IVY POV
I headed inside, my head still spinning, my chest still tight with everything that had just happened.
I pushed the door open… And walked straight into another nightmare.
Max was on the couch.
Making out.
With a girl.
Her tits out..
"Fuck… Max!" I shouted, my hands flying up to my face like that might erase the image. "You have a room, for fuck's sake!"
They broke apart so fast it was almost impressive. Max nearly fell off the couch trying to sit upright.
"Ivy!" he yelled. "I thought you'd be out longer!"
"Well, clearly I wasn't," I groaned, still covering my eyes. "This day has already traumatized me enough… I don't need the image of this.. adding to it"
The girl scrambled up, cheeks burning red. "I… I'm so sorry," she mumbled, grabbing her bag before practically sprinting past me and out the door.
Silence filled the apartment.
I dropped my hands and stared at Max. "Unbelievable."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Okay, yeah. My bad. Bad timing… " his eyes narrowed, studying me " But… are you okay?" His eyes narrowed. "You look like you just fought a bull."
I dropped my bag and collapsed into the armchair, my body suddenly heavy. "I did."
"You were supposed to tutor Hale today. judging by your face, it went terribly."
I dropped my bag and collapsed into the armchair. "Terribly doesn't even cover it."
Max sat across from me, suddenly serious. "Okay.. Hit me… What did he do?"
I let out a shaky breath. "Everything. He ignored my calls. Made me wait hours. Ordered me around like I was a piece in a chess game. And then… " I swallowed. "He knew where we lived."
"He brought you home?" Max asked, surprise clear in his voice.
"What…?" I frowned, confused, still trying to process everything.
"Nothing," he said with a short chuckle. "I just can't wrap my head around the fact that Hale actually drove you home."
"Are you even listening?" I threw my hands up, frustration spilling over. "That crazy psycho knew where we live."
"Yeah," Max said casually. "I heard that part."
I stared at him. "You're not shocked by that?"
"No," he replied, looking at me like I was being dramatic. "Why should I be?"
"Max," I said slowly, my voice rising, "he knew our apartment. Our address. How would he know that? It's giving psychopath. Major douche energy."
Max sighed and leaned back against the counter. "First of all, sweetheart… it's Hale. His family owns the Hale Group. Big money. Big power. Like, insane dynasty-level rich." He shrugged. "If he wants information, he gets it."
My stomach dropped.
"I… I had no idea," I admitted quietly. "I knew he was rich, but the Hale Group?" I shook my head. "I never thought they were related."
Max smirked. "You need to lift your head out of those books once in a while. Might help your social life." Then his tone softened. "Now you see why Professor Reyes recommended you."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"You're steady. You don't crumble easily, and you're a freaking genius," he said. "And yeah…he's going to be a lot. You'll have to take his bullshit, Ivy. Take it until you get that recommendation letter for Kirkland & Ellis."
The words hit harder than I expected.
I exhaled slowly, staring at the floor. "I hate that this matters so much."
"I know," Max said gently. "But this is your future. One semester. You can survive one semester."
I nodded, even though my chest felt tight.
Max clapped his hands once. "Alright. Enough. Go freshen up… you look like a crazy witch."
I gasped. "Rude."
"But accurate," he added with a grin. "I'll make you dinner."
I hesitated. "What are you making?"
He raised an eyebrow. "What do you want?"
I didn't even have to think. "Spaghetti."
Max smiled. "Of course it is. Go. Shower. Before you start hexing people."
I grabbed my bag and headed down the hall, shaking my head, but a small smile tugged at my lips.
For the first time since stepping into that car, my shoulders relaxed just a little.
Tomorrow, I'd deal with Ronan Hale.
Tonight, I just needed hot water, spaghetti… and a moment to breathe.
I went straight to my room, still feeling my heart hammer from everything with Ronan. I tossed my bag on the bed and flopped down for a second, just staring at the ceiling.
"Crazy witch," I muttered to myself, shaking my head. "Yeah… that's about right."
I got up and went to the bathroom, letting the hot water wash over me. Steam filled the room, and for a moment, I could actually breathe. My chest wasn't tight, my brain wasn't racing… at least not too much.
After my shower, I changed into something comfy and headed back to the kitchen. The smell of garlic and tomato hit me before I even walked in. Max was already stirring a pot, humming to himself.
"Smells amazing, Chef" I said, sitting at the counter.
He grinned. "Only the best for my stressed-out roommate. So… What movie are we seeing tonight?"
Hmm… I thought for a second, trying to focus on something other than Ronan Hale.
"What do you suggest?" I asked finally.
Max grinned, his eyes lighting up. "You know my collection. I've got everything from cheesy rom-coms to scary thrillers. Pick your poison."
I laughed softly, leaning back on the counter. "You really have everything, don't you?"
"Of course," he said proudly. "It's our tradition. Every night, we watch a movie together. End of the day, forget the world, forget homework, forget… whatever is trying to ruin your life."
I smiled, thinking about it. Max had been my side since high school. He literally came to Frostmont University because of me… because I convinced him this was the best place for both of us. Through late-night study sessions, bad dates, and stressful exams, he'd always been there.
"Alright," I said, reaching over to browse through his collection. "Something light tonight. I need my brain to reset from… everything."
Max handed me a DVD with a flourish. "Perfect. Comedy it is. And don't worry…I've got popcorn, snacks, and zero Ronan Hale interruptions."
I sank into the couch, feeling a little weight lift off my shoulders.
At least for tonight.
Tomorrow… that arrogant, infuriating, dangerously handsome golden boy would be back in my life. And my calm little bubble would be gone.
But for now… it was just Max, me, and the comforting glow of the TV.