Page 164 of Thorns of Malice

Ivy sits up, questioning, "What's that?"

I clench my jaw, staring at her.

She grabs the card, reads it, and her face hardens. She slowly meets my eyes.

"Just make an appointment with Vivian," I encourage. "She won't force you to talk about anything you're not ready to discuss."

Ivy snaps, "I don't need to talk to her."

My chest tightens. I argue, "Why not? What's the harm in meeting with her?"

Ivy glares at me. "I don't want to talk to her. Stop pushing her on me." She tosses the card back on the table, slides under the covers, and turns away from me.

I sigh and get back into bed, putting my arms around her. I kiss the back of her neck.

She turns her head, still glaring.

"Don't be mad at me. I only want to make sure you're okay."

"I am okay. If I need to see a therapist, I'll let you know."

"But—"

"It's my decision, Dax! Not yours," she spouts.

I sigh. "Okay."

"Don't bring it up again. I don't want to see her card or hear her name. Do you understand me?" she warns.

I mutter, "I'm sorry I upset you. I thought all women liked therapy."

She turns over and scoffs. "Is that a serious statement?"

"Yeah. Everyone around here goes. It's a bragging point who your therapist is if you're a woman," I declare.

She wrinkles her nose. "That's ridiculous."

I stare at her, then chuckle.

"What's so funny?" she asks.

"You're right. It is stupid."

"Glad we're on the same page. I expect you to voice your agreement with me," she asserts.

I kiss her on the lips. "I will, baby girl."

"Good." Her lips twitch. "Now, kiss me like you mean it."

I don't need to think twice. I kiss her with everything I have until we're both breathless and my cock is hard.

She retreats.

"Not fair. I'm going to have blue balls all day," I grumble.

She laughs.

I peck her on the lips and then leave the house. I slide into the Land Rover and drive toward the office. It takes longer because of the snow, so I make my first call of the day.

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