Page 31 of Seeds of Malice

A tickle of summer breeze comes through the curtains, and I glance at the window. My question gets answered as I realize that's how he got in.

His hot breath puffs against my ear when he murmurs, "Let's go to the lake and talk. There's so much you don't understand. And I need you to know the truth, Ivy. What you heard isn't the truth. Cindy's a liar."

My heart pounds harder. I want it to be true. But she was adamant, even though drunk. And aren't drunken words sober thoughts?

Plus, if I add everything Avery and Bobby talked about, there seems to be more to Dax than he let on. Things I want no part of...things that are beyond the scope of my knowledge or my experiences.

Besides, I can't get the thought of Dax doing things with Cindy out of my mind.

He adds, "I know you're upset with me, but there's something between us. You felt it just like I did. So you have to give me a chance to explain."

My butterflies take off.

He felt it too?

What am I thinking?

I remind myself not to be a dumb girl.

"Ivy," he begs.

I blink hard, not sure what to do. He stares at me, then moves his hand off my mouth. His lips quickly press against mine.

I push against his chest, but it doesn't help. He doesn't give me a big kiss. It's small and quick, but it's a fresh reminder of what it's like for Dax Carrington's mouth to be against mine.

He keeps his lips close to mine and murmurs, "Come to the lake with me. Please."

There's a desperation in his voice I've not heard before. I kid myself and say I don't want to wake my father up, but it's more than that.

I want to be with Dax.

I want to hear what he has to say.

I want to believe that Cindy's a liar and she made all this up.

And I want to know that he's good inside—how I thought he was when I met him.

Then all the nice, kind things he did for me all day swirl through my head for the millionth time.

"Please," he pleads again.

I cave. "Fine."

A tiny smile erupts on his lips. He gives me another peck, then rolls off me, grabs my hand, and helps me to my feet. His eyes trail down my body, and I realize I'm in my nightgown with no bra on. I fold my arms over my chest.

His eyes turn to burning flames, and he slowly lifts them from my hands to my gaze, stating in a suggestive tone, "I'll let you get changed, unless you don't want to?"

My butterflies escape in furious flutters. They shouldn't. I need to remind myself I'm mad at him. What he's done is disgusting. Unless, of course, Cindy really was lying.

He turns and stares out the window.

I quickly put on a pair of shorts, a bra, and a tank top, then turn back toward him.

He motions for me to come closer.

I meet him at the window.

He teases, "Sorry, gorgeous. I don't think the front door's a good option tonight. Do you?"

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