Page 159 of Seeds of Malice

"But—"

Avery puts her finger over my lips. "You can't argue tonight, Ivy. Whatever we say, you have to do it. Please don't ask questions. There's nothing to be scared of. Remember, I have your back," she says, but there's a pleading look in her eyes.

I stay quiet.

She adds, "Dax and I need you in the sisterhood."

Lilly announces, "I'll put it on. This is gorgeous."

I look at the risqué bra and thong. I finally voice, "I don't think Dax will like me walking around in this."

Avery claims, "Dax picked it out for you."

"He did?"

"Yes. Every pledge has to wear something similar, but he made sure he picked this out."

I stare at it again, not understanding why Dax would want me on display for all to see.

Marcey interjects, "You get more than I did. I only got a pair of thongs."

"Me too," Avery says.

"Really?" I question.

She nods. "Yep. Dax insisted you get a bra too."

I'm suddenly grateful Dax picked this skimpy outfit for me to wear.

Marcey's alarm on her phone rings. She turns it off and states, "Time is ticking. Get dressed, ladies."

Marcey and Avery take seats on the armchairs across from Lilly and me, sipping champagne.

Lilly and I remove our clothes and put on the lingerie. I'm slightly uncomfortable with Marcey and Avery watching me, but I push it away, telling myself I'm being ridiculous.

There's a knock on the door.

Another server from Dax's frat comes inside, wearing the same silver thong and matching bow tie. He carries another tray of champagne and hands me one. "Bobby said to give you this."

My nerves reappear. Ever since Bobby kissed me, I don't fully trust him. But he's Dax's best friend, so I'm trying to let the incident at the frat party go.

"Perfect timing," Marcey says, grabbing two drinks and handing them to Lilly and Avery. Then she grabs one for herself.

"Can I get you anything else?" he asks.

Avery steps up to him. She puts her hand on his bicep. "Your name's Brad, right?"

He glances at her like he wants to eat her up and nods. "Yeah."

"Your father runs the oil company in Texas?"

"Yes, ma'am," he says in a thick drawl.

"Hmm," she says, dragging her fingers across his chest and down the side of his torso.

He swallows hard.

"How do you like Connecticut so far?" she questions.

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