Page 13 of Seeds of Malice

Avery gives Ivy another stare down, then asks, "And where did you find her?"

Ivy shifts uncomfortably and tries to avoid looking at Avery's tits.

I put my arm around Ivy's waist and tug her close. "Her father is the new head botanist on the estate. She just moved into one of the cottages. She's going to attend Clifton. Put your top on, Avery."

Avery moves her sunglasses down her nose and peers closer at Ivy.

"Don't be such a snob," I scold.

She innocently proclaims, "What? I'm not being a snob."

"Yeah, you are. And put your top on."

"No, I'm not." She licks her lips and holds her hand out. "How are you doing?"

Ivy clears her throat, keeping her eyes pinned on Avery's. She replies, "Good. How are you?" She takes her hand.

Avery daintily shakes it. My mother taught her that shake, and it drives me nuts.

My brother rises and holds his hand out. "I'm Cooper, their better third."

I groan. "Sure, bro. Keep telling yourself that."

Ivy shakes his hand. "It's nice to meet you too."

I tug Ivy closer. "Cooper's a senior in high school. Avery is a sophomore at Clifton. She's my sister, unfortunately."

"Shut up, Dax," she reprimands.

Bobby steps between us and leans forward. He kisses Ivy on the cheek. "I'm Bobby. Dax's best friend."

I move Ivy out of the way so he's several arm lengths away. The last thing I need is Bobby all over her. I give him a look that she's mine and question, "Did you start the grill? I'm hungry."

Avery rolls her eyes. "Don't we have people for that?"

I point out, "And you claim you aren't a snob."

She huffs. "What? We have enough people working on this estate. There are plenty of peons on our payroll who can do that for us. Why are you insisting Bobby do it?"

"You are such a snob," I repeat. Then, I lead Ivy past her and over to the grill.

"I can do it," Ivy quietly volunteers, a new flush of pink crawling through her cheeks.

I grunt. "No, you're not going to do it. Bobby and I will do it. Just grab a chair." I turn on the grill.

Ivy doesn't move.

"Something wrong?" I ask.

"You sure you don't want me to help?"

"No. But maybe you should get wet!" I pick her up.

She shrieks, grabbing me around the neck. "Dax, what are you doing?"

"Food can wait." I take three steps toward the pool and jump in the deep end with Ivy still clinging to me. We go under the water and pop back up.

She laughs. "Are you crazy?"

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