Page 16 of Seeds of Malice

But what does she mean by meat?

I'm not fat.

Avery is skin and bones, and I don't think I could ever get that skinny.

"Fatty Patty was the last one. Remember her," Bobby says, leaning into my neck and inhaling deeply.

It gives me the creeps, making my skin crawl.

Avery adds, "She wasn't nearly as pretty as Ivy."

My insides quiver. I try to push against Avery, but Bobby has his hold firm around us.

Cooper's voice interjects. He orders, "Get off her, you two."

Bobby turns his head, keeping my chin pinned. "Mind your own business."

"You heard me. Let her go," Cooper states.

Avery scoffs. "And what are you going to do if we don't, Coop?"

"I mean it?—"

"What the fuck, Bobby!" Dax bellows.

Bobby's lips twist. He redirects his gaze to Dax, and in a nonchalant voice, replies, "Don't get your panties in a twist. We're just showing Ivy how much we adore her. Aren't we, Avery?"

"Yes. Total adoration for your new friend. In fact, I was just admiring her body," Avery replies.

Dax's hands move to both sides of me, and he violently thrusts them against Bobby's and Avery's chests. "That's enough!"

"Aww. You're such a party pooper," Avery whines.

"Chill out. It's all in good fun," Bobby declares.

"My ass," Dax growls, tugging me into him. He glances down at me. "You okay?"

I recover and smile, deciding I don't need to make enemies on the first day. But I note that I need to be more alert around Bobby and Avery when I'm alone with them. "I'm fine. They were joking."

"Yeah. We were just joking, Dax," Avery interjects.

"Sure you were." Dax scowls.

Tension builds between the two as neither of them flinch. Dax stands solid, holding me tight against him. Avery keeps her smirk on her face, as strong-willed as Dax.

"Let's not cry over milk that hasn't even spilled," Bobby suggests.

Dax redirects his glare on him.

Bobby laughs and shakes his head. "Let's let Ivy be the judge of this."

Dax stays quiet.

Bobby asks, "Ivy, are you pissed at us for joking around with you?"

I debate about being honest but decide it's best to let it go. I shake my head. "Nope. We're good."

He grins. "See? Ivy's fine. If she's fine, then you should be too."

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