Chapter 23

Ivy felt Silas's grip tighten around her waist. Throughout the journey, he'd kept his distance, but here with the blue-eyed stranger, his possessiveness was unmistakable.

"I figured it was you, the stranger said casually, though his piercing stare remained on Ivy.

"Yes," Silas replied, his voice sharp.

"It's been a while, the stranger continued. His gaze roamed over Ivy, making her cheeks flush "And who might this beautiful woman be?

"None of your business, Dylan, Silas snapped

Why hadn't he introduced her to Dylan? Ivy wondered. Was he ashamed of her?

"Ah, I see," Dylan said, a glint of mischief flashing in his blue eyes. "Well, it was lovely to see you-and you too, ma'am. He bowed to Ivy and winked

Silas took her hand. "Wish I could say the same," he said, leading Ivy into the restaurant.

"One of these days, we'll settle our differences," Dylan called after them, his voice tinged with mockery,

"Who was that?" Ivy asked as they entered the restaurant.

"Nobody important," Silas said.

Ivy frowned at his vague response but she didn't press. They entered a private section of the restaurant. It was empty and lavishly decorated, with fruit spread across the table.

"There are reporters taking pictures." Silas said, pulling out a seat for her.

"That's the only reason I agreed to this," Ivy replied as she sat.

His face darkened as if he wanted to argue, but he shook his head and sat opposite her.

The waiter arrived, pouring their drinks with practiced comfort. It was obvious he was putting on a show.

Silas raised his glass. "To us

"Yeah," Ivy replied.

"Smile," he whispered

Ivy forced a smile. "Am I supposed to turn?"

"No. Don't worry; they're at every angle," Silas said.

Ivy nodded, sipping her drink before setting it back on the table.

Silas picked up a raspberry, holding it to her lips. "Eat," he said. "For the cameras," he added.

Ivy obeyed, taking the berry into her mouth-then his finger brushed her tongue, and she licked it.

"So sweet," he teased.

Her cheeks reddened as steamy memories rushed back. She turned away, her body shuddering in reminder. Her blush deepened with shame.

all over his hand. She glanced at him and saw the smirk on his face-he

said firmly, refusing to meet his

on, Ivy. His smirk

back,

1/3

Chapter 23

said, leaning closer. "And I'll have you

both angered

she reacting to his

she repeated,

chuckled. "I pleasured you.

"Not in

up. "Feisty, I

the subject. "How long are we

bored?" he asked,

just asking, she

and get to their

o know each o

waiting for her response, he signaled the waiter, who arrived shortly

Caviar on Blinis, served with crème fraiche, and paired with a vintage

you," Ivy smiled as the food

asked, "So tell me, what are your

you

much," she said

an

"Things," she shrugged.

like doing?"

sorry I shouted at you earlier. It's just that I

choose her side," she interrupted, her

low. "I thought... Never mind.

sighed. "Will you

she replied, digging

be stubborn, Ivy," he

disappointed. And I know your reaction had a lot to

like he was about

wanting to implicate Sally. "It

with the red gown-I

did that on purpose, and

want you to wear

she was disrespectful. I'm not asking you to pick a side, but next

he said

and

you left the

"Yes," she admitted.

you like this one.

the red diamond necklace, she

elegant, pairing perfectly with her black gown She had

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