Page 81 of Thorns of Malice

Me: And you didn't think her father was important?

Hank: You weren't specific, Dax. You've always told me to stay with what you want.

Hank's right. I didn't ask him to dig into John. And I usually do have little patience for nonsense extra details. But this isn't one of the times, nor is it unimportant.

Me: I expect more from you. Don't fuck up next time. Now, get me those reports.

Hank: Sure, boss.

That's always Hank's response when I've pissed him off. I can imagine his disgruntled expression, and I hold in my chuckle. I like getting under Hank's skin.

My amusement is short-lived though. He did fuck up. That information should have been reported to me. I make a note to watch him closer in case I need to replace him.

Ivy slides her hands under the pillow, and I hold myself back from going over and slipping into bed with her. It's been anintense night. The last thing I want to do is have her leave the estate or my eyesight.

Instead, I revisit all the events of the night, and my rage flares again, taunting me until I make a decision.

It's time for Dyer to go down. I made it clear to him years ago that Ivy was off-limits. He disobeyed me, and now he's going to pay.

I pull up the Clifton University site and stare at his photo, reading his credentials and the decades he's been with them.

He's only still there because of me. I've made it so he can do whatever he wants without getting fired. Anytime he's been close to it, I've intervened with the dean because I run the school. That's what happens when you're their largest donor. Anything you want comes to fruition. But Dyer's time is up.

I glance at my watch and then back at Ivy. The nighttime sky is turning lighter as the sun tries to break through. I return to my phone and text Kristen, one of our longstanding and best household employees.

Me: I need you to bring a full breakfast to my cottage as soon as possible. Include everything.

Kristen: Anything else, sir?

Me: I want a bouquet of Seducing Ivy flowers.

Kristen: Okay, but we're running low. You said no one was to touch the remaining ones.

Me: Just do it. And make it a large arrangement.

Kristen: Yes, sir.

Me: Bring my two sets of cottage keys. When you get here, text me. Don't knock.

Kristen: Yes, sir.

Another hour passes before she texts.

Kristen: I'm here.

I quietly go to the door, open it, and take a tray from her. I set it on the table and return to the front porch twice to grab the other trays.

I shut the front door, keep the lids on the food, and stare at the Seducing Ivy blooms.

I hope Ivy loves them.

I go to the drawer, pull out a pad of paper and a pen, and sit at the table, thinking about what I should say.

She wants honesty. Be completely honest with her.

The ache in my chest intensifies, and I fight the demons that usually stop me from speaking from the heart.

Ivy,

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