Page 154 of Seeds of Malice

"That doesn't seem fair," she claims.

I groan. "The world isn't fair. Surely, you know this?"

A frustrated breath escapes her.

"Ivy, promise me you'll do whatever it takes to get into Gamma Sigma Phi. I promise you it'll change your life."

She throws her hands in the air. "Okay, fine, I'll go through with it."

"You promise me?"

"Yes."

"Do you vow on our relationship that you will do whatever it takes to get in?"

"Yes, if it means that much to you."

"It does," I insist.

She nods. "Okay, then."

"Whatever it takes, Ivy," I remind her and then add, "I wouldn't ask you to do it if I didn't know it would be life-changing. Remember, I'll always protect you. I'll always take care of you. And I know this world. You need this."

"Okay, Dax."

"That's my baby girl."

"So I'll see you tonight?" she questions.

Bile rises in my throat, surprising me. I swallow it down.

Stop being soft, dammit.

I tug her into me, kiss her, then vow, "I wouldn't miss it for the world, my sexy little slut."

24

Ivy

"This is your big night," Dax declares, beaming with excitement when we pull up to the Gamma Sigma Phi house.

My nerves reappear, but they're not as bad as they've been. Dax took me to dinner. We had burgers, fries, and two lemon drop shots.

He parks the car, gets out, comes around, and reaches inside for me. I take his hand, and he pulls me out. He slides his palms on my cheeks and studies me.

I squeeze my legs together. It's the look he gives me I can't resist. It awakens all my cravings for him.

He quickly kisses me and states, "I'm so proud of you."

"What for?" I question.

"Tonight. You're going to be a Gamma Sigma Phi. You're going past your comfort zone and doing what it takes to ensure you have everything you need in the future."

I smile, wanting to only make him proud of me. "If you insist I need to do this, then I will."

He puts his fingers over my lips. "I do. You have to trust me. You're never going to have an opportunity like this again. This is really big, Ivy."

The alcohol flows through my veins, and I'm grateful he gave it to me. It's helping me relax, and he's right. I need to gobble up any opportunity I can.