Page 197 of Thorns of Malice

My villain's soul entwines with mine, over and over, so tightly wound there's no way it could ever come undone. I knew he was my forever then, and there's no way I could ever deny it now.

EPILOGUE

Dax

Two Years Later

"No, Mommy!" Lilly pouts, tossing her peas into Ivy's face.

"Whoa! That's not what a good girl does," I reprimand, walking into the kitchen and grabbing a rag. I swipe green goop off Ivy's nose.

She tilts her head, scolding Lilly gently, "We don't throw food. Remember?"

Lilly holds her breath, her cheeks turning red, and scoops up another handful. She cocks her arm back.

I curl my fist gently around her fingers.

She defiantly glances at me.

I kiss her head and murmur, "Be nice to Mommy."

She releases a breath and wrinkles her nose. "Yucky."

I turn toward Ivy, stating, "Maybe we should grab another vegetable."

Ivy groans, rolling her eyes. "She has you wrapped around her finger."

"No, she doesn't."

Ivy scoffs. "Yeah, she does."

I glance back at Lilly.

She's the spitting image of Ivy. Her dark curls are extra frizzy today due to the summer heat. Her blue eyes well, and she exclaims, "Daddy! Yucky!"

My heart swells. I wipe her hand off and unbuckle her from the high chair. I pick her up, and she clings to me.

"Total sucker," Ivy chirps, smirking.

I kiss Lilly on the head and sit next to Ivy.

She leans closer to our daughter, tickles her stomach, and coos, "You grow moodier every day, don't you?"

Lilly giggles and holds me tighter.

"Not her fault. You named her after your bestie," I remind Ivy.

She grins. "Yep. And I hope Lilly's as happy-go-lucky and fearless as her aunt."

"I hope she's like her mom," I state and put Lilly on my knee. I bounce my leg and secure my hold on her back so she doesn't fall.

"You're home early," Ivy declares.

My chest tightens with a mix of excitement and nerves.

"What's wrong?" Ivy questions.

"Nothing."

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