Page 32 of Thorns of Malice

I snap my head toward him, snarling, "Shut up."

He arches his eyebrows, but his grin gets bigger. "Settle down, Dax. I didn't know you'd be so upset if I showed up with Ivy. After all, you did say you were done with her ten years ago, didn't you?"

"He did," Ivy affirms with a smile.

"Didn't you say you didn't want the dirty whore anymore?" Dyer taunts.

"Don't you talk about her like that!" I seethe.

Ivy reaches out and brushes at my tux, as if there's a piece of lint on it. Her soft voice fills the air. "Don't get upset, Dax. A lot of time has passed. Let's just let bygones be bygones. Right?" She smiles at me, and it reminds me of Avery's fake smile.

As much as I hate Avery, Ivy's smile sucks me in.

A new realization smacks me upside the head.

This isn't the Ivy I knew. This is a new and different Ivy. An Ivy who's confident and no longer naive. And she's not here for any good reason. She's here for only one thing. It sure as hell isn't Professor Dyer.

Please don't let it be for Dyer.

She smiles at me, asking, "William, should we take our seats?"

And that's when I know why she's here.

She's here for revenge.

7

Ivy

Walking away from Dax is one of the hardest things I've ever done. No matter how much time has passed, the chemistry between us is just as potent.

I wanted to step aside with him and hear him out, but I reminded myself that's what I would have done in the past.

Dax is a game player. I'm not going to be his pawn again. This time, he's going to bemypawn, just like the others.

Professor Dyer was shocked when I showed up in my evening gown at his office. I didn't even have to remind him who I was. He knew.

I sat on his lap, kissed him, and asked, "Wouldn't it be fun if you took me to the charity event tonight?"

His eyes turned dark, and a chill went up my spine. It was then I knew Matt was right. He's no good. He's scum, just like the others. But using him will get at Dax. I know it will. Heck, it might even get at Avery and Bobby. Who knows? But I'm sure they'll all be in attendance.

One thing I've realized: no one's on anyone's side. So, like Matt said, I'm going to use everyone against each other. They'll never see it coming.

Professor Dyer's going to be my pawn as well. Matt might be unable to seek revenge, but I'll do it for him. Besides, now that I know Dyer's part of their game, I'm sure he could have stopped the video from releasing that day if he'd really wanted to.

Shortly after my father's death, a life insurance check arrived in the mail for $250,000. I found the policy in a folder he kept in his nightstand. Jaxon helped me fill out the paperwork.

When it arrived a week ago, I still didn't know how to get my revenge against Dax and the rest of them. I was researching Dax Carrington online when the charity event popped up.

It didn't take long to realize this was my opportunity to insert myself back into their lives. So I deposited the check and went shopping for a dress.

I could have asked Jaxon for money, but he wouldn't have given it to me without me telling him what I needed it for. And he would never approve of this plan.

I don't have all the answers, but Dax probably doesn't either. One thing he, along with the others, is great at, is making decisions on his feet. And if I'm going to beat them, I have to be as well.

So I found the whore-red lipstick and nail polish that I used to wear every day. It's the color Dax insisted I wear—the same shade I proudly wore for him but haven't worn for years. Then I went to a boutique and found the matching red satin dress, knowing it would be perfect.

When I arrived at Dyer's office, his assistant wouldn't let me in. I finally walked past her desk and opened the door.

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