Page 108 of Thorns of Malice

The cottage is too far away, and there are woods between us. It's why I picked it originally. I didn't want my father or anyone else in the house to be able to look out the window and see it. Now, it bothers me. I want to know what she's doing and can't.

I finally give up trying to see her, knowing I can't, and return to my desk. I text her.

Me: I want to see you.

Ivy: No, not right now.

Me: Okay, then later.

Ivy: I don't know, Dax.

Me: I'll pick you up at six for dinner.

Moments pass, and my heart beats faster. I check my desk, waiting for a response to come. It takes ten minutes for her to respond.

Me: Does seven work better?

More time passes, and I feel sick.

I have to get her back on my side.

Me: Ivy, we need to talk.

Ivy: Not today. I'm not having a good one.

Alarm bells ring in my ears.

Me: What's wrong?

Dots appear on the screen, then disappear, then appear again, and disappear once more.

Me: I'm coming over.

Ivy: No, don't. I told you I'm not having a good day.

Me: What does that mean?

She never answers. And then it hits me. It's been a couple of days since we had sex. She's probably jonesing for it.

My cock hardens thinking about our night together, but I also know that she has demons she's fighting.

Me: I'm making a reservation at Finn's. It's the new seafood restaurant in town. I'll pick you up at six.

19

Ivy

Since I saw Lilly, my urges have gotten worse, to the point my body aches.

I should have done something with her.

I could have scratched my itch.

No, why am I thinking this way?I groan, pacing the cottage.

I need to get out of here.

I put on my shoes and step outside. I head toward the woods, jogging through the trees. The lake comes into view, and I pop out of the forest and stop in my tracks.

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