Page 22 of Seeds of Malice

I stare at him, blink, and a tear drops.

He swipes at it. "You're overreacting."

I sniffle and turn, then pull it together, feeling stupid once again.

"I promise," Dax repeats.

I stare at him with my thoughts racing about my father's past employment troubles and how I can't deny my attraction to Dax.

This isn't good. My father works for him.

He holds my face firmly. His tone is just as stern. "Ivy, don't let Avery win."

"Meaning?"

He slowly licks his lips, studying mine.

My heart races faster.

He meets my eyes. "Meaning she's a snob. She's always going to be. And if I could eliminate her from my world, I would, but I can't. So I apologize now, but you'll have to deal with her. You know why?"

I barely get out, "Why?"

He glances at my lips, then before I know it, his mouth is pressed to mine, his warm tongue slides into my mouth, and every ounce of breath I have is stolen in a rush of adrenaline-filled bliss.

He kisses me like he owns me. Hungry. Consuming. Unlike any kiss I've ever experienced.

He slowly retreats, locking his gaze to mine, admitting, "Because I like you. And I want you as mine."

4

Dax

Ivy's lips part. Her breathing turns shallow. She stares at me like she can't believe I told her I want her.

She's playing right into my hands and doesn't even know it.

My sister and Bobby didn't disappoint me. I knew it would be an interesting encounter, and they lived up to their true selves. In the process, it drove Ivy right into my arms.

"Did I say something wrong?" I ask, tucking a lock of her dark hair behind her ear.

She slowly licks her lips, and I force myself not to kiss her again. The girl definitely kisses better than I anticipated. I assumed I'd have to train her, but her mouth molded to mine like it was meant to be.

It was hard to pull away from her, but if I don't play my cards right, I'll screw this up.

There's no way in hell I'm messing up my new pet project.

"Well?" I push.

She shakes her head. "No."

I wiggle my eyebrows. "So you want me too, then?"

She softly laughs.

"Admit it," I goad, taking a small nibble on her ear.

She turns her head so our gazes lock and whispers, "Okay."

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