Page 145 of Thorns of Malice

After dinner, go into the bathroom and apply your lipstick. I want your beautiful, slutty, whore-red lips marking my dick before the night's over.

Love always,

Dax

So much adrenaline pounds through me, I get dizzy. I hold on to the back of the chair.

"What does it say?" Jackie questions.

But once again, I don't disclose anything. I shove the note into the zippered pocket along with the lipstick, replying, "Nothing."

Kristen glances at her watch, directing, "You better get your clothes on."

I go into my room where she's put my outfit. I step into the dress, and she zips it up. Then I add the red boots and the jewelry.

"You look amazing! Go check yourself out," she says.

I go into the closet and stare at my reflection, feeling more beautiful than I've ever felt, but also sexy. My core lights up further. For the first time since arriving back in Greenwich, I'm looking forward to spending time with Dax. I permit myself to enjoy the moment and realize it surprises me.

The thought of revenge pops into my mind, but I push it away, wanting to have a fun night out and not deal with the stress.

And then the big question hits me.

If Dax didn't kill my father, where does that leave us?

"Come out and show us," Via calls out from the other room.

"Just a second," I yell back.

I snap a photo of myself and send it to Lilly.

She instantly replies.

Lilly:So fuckable. Good thing we're only friends.

I giggle, feeling intoxicated from the good vibes even though I've not drunk anything but water today.

I take one final look, step out of the closet, then exit the bedroom.

Everyone gushes over me, clapping, telling me how amazing I look, and then they pack up. When I'm left on my own, it's ten minutes to six.

I pace the cottage, my belly filling with nerves, staring out into the darkness. The first snowflakes of the season begin to fall, and I smile, enjoying how beautiful it looks.

Dax's headlights appear from the direction of the main house.

My butterflies hit an all-time high. I brush my hands over my dress to ensure it's straight, then stand in front of the door. I bite my lip and tap my fingers against my hip, waiting for the only man I've ever loved, wondering if I'm finally ready to give him a second chance.

25

Dax

Once the forecast predicted snow, I decided it was best to take the Land Rover. It was a good call. The SUV headlights barely penetrate the flakes for me to see the cottage.

I strain to see Ivy's silhouette pacing before the window, and my stomach flips.

There's never been a date more important than this one. I can't screw anything up. I have to make sure everything goes perfectly.

I need my Ivy back in my bed, not at the cottage anymore. She's meant to be with me, in my house, forever.

---