Page 141 of Thorns of Malice

Lilly: What are you up to?

Me: My house just got invaded.

My phone rings. I say to the others, "Excuse me. I'll be just a minute." I step into the bedroom and shut the door, answering, "Hey, Lilly."

She asks, "What do you mean your house got invaded?"

"I don't know. Kristen, one of the household staff, whom he assigned to me, showed up with a bunch of shopping bags and a team of professionals."

"What kind of professionals?"

"There's a manicurist, makeup artist, and hairstylist here. They said they're here to help me prepare for my date with Dax tonight."

"Ooh, date night with Dax! You didn't tell me about this," Lilly points out.

"Sorry. It all kind of happened quickly."

"Well, that's sweet of him. How fun," she offers.

I don't say anything.

She groans. "Ivy, stop pretending you don't want his gifts and the extra pampering. You're female, for goodness' sake. Go have fun."

I blurt out, "I don't want him to think he can buy me."

She scoffs. "Seriously? Come on. It's Dax Carrington. If he can't spoil you, he's just not going to be himself."

I ponder her statement and realize she's right; that's what Dax does.

He did it to trick me in the past.

As if Lilly can read my thoughts, she says, "He's doing it because he loves you. Now, go enjoy it. And tell me what's in those shopping bags, and send me a picture when you're all fancy!"

"Okay. You're right. Thanks!"

She adds, "But if I don't text back, you know why."

I laugh, and it feels good. "Gotcha."

"So, did you do anything earlier today while I was on the O train?" she questions.

I go quiet.

Concern fills Lilly's voice. "Did something bad happen?"

I admit to her what I haven't told anyone else yet. "I don't think Dax killed my father."

She cautiously asks, "Because..."

"He had a PI get my father's medical records and the coroner's report. He sent it to the cottage. I've been reading it all morning."

"That must've been hard for you," Lilly says sympathetically.

"Yeah, it was."

She lowers her voice. "What did you read that changed your mind about his death?"

I close my eyes and sit on the bed, shaking my head and releasing a stressed breath.

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