Page 111 of Thorns of Malice

What was the prize? What was so important to Dax that he had to win it?

I park the car a block away and get out. I put the key fob in my pocket and walk toward the coffee shop.

Not a lot has changed. The same stores are all still here, and they seem to be thriving. I pass the boutique where I lost my virginity and everyone in the store heard. A different security guard is outside the door, and I avoid looking at him. He doesn't know who I am, but it's like if I glance at him, he'll know my entire story. So I keep my head down, walking faster, and try to push the images of myself in the dressing room across Dyer's big screen out of my mind.

When I get to the coffee shop, I step inside and glance around.

Jaxon's seated at a table in the corner. There's no one else around him. He sees me and rises.

My nerves pick up. I walk over to him, and he embraces me. The mere feel of someone else's body against mine makes my core ache.

His hug gives me comfort. It's safe. But when I try to pull away, he keeps hugging me.

His voice is dark as he murmurs, "I've missed you, Ivy."

The urges I have, and the needs that never go away, spark hotter.

We could go into the bathroom.

I can't keep fucking Jaxon,I scold myself.

I push my hand against his chest, replying, "I missed you too."

He doesn't release me, glancing down like I'm his prey, stating, "You look good."

I squeeze my thighs together. "How did you know I was here?"

He studies me and then his eyes narrow. He releases me, admitting, "It didn't take a lot of thought, Ivy."

I arch my eyebrows. "No? Am I that predictable?"

He keeps his disapproving gaze on me. "Sit down," he orders and points to the chair.

I obey.

He takes a seat next to me and grabs my hand.

Tingles race up my arm, and I scold myself again, hating my demons I can never control.

"Are you okay?" he questions.

I can't help it and sarcastically laugh. "Am I okay? Yes. No. I don't know."

He studies me for a moment. "What have they done to you this time?" He strokes the back of my fingers.

I pull my hand away. His touch is too much. Anyone's touch, anywhere on my body, would be at this point. It's been too many days since someone's given me an orgasm.

I grip the edge of the table, trying to remind myself that Jaxon's my friend, and that's it. Just like Lilly had self-control and didn't push me the other day, I need to do the same with Jaxon because I see the look in his eye. He's jonesing as hard as I am.

His gaze darts down my chest and then back to my face. He slowly licks his lips.

A shiver runs down my spine. I lie. "They haven't done anything to me."

He tilts his head. "Then why are you here still?"

I breathe deeply and open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

He scolds, "This is dangerous and not the way to get your dad's patent back."

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