Page 143 of Thorns of Malice

Ivy,

Don't wear panties.

Love always,

Dax

My butterflies go crazy. Via asks," What's the note say?"

"Nothing," I reply, refolding it and putting it in my pocket.

"Ooh, a little love note," she teases.

My face heats.

Jackie hands me another large box, ordering, "Open this."

I remove the bow and lid and pull out a soft-as-butter, black leather trench coat, matching gloves, and a whore-red cashmere scarf. There's another note in Dax's handwriting at the bottom.

Ivy,

It's going to be cold tonight. This will keep you warm when I'm not, but don't expect me to behave for long.

Love always,

Dax

My pussy clenches, and my cheeks grow hotter.

Laura exclaims, "Geez, I need a boyfriend like Dax Carrington."

Kristen hands me two jewelry boxes, and I might burst with excitement. I open the first box, and my endorphins spike higher.

A pair of oversized teardrop earrings, matching the color of my necklace, sits in the box. The whore-red, gold, and diamonds create an abstract design over a teardrop.

"They match your necklace," Laura points out.

"Another masterpiece," Kristen gushes.

Via raves, "Those are amazing."

"What's in the other one?" Jackie asks, pointing to the other jewelry box.

I open it.

Three thin ropes—one gold, one whore-red, and one in diamonds—twist together.

Laura whistles. "I didn't realize Dax knew how to give such good gifts. You're a lucky woman."

"There's one more," Kristen chirps.

A feeling of being overwhelmed hits me. She hands me a box bigger than what the jewelry came in but smaller than the others. I pull the bow and remove the lid. Then I stare at a whore-red leather evening bag. The chain has twisted gold ivy leaves encrusted with diamonds, similar to the boots.

"Damn, girl," Via exclaims.

"I want one of those bags! What brand is it?" Laura states.

Kristen chirps, "Sorry. Dax designed it himself."

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