Page 169 of Thorns of Malice

"I have to go. I'll see you tonight. Hopefully, in that sexy little number."

I softly laugh. "Better be a good boy," I tease.

He chuckles.

"See you tonight," I add and then hang up.

For the next hour, I try on several outfits, loving every article Dax chose for me.

My phone buzzes and I glance down it.

Lilly: Can you meet for lunch?

Me: Sure. Today, right?

Lilly: Duh.

I laugh.

Me: What time?

Lilly: Meet in an hour and a half?

Me: Sure. Is there a certain place you want to go?

Lilly: There's a great cafe downtown with good salads.

Me: Do they have anything besides salads? I'm hungry.

Lilly: You're just going to eat all those yummy carbs in front of me, aren't you?

I laugh again.

Me: Yep. I need some substance. Something gooey and delicious sounds good. Maybe a grilled cheese?

Lilly: They have those.

Me: Great. Send me the name and address of the cafe.

She does, and I continue to get ready. I select a pair of designer skinny jeans and an oversized cashmere sweater, and put it on the bed. I return to the closet and sit on the vanity's bench.

Makeup, hairbrushes, hairstyling products, hair tools, and anything I could need fill the drawers. I shake my head, amazed and touched at how thoughtful Dax can be.

I get ready and then I text him.

Me: I'm going to meet Lilly for lunch. Who's going to drive me?

Dax: I'll text Chad now. Just go outside, and there'll be an SUV waiting.

Me: I hope my carriage doesn't turn into a pumpkin before midnight.

Dax: Haha. Funny. I have to go into a meeting. I'll talk to you later tonight. Love you.

Me: Love you too.

I walk through the house and then out the front door. Sure enough, a black SUV's waiting. I don't know who the man is, but he opens the door for me. I slide in, and he shuts the door. I tell him the name of the cafe. He puts the SUV in drive, and we leave the estate.

It doesn't take long to arrive at the restaurant. I walk inside and glance around. Only four booths have guests.

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