Page 125 of Thorns of Malice

"I'm fine." She holds out an envelope. "Dax wanted me to drop this off to you. He said it's important."

I glance at it. "What is it?"

She shrugs. "Your guess is as good as mine. I don't open his envelopes." She winks.

I laugh. "Of course you don't. Thanks, Kristen." I take it from her.

"No problem. If you need anything, you know how to reach me."

"Thank you," I repeat, and shut the door. I go over to the table, sit down, and put the envelope on it, staring at it with my pulse quickening.

What's inside?

Why is it so thick?

I'm almost scared to open it, but my curiosity has the best of me. So I pick up the yellow envelope, unclasp the gold metal toggles, then slide out a three-inch stack of paperwork.

There's a note on top. The letterhead reads Dax Carrington, and his handwriting is below it.

Ivy,

Here's all the research on CogniShift and also NeuroZap. I've highlighted important things. I assume there are words you won't understand. I didn't, so I left my notes on those pages.

Craig Pholer is the head scientist of our research and development department at Hybrid Pharmaceuticals. He's the best of the best and developed the drugs in addition to TimeMarker. I've already spoken with him. He knows at any time, if you call, he's to take it. Or if you want to meet with him, he'll sit down with you.

Please consider taking CogniShift. I don't think NeuroZap's for you until the side effects are eliminated. I don't think those are the consequences you're truly looking for.

I glance at the stack of paperwork and Craig Pohler's card, then back at the note.

I'm also giving you Vivian Armando's card. She's a PTSD and rape trauma therapist. She's worked with other victims of Trance. She's also the best of the best, and she's expecting your call as well.

My gut dives.

He told other people about me?

I stare at a black card with the name Vivian Armando embossed on it in gold, along with PTSD and rape trauma therapist underneath. There's also a bunch of credentials behind her name.

It's the first time I've seen the word rape since I found out I was drugged. My stomach turns. Shame fills me. I stare at the card for several minutes and then toss it across the table.

I turn back to the letter.

I love you. I always have. I always will. And I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you if need be. I'm here when you need me. No matter what you want. Because all I want is you, Ivy. You're all I've ever wanted.

I promise you, things will get better.

I love you,

Dax

My eyes fill with tears again, and I curse him. I'd give anything to have one day where I don't cry.

I blink hard and glance at the thick stack of paperwork in front of me.Confidentialis stamped across it.

I find the courage to read it, but Dax is right. There are a lot of words and terms I don't understand. I couldn't even pronounce them if I tried.

As I go through some of the paperwork, I refer to the sticky notes in Dax's handwriting where he's explaining what certain things mean, and my heart soars.

He does care about me.

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