine me.

“What are you still doing here!” Ethan spat out.

Both I and the doctor jumped at his angry voice. If I didn’t do something soon it would be his turn to keel over.

“I’m not leaving until I see Ivy.” Sonia spat back.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get up. My body still felt like noodles. “It’s okay Sonia.” I called out in what I hoped was a reassuring voice. “I’ll be out in a minute.” I hoped it would be enough. When Sonia got something in her head it was hard to shift her away from it.

“If you need anything Shout. I’ll leave your door open…. Mr Westfield.” I grimaced. He was in her bad books. Her high heels clicked as she made her way out to the main office.

“That was creepy.” Ethan said as he gently shut the door and walked back to us. I raised my brow at him.

“She changed from a siren to a mother hen. It’s just not right.”

“Why? Because she shouldn’t have a caring side?” I never thought he was the judgmental type.

“People like her, including men, only care about themselves.”

I wouldn’t know since I hardly mixed with people, however it didn’t mean all of them were selfish. People thought I was cold because of the way I spoke, yet they didn’t bother to take the time to get to know me. Well, except for Merek. And that didn’t end to well either.

“Has this happened before?” The doctor asked after she took my blood pressure.

“Yes, but not as bad as this.”

“You’re not the first I’ve come across who used their ability with an empty tank. If it’s a life and death situation, that’s fine, otherwise don’t even contemplate it. Next time nobody can save you.”

My god. She knew too.

How many others were out there like me? I knew I wasn’t the only one, but I never found another soul. I must have gone the wrong way about locating them. Is that what Ethan meant when he mentioned others? And was he one? He must be, if he knew about them, right? I had a million questions, yet I didn’t dare ask just in case he was talking about something completely different to what I was thinking. Maybe, ability meant something else to them.

Dr. Geneser started to pack her stuff away. “For now, you need to rest and eat to build you energy up.” She paused in her packing and locked eyes with me. “You are not to use your ability for the next two days. Do you understand?”

Her patients must love her, she has no bed side manners.

The air around her hummed with abundance of energy and power. She was a woman who expected to be obeyed and I was the worst person to target. Others, in the past, who were like her also wanted me to submit to their will, and in the end, they only trod all over me. Well never again.

We ended up being in a staring contest. I wouldn’t back down and neither would she. Long ago, I would have looked away first, but over the years I had disciplined myself never to give in. It only showed you were weak. This woman looked old, yet power poured out from her. A dominant female who wouldn’t take no for an answer. She could wait until hell freezes over.

“Ivy.” Ethan’s tired voice broke our gaze. It was not because he used my name that made me look away first, but the fatigue in his voice.

“Rest and eat.” I finally agreed. I would have said no, but I saw how his hair stuck up, from the number of times he ran his hands through it, and his down cast lips. It was his eyes that made the decision for me, it told me more then he was saying. Even the air around him was none existent.

I nodded my head once in conformation and wanted to vomit. Closing my eyes, I brought the bin closer to my face, and did some breathing exercise, hoping it would help. Why didn’t I just say it out loud?

I let Ethan deal with the doctor and waited for him.

“Come on I’ll take you home.” I would have protested, yet I was close to falling asleep or vomiting, which ever came first. So, I did not complain when he helped me up, took me to the sink, wash my face and tidy myself up.

He then guided me into my office to pick up anything I needed and turn my computer off. He sat me down and went back into the office we were in and tidied up.

Sonia walked in as Ethan came back.

“You look terrible.”

“Thanks.”

She gives Ethan a suspicious look. What did she think he did to me? Suck my blood?

She stepped closer and whispers, “Scream if you need help.”

“That will not be necessary.” Ethan replied dryly. “I am taking her home.” His gaze was on Sonia as he spoke to me. “Is there anybody who can take care of things here?”

“Sonia, can do that.”

He raised his brow at me, but thank god didn’t say anything. It must have taken a lot of will power on his part not to say something scathing about Sonia and responsibility.

I stood up. “I’ll leave things to you Sonia. I will also take tomorrow off and be back on Monday morning. Can you do tomorrow? I know it’s your day off.”

“Of course, I’ll come in and take a day off sometime this week. You take care of yourself and I’ll take care of everything here.”

I gave her a weak smile and she turned, swaying her hips as she walked out. Not for Ethan’s benefit, its just the way she walks. She proved me right by not looking back.

“Creepy.” Ethan stood in front of me, taking the backpack I keep for emergencies and slinging it over his shoulder.

“You don’t know her.” I protested.

“And I don’t want to know her. But there is one thing I agree with her about.”

“you do surprise me.”

“I try.” He gave me a sexy smile. And my heart fluttered.

Before it was replaced by worry. “She is right, you’re not well. You need to go home and rest. I am glad you’re not coming in tomorrow either.” He took my hand and put it in the crock of his elbow. “Please tell me you don’t work 24/7?”

“Mr Westfield-“

He lets out an audible sigh. “Ethan. After giving you the kiss of life, we should be on first name bases. Don’t you think so?”

I blushed, a miracle with the amount of blood my nose spouted.

“I wasn’t dead.”

He snorted. “If you say so.”

He guided me out of the office. “The office is all yours Sonia. Try not to burn it down.”

I closed my eyes. He couldn’t help himself. I would find it really surprising if he had any employees for a lengthy period of time.

Sonia didn’t throw anything or reply back. She must be dumbfounded like the rest of the women in the office.

It took longer than I liked to get to his car. He never complained and was patient with me. He even opened the front door for me, made sure I was comfortable before sitting behind the steering wheel.

I had so many questions going around my head and this was the perfect time to ask them. Nobody was here to disturb us.

“Ethan.”

He turned his head to gaze at me.

“Watch where you’re driving.” I would have screamed if it wasn’t for the pain in my head.

He swerved a bit but got it under control.

“That was your fault.”

“My fault?”

“You called me Ethan.”

Idiot.

We sat in silence all the way home. I expected him to talk to me, but he didn’t say anything.

What was he waiting for?

I had never met anyone with a gift. No that’s a lie. I do know one person with an ability, but they were in the same boat, they knew nothing like me.

Ethan helped me into the house. I could have made it on my own, but I wanted him to stay for a bit longer, hoping he might talk. If not, then I had to ask.

“Ivy!”

Nathaniel jumped on me, knocking me back onto Ethan.

“My god your heavy,” Ethan puffed out.

I jabbed him in the stomach, with my elbow. He winced. It was a reflex action and I regretted it as soon as I did it. As soon as Nathaniel let go of me, I turned to Ethan. His arms wrapped around me. It felt good and odd at the same time. Nobody had ever hugged me, not even my dad. Well, except for Nathaniel who was a hugger, but he didn’t count.

I lost the ability to speak and my cheeks slowly reddened.

“What did you do that for?” He tightened his hold on me, dragging me closer to him until I was plastered to his chest. He was warm and smelled intoxicating.

“Are you okay.” His face turned from a frown to horror. “You’re not going to faint on me again, are you?”

I shake my head slowly.

“Get your hands off my sister!”

I snap my head down to Nathaniel who gazed at Ethan with anger and hatred. I winced as a piercing pain shot through my head, making my eyes water.

“Nathaniel. That’s rude.” He ignored me, a first for him, and kept his death gaze on Ethan. What did he think Ethan was going to do to me?

“Now why would I want to do that?” Ethan asked.

Was he really asking a five-year-old boy such a question? I tried to extract myself from him, but he had a tight grip on my waist.

“She is my fiancée after all.”

I jerked my head up and another sharp pain pierced the left side of my head one to many times. My stomach couldn’t take it no more, and I puked up all over Ethan.