Page 28 of Seeds of Malice

My laughter cuts off, and I answer, "Your daughter will be back in my arms by the end of tomorrow. You'll see. But so you know, I don't intend to be anything but good to her."

I'll leave that for the others,I think, then pat him on the shoulder. "Have a nice night, John."

I take my time walking across the estate and to my cottage. When I get there, Cindy's naked on my couch. Normally, I'd let her fuck me, but she's too used up.

I decide I don't want to deal with her. I pick up my phone and call security.

"Dax," Steven answers.

"I need you to remove Cindy from the premises and revoke her access. She's in my cottage," I order, then hang up and walk to the lake. For hours, I sit on the dock, thinking about my next moves and how I'm going to get back into Ivy's good graces.

5

Ivy

Rage, hurt, and fear fill me. I stare out the window at Dad and Dax having a heated exchange.

My dad's not going to be happy with me.

Wait. Why am I blaming myself for this? I haven't done anything.

He's not going to want me to see Dax again.

What am I talking about? Of course I shouldn't see him again.

I can't believe that girl. She was drunk, but it's clear she and Dax have a thing going on.

She was with him yesterday, and he kissed me today.

My chest tightens. I hold back tears.

Why did I let myself start to fall for him?

I should have known better.

Dax Carrington's the most handsome man I've ever met. He's also strong, powerful, and rich. I'm a girl from West Virginia who needs to remember my place. I don't belong here and shouldn't have thought I could fit in with these people.

My father warned me. He told me that rich people are selfish and you have to be careful around them. I didn't want to believe him. I still don't want to believe him. Yet, maybe he was right.

Dax spins and saunters across the yard. My father watches him go, then turns and makes his way toward our cottage.

My insides quiver harder. I don't want to get into it with Dad, but I know it's coming.

I move from the window and go into my room to try and escape my fate.

It's pointless.

My father's footsteps pound on the wooden floor, and he looms in my doorway, seething. "Ivy."

I close my eyes for a brief moment and then open them. "Don't start, Dad."

"You can't see him again," he directs.

"I don't want to see him again," I lie.

"No?" he questions, arching his eyebrows like he knows me better than I know myself.

I shake my head, adding, "No. There's no reason to see him. Why were you fighting with him?"

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