Page 23 of Seeds of Malice

I freeze. "Okay, what?"

A vine of heat crawls across her cheeks. I stroke my finger over it. Her lips curve, and she admits, "Okay, I want you too."

So fucking easy.

Still, I'm giddy. It's been a long time since anyone caught my interest the way Ivy has. This is just the beginning of the game, and I couldn't have played it any better.

I glance at her lips until she's practically drooling for me to kiss her again. Instead of giving it to her, I turn away and put the golf cart into gear. I snake across the lawn and park in front of my place.

"You live in a cottage?" she asks.

I nod. "Sure do."

"I figured you'd live in the main house."

I glance at the looming building in the distance. It looks like a castle in some ways. The 30,000 plus square feet spread acrossthe horizon. To most people, it's impressive. To me, it's nothing but a prison. I mutter, "Got out of there as soon as possible."

"Why? It looks like an amazing place to live," Ivy gushes in awe.

"It's not as awesome as you'd think it would be," I admit.

Ivy's expression falls. She puts her hand on my thigh and says, "I'm sorry. Did something bad happen there?"

I almost laugh. I could list hundreds of bad things that took place in my parents' fortress. But I don't air our dirty laundry. It wouldn't be becoming of a Carrington. Plus, I'm not a pussy. I don't cry over the past. And eventually, I get revenge. One day, everyone in my family will feel my wrath. Until then, I'm biding my time.

"Dax?" Ivy asks with a concerned voice.

She's so fucking innocent. If I told her the basics, she'd probably freak out. She'd never look at me the same either.

Maybe she wouldn't.

What am I saying? Of course she would.

Best to keep my mouth shut.

I get out of the golf cart and answer, "Just family bullshit. Let's eat. I'm starving. How about you?" I grab the plate of burgers from her.

She steps away from the cart and nods. "Yeah, I'm hungry."

"Great. Welcome to my abode." I grin and open the door.

She hesitates but steps into the cottage.

I'm tempted to push her down to her knees and then have her suck me dry until I'm spent. But I remind myself it's too soon.

"Not like the main house, but it's my own space," I state.

She turns in a circle and takes it all in. "I like it."

"Good." I stare at her a moment, wishing I could suck on her lips until they swell.

She shifts on her feet and then says, "Should we eat?"

I'll eat you.

I point to the table. "Sure. Make yourself at home."

She slides into a chair, and I plop on the one next to her. I hold a burger up to her mouth. "Take a bite."

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