Page 163 of Seeds of Malice

"Ivy."

Ivy?

"I don't get a different name for my character?" I question, still trying to believe I'm even contemplating doing this.

Avery laughs. "No. We've changed names in the past, but it's harder for non-actors to remember them. The sisters decided it's easier for those rushing to play their parts if they're just called by their real names."

I release a deep, anxious breath.

"So you're going to do it? You're going to become my sister for life?" she asks with excitement in her eyes.

I can't believe I'm going to do this.

Dax's voice pops into my head."Promise me you'll do whatever it takes to get in."

I answer, "Okay, Avery. I'll do it."

She claps. "Good. Once tonight's over, you'll have everything you've always wanted. I promise. Plus, you know how excited Dax is going to be. It will break his heart if you can't get into Gamma Sigma Phi."

I glance down at my outfit. "Are you sure he's not going to be upset that I'm prancing around in this?" I ask, revealing my insecurities.

She scoffs. "Yeah, he bought it for you. He's dying to see you in it. Don't you understand?"

"Understand what?"

She traces the edge of the bra, and once again, tingles explode along my skin.

It's the alcohol.

"Dax wants to show you off. And he's never wanted to show anyone off before. You've changed him."

"Changed him? I don't want to change him," I declare.

"Not in a bad way, silly. In a good way."

"How?"

"I don't know. I can't explain it. He's just... Well, he's so in love with you. And he's so proud that you're his."

I smile.

She hesitates, then says, "Ivy, can I say something without you turning weird on me?"

My butterflies slowly flutter. "Sure."

"Promise?"

I nod. "I promise."

Anxiety fills her expression.

"It's okay. Say whatever you want," I push.

She blurts out, "I find you very attractive, Ivy. That day that I wanted you to kiss me... Well, I wanted you to kiss me because I wanted to see what it was like—what Dax was so obsessed about, but I already understood it. You're gorgeous. You're different from everybody else around here, and that's... Well, you're just a treasure. And I'm not saying this so you kiss me. I'm just telling you the truth."

I gape at her. Avery is the gorgeous one. She has everyone eating out of her hand too. Since we've become friends, I've realized that if I could be more like anyone, it would be her.

She drags her finger over my cleavage and down to my belly button.

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