Page 117 of Seeds of Malice

I don't answer.

His face falls. "You still don't trust me, do you?"

"Yes, of course I do," I insist.

"Then go inside."

I swallow hard. I don't know why. Something tells me not to go in, but I do. I carefully step through the doorway, but I can't escape the dread in my stomach.

Dax follows me inside and flips a switch. A soft glow lights up the space. Tongue-and-groove-stained wood walls, a concrete floor, and covered windows appear. Boats, long paddles, and life vests are stacked neatly in piles all the way to the ceiling.

"Not so scary, right?" Dax questions.

I softly laugh, relaxing. "No. I don't know why I was so worried."

"What exactly did you think would happen?" he asks.

"I don't know," I admit.

He steps in front of me and slides his hands on my cheeks. "Are you afraid of me, Ivy?"

"No. I'm not afraid of you. You would never hurt me."

Something twisted crosses his expression, and surely I'm mistaken. I've just been drinking too much alcohol, I tell myself, when his expression morphs again.

"That's good. You're right. I could never hurt you." He pecks me on the lips and leads me into a different room. He flips another switch, revealing a bed, nightstand, and tall dresser.

More anxiety fills me. "Does somebody live here?"

"No, but why do you look scared, my little slut?" he questions, the lewd expression Avery gave me moments ago appearing on him.

My pussy throbs. I put on a brave face. "I'm not scared."

"Good, but you look it."

I take a deep breath and attempt to lift my chin to appear confident, but my head feels heavy.

"Have you had too much to drink tonight?" he questions.

I stay quiet.

He continues, "You probably can't handle your alcohol the way everyone else can."

My stomach churns. His statement makes me feel like Avery is right. Her voice torments me, saying I can't handle what everyone else can.

So I shake my head. "No, I'm fine."

"Are you?"

"Yes, I am," I insist.

He studies me for another moment.

"Stop it, Dax. I'm fine."

He nods. "Okay. You're the judge of that."

"Yes, I am," I affirm, then smile. I put my arms around him. "I'm glad we're alone."

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