Page 167 of Thorns of Malice

I hang up and rise, standing in front of the glass and looking out at the waves. I pat myself on the back, ecstatic at how everything is finally unfolding after all these years.

The best part is the downward spiral has only begun. And I'm going to hold Ivy tight to me while everyone falls around us.

29

Ivy

It's after ten a.m. when I wake up. I turn onto my side, and the card on the table catches my eye.

"Ugh," I mutter.

I pick it up, read Vivian Armando's name, then crumple it into a ball. I climb out of bed and toss it in the trash.

Time to make myself presentable.

I take a shower and dry off. I put the towel around me and then grab my phone.

I text Dax.

Me: I don't have any clothes in your room. How horrible would I be if I asked Kristen to go to the cottage and grab me an outfit?

Dax: Look in your closet.

Me: My closet?

Dax: There are two closets, baby girl. One of them is yours. It's the one on the right.

I exit the bathroom and find the closet. I peek into Dax's. All of his suits hang perfectly in a row. The other side is more casual clothes. His shoes are stacked neatly. I smile.

It's so Dax Carrington.

I open the door to the other closet and gasp.

There's a blingy chandelier and a beautiful plush rug with the Seducing Ivy logo and colors. The back wall mimics those in the restaurant.

Ivy crawls from the floor to the ceiling, and there are whore-red blossoms everywhere. Indoor lighting and a self-watering system keeps the plants alive.

The rest of the closet is perfectly designed with drawers, shelves, cabinets, and hanging areas. Designer clothes fill all of the spaces.

I step closer to the Seducing Ivy wall and deeply inhale. What would've upset me before, now makes me happy, so I grab my phone.

Me: I can't believe this room.

Dax: I was hoping you'd like it.

Me: When did you do this?

Dax: A couple of years ago.

I stare at the text.

Me: Why?

Dax: I told you I've always loved you and never stopped. That wasn't a lie.

My butterflies take off, and my heart soars. I realize I finally believe Dax. He does love me, and as fucked-up as all the stuff is that he did to me, I know in my heart that he always did.

Me: It's beautiful. And thanks for all the clothes. You went overboard like always.

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