Page 45 of Thorns of Malice

"Agreed. We could have way more fun than this," Lilly suggests, trailing her fingers over my thigh, giggling.

Dax glares daggers at Bobby, snarling, "Go wherever you want, Bobby. I'm not coming with you."

Why doesn't Dax like Bobby anymore?

Is it because of me?

No.

Play the game,I tell myself.

Dyer challenges, "What are you scared of, Dax?"

He stays quiet.

Dyer adds, "Are you scared Ivy's interested in Bobby and me?"

I glance at Dyer, feeling ill. I find nothing attractive about the man. I would have a different opinion if Matt hadn't told me he's like the others. Now, he's gross to me.

He's a weapon to utilize.

I coyly suggest, "It depends on what position you put me in." I put on my best Avery expression, darting my eyes between him and Bobby.

Dax's hand grips my shoulder tighter. "Ivy, let's go. You promised me you'd talk with me."

I put my hand over his. "Let's have an after-party."

Hope fills his expression. "Okay, you and I will have one. Let's go."

It's what I really want. Yet I'm not here to rekindle my one-sided romance with Dax.

I'm here for revenge.

I wave my finger in front of Dax's face. "No you don't."

"Don't what?" he questions.

"Get to have all the fun."

His face hardens.

I add, "Everyone at the table is invited to the after-party."

Lilly claps, singing, "Yay!" and I want to laugh. It's the same Lilly I remember.

"Where are we going?" Dyer asks, and my insides crawl.

Dax snaps his head toward him. "You're not going anywhere with us."

"Dax, it's not an after-party without others," I whine, grazing my thumb over the front of his wrist.

The color slowly drains from his cheeks.

My heart beats so hard I'm sure he can hear it.

Avery slurs, "Yeah, Dax. Let's have an after-party at Dyer's."

"My place is ready," Dyer offers.

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