Page 127 of Thorns of Malice

Is it true? Do I no longer think that Dax is playing me?

Tense silence fills the line, and Jaxson begs, "Please, Ivy, just come over. We can talk about this."

"I can't."

"You can. I've never denied meeting you all the times you've needed me. Not once have I not been a good friend to you."

My guilt hits an all-time high. It's true. He's always been there for me.

"Please. I'm in room 428 at the Harbor Inn. Come now," he says and hangs up.

I put my phone down, staring out the window. My insides flip as I continue my guilt trip down memory lane.

Jaxon's been a good friend to me. There are times I've corrupted him. He tried so hard to abstain, but I pressured him until I got what I wanted. Now, I'm not being the same friend back to him.

I never had Dax around any of those times.

I need to at least talk to Jaxon. I can't leave him hanging like that, desperate.

I'll help him find another solution,I tell myself, then grab the keys and get in Dax's Porsche.

I take off, leaving the estate, driving slowly through town and attempting to figure out how I can convince Jaxon we can only be friends going forward. We can't have sex anymore, no matter how much either of us needs it.

What if I cave?

I won't. Dax and I had sex yesterday. It took the edge off. I'm stronger than I was when I met Jaxon at the cafe,I remind myself.

I pull up to the Harbor Inn, and the same valet who took the car when I met Lilly approaches me.

He grins. "You're back."

Nerves fill me. "How do you remember me?"

He points at the car. "This is a beauty. It doesn't come here every day, he declares.

"Oh." I glance back at the red Porsche, thinking about how much it looks like the whore-red lipstick and nail polish Dax loves me to wear. "I guess not."

"Nope." He starts writing a ticket. "Visiting again?"

"Yeah." I nod.

He hands me the green paper. "You know the drill."

"Thanks," I say, stepping away from the car.

I go inside, heading toward the elevator.

I pass the lobby desk and hear someone call my name.

I turn toward the voice.

Lilly chirps, "You're back! What are you here for?" Three designer suitcases and a garment bag sit next to her feet.

"Are you leaving?" I question.

She shrugs. "I woke up today and decided there's nothing keeping me here."

"No?"

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