Page 210 of Seeds of Malice

Hybrids for new flowers fill the book. One's dated during the time John was between jobs. Scribble marks state "$10,000 - patent attorney."

My adrenaline picks up. I take a snapshot of all the pages with my phone, deciding this is the insurance I need. The next time Ivy's dad tries to come between her and me, I'll create an offer for him he can't refuse.

I shut the book, return it where I found it, then rise again. I pace some more until my phone dings.

I glance at the screen, hoping it's Ivy, and bile rises up my throat.

Avery: Checkmate.

A slew of pictures comes in, and I get sicker and sicker. She and Ivy are at the dessert restaurant.

Avery: Since you didn't bring her here, I decided I would. Checkmate again.

Pictures of them kissing and one of Avery's hand between Ivy's thighs pops up on the screen.

"Bitch," I seethe, my pulse skyrocketing.

Maybe it's not Ivy's leg.

I peer closer, and my gut sinks. The faint outline of the birthmark near Ivy's pussy proves I'm wrong. And Avery's wearing the ring my grandmother gave her.

My chest tightens, and I feel like I can't breathe, to the point I think I'm having a heart attack. I put my hand on the windowsill, trying to steady myself, and staring at the photos.

A video link appears. Before I hit play, sweat pops out on my skin. I force myself to watch.

Avery and Ivy kiss. Avery orders, "Tell me you're my sexy slut."

"I'm your sexy slut," Ivy whispers, her eyes fluttering, lips trembling.

Avery's hand on Ivy's pussy flashes on the screen.

Bile creeps up my throat.

"Louder," Avery commands.

The video zooms in on Ivy's face. She cries out, "I'm your sexy slut."

Avery murmurs against her lips, "Good little whore. I'm going to make you feel better than Dax does."

I punch the glass. It breaks, and blood streams down my hand.

"No, no, no," I yell, fighting tears.

The cold air bursts into the room, but I barely feel it. Unable to help myself, I watch the video again, my world crashing around me.

I'm losing this game, but in a different way than I thought I would.

Avery has her. It's the point in the game when I usually let my pawn go.

I can't this time.

All I want is Ivy.

I stare at the video again, wondering how I got here. The goal was to break her.

But she's broken me.

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