Page 162 of Seeds of Malice

I inhale sharply.

She says, "Dax loves you. You know how good that feels, right?"

"Yes, of course," I admit.

"Okay. You're going to have dozens of sisters loving you too. Women who will do anything to help you and make sure you're okay at every stage of your life. Isn't that what you want?"

I ponder her question.

"It's not?" she asks with sadness in her eyes.

"No, that's what I want," I confess.

"Good. Hold on a minute." She disappears for a quick second.

I stare into the darkness around me. My heart pounds harder.

She returns and hands me a shot. "Here. One final toast to you."

She clinks my glass and shoots hers back.

I hesitate, then empty the glass. The warm, sweet liquid slides down my throat and into my stomach.

Avery puts her hand on my arm again. "I got you something too. I want to give it to you."

"What is it?"

She steps behind me and moves my hair over my right shoulder. Then she dangles a gold necklace in front of my face.

An I has whore-red garnets and diamonds encrusted on it. A vine of gold ivy leaves wraps around the pendant with more garnets etching the vine.

Her breath hits the back of my ear, and a shiver full of tingles runs down my spine. "I had it made for you when Dax designed your ring. Do you like it?"

"I love it," I gush, touched she'd make something so personal for me.

She whispers, "You're already my sister forever." She secures the necklace and then steps back in front of me.

I'm overwhelmed. I touch the pendant. "Avery, this is too much."

She shakes her head. "No, it's not. Ivy, please tell me you'll do the scene. I really want you in Gamma Sigma Phi. We're going to have so much fun!"

I take a deep breath, double-checking, "I don't have to fuck Lilly?"

She shakes her head. "No. Of course not."

I release a breath. "Okay, but I don't understand what part I'm playing."

She glances around and says, "I can't disclose much. Your character is supposed to be confused about your sexuality. That'sall I can tell you. But, like you said, you're not a real actress, right?"

I giggle. Maybe it's the alcohol or my nerves. I reply, "No, I'm not."

Avery chirps, "Then it should be easy for you to play the part."

I sigh.

"Please do it. It's just a quick scene," she pleads.

I touch the pendant again, giving in. "Okay. What's my name?"

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