Page 11 of Seeds of Malice

I put on my most charming grin and step in front of him. I hold out my hand. "Mr. Ford, I'm Dax. Everett and Gwendolyn's oldest child. It's nice to meet you. I've heard such amazing things about you and your work."

Her father hesitates a moment and keeps his suspicious expression in place. He finally takes my hand. "It's nice to meet you too. I've heard the same about you."

I bet you have.

Ivy clears her throat. "Dad, Dax was nice enough to come to the house and introduce himself. He even helped me unpack the kitchen."

Her father gives me another look of distrust. "Oh?"

I nod. "Yes, sir. I wanted to show Ivy the grounds and take her to the pool. I thought it'd be nice to introduce her to some people before school starts."

Her father shifts on his feet, reminding me of when Ivy just did it.

"Dad, it's okay, right?" Ivy questions, which I find intriguing. She's eighteen. Does she ask her dad's permission before she does things? I haven't asked my parents' permission since I was twelve.

Her father finally caves and nods. "Yeah, it is. What time are you going to be home?"

"We're just going to be over at that pool." I point to the farthest one on the estate, adding, "I'll take good care of her, I promise."

Her father meets my eyes again. He doesn't like me. He has no reason not to, but the man is smart. I have to give him credit. He knows that I'm up to no good. How could I be when his daughter's a ripe peach ready for me to bite into? Still, I play the role that I've mastered. It fools most parents, and I decide that I'm going to make it my mission to get him on my good side as well. I vow, "I promise I'll take good care of her and ensure she gets safely back to your place."

"Dad, I'm not leaving the estate. Everything is fine. Don't look so nervous." Ivy reaches up and hugs him.

He wraps his arms around her and finally retreats, stating, "Enjoy yourself."

I slide my arm around her waist and lead her back to the golf cart, feeling his eyes on me.

It takes everything I have not to chuckle from euphoric celebration. This is going to be even better. I love it when parents don't trust me. Fathers especially. It rarely happens. I have most of the town fooled. But every now and then, I have an extra challenge on my hands, and I'm more than up for it.

I wait until Ivy gets into the cart, then turn around and wave. "See you later, Mr. Ford." I go around the golf cart and get in. I slide my arm around Ivy and drive away from him.

We're halfway across the estate when Ivy says, "I didn't know your friends were coming. Are they nice?"

I could tell her the truth, that they're all a bunch of vindictive, mean, very conniving brats, and that they're going to eat her alive, but I'll let her experience it. I lie, "Yeah, they're nice. They're going to love you too."

"Really?" she asks, as if she doesn't believe me.

"Yeah. What's not to love about you?"

She bites on her lip.

"Are you always this nervous to meet people?" I ask.

She shrugs. "I don't know."

"Well, why are you nervous now?"

She shakes her head. "I'm not sure. Probably just jitters of being in a new place."

I take my arm from around her shoulder and put my hand between her thighs.

She freezes and holds her breath.

It's just the reaction I'm looking for. I lean closer. "Well, you know me. I'll protect you against anyone."

She stares at me. Her breath moves in and out in shallow pants.

I chuckle again and rub my thumb on her thigh. "Don't worry, gorgeous. Everything's going to be fine. We'll have a blast today. I hope you like burgers."

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