Page 163 of Thorns of Malice

She shakes her head. "Why are people so mean around here?"

"I don't know, baby girl. I assume it's because we all have too much money and there are too many bored people."

"Is that why you played your game? Because you were bored?"

Guilt fills me, but I realize she hit the nail on the head, so I don't deny it. "That and it was a competitive sport."

She stays quiet, staring at the quilt.

"You wanted the truth from me," I remind her, wondering if maybe I shouldn't be so candid. Perhaps my honesty does more harm than good?

As if she can read my mind, she nods, asserting, "I do want the truth. Always. Thank you for telling me."

I stare at her, hating how I can't erase my past.

She asks, "What happened to Marcie?"

"Marcie's been married several times. The last I heard, she was in Canada. She married some politician up there."

Amusement lights Ivy's eyes. "Really?"

"Yep. He's with the conservative party and wants to eliminate gay rights."

She gapes at me.

"It's the truth."

"She used to call me a homophobe!"

"Yeah. Now she's married to one and stands next to him proudly," I proclaim, "but we'll see how long this one lasts." I glance at the clock and add, "I really do have to get to the office if I'm going to eat dinner with you tonight. Is there anything else you forgot to ask me last night?"

Ivy ponders my question and then shakes her head. "No, that was it."

"Okay, baby girl." I give her another kiss on the lips and then retreat. "I'll do my best to finish work quickly so I can get home at a decent hour. Are you sure you're good staying in tonight?"

She smiles. "Of course. What do you want me to make?"

I chuckle. "You don't have to make anything. We have a kitchen staff who cooks."

Her face heats with embarrassment. She puts her hand over her face, groaning. "Oh, duh. I forgot."

I chuckle. "It's okay. The chef has a menu he creates every week. Look it over. If you don't like it, talk to Kristen. She can instruct the chef to make whatever you prefer."

She bites her lip.

"What?" I question.

"Just like that?"

I snap my fingers, grinning. "Just like that!"

She laughs. "Okay."

I force myself out of bed, then shower and get dressed. I run through what I have planned for the day while putting on my socks and then I freeze.

She still hasn't called her.

I reach for my wallet, open it, and pull out a business card. I exit the closet, go to the bed, and set the card on the night table.

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