Chapter 11
Silas turned swiftly at lvy’s sharp exclamation. Her face was red, and then he saw her black lacy pants.
Desire made him linger on her bare thighs–causing her blush to deepen. But common sense made him remove his black suit jacket and cover her legs.
“What happened?” There was concern in his voice.
“Oh my goodness!” Rosie exclaimed. “I’m so sorry, Ivy. I didn’t see your gown.”
Ivy was too embarrassed to speak. Silas could see the discomfort in her green eyes, and he pulled her into a tight hug. He felt her shiver when she realized his arousal.
“Why would you do such a thing?” he asked Rosie.
Rosie’s eyes softened with guilt.
-I’m so sorry.
rry, I didn’t I mean t
step on her gown.”
Before Silas spoke, Thomas walked in. “What’s going on here?”
Rosie pursed her lips as she turned to her husband. “I accidentally tore Ivy’s gown.”
Thomas glanced at Ivy and bowed slightly. “I apologize for Rosie’s mistake. My wife can be so clumsy.”
His apology seemed to make Ivy relaxed in Silas’s hand. Oh what a gentleman.
“Rosie,” Thomas continued. “I’m sure you have a nice outfit Ivy can wear.” His voice was authoritative.
“Come, let’s go,” Rosie smiled at Ivy.
Ivy followed silently, clutching Silas’s jacket to cover her thighs.
When the women left, Silas hugged his brother. “How’re you doing?”
“I’m still alive,” Thomas replied with a wry smile. “Kicking”
“Good,” Silas said, taking a sear with his brother.
-She is beautiful,” Thomas said. “I see why you wanted her
“Well, I acknowledge her beauty amongst others things,” Silas confessed, a burst of vulnerability in his chest. “But she’s also Mason’s ex- wife.
Thomas’s forehead wrinkled. “Why? I asked you to get a wife, not to roll with my enemies.”
-What better way to get under Mason’s skin?” Silas countered. “She hates him, we hate him–It’s a win–win.”
Thomas stroked his chin. “I really don’t like this approach, Si. What if she turns on us?”
“She won’t” Silas’s tone
stone was firm. He knew he could trust her–or maybe he was just being hopeful.
Thomas sighed. “I hope you’re right. Just take precautions. You can’t be too careful.”
Precautions? Silas mused. Ivy was only concerned about her photography business since signing the contract. She wasn’t materialistic like most women he’d known
When he gave her his black card, he’d seen uncertainty in her eyes. Most women would jump at the opportunity–splurging on unnecessary luxuries. But Ivy? She’d shocked him by spending only a modest amount.
Then he remembered what Bud said happened in the clothing store. “Sure, I’ll take measures,” he told Thomas
“When will
Il you announce the wedding?” Thomas asked. “My reputation can’t endure much more”
“As soon as Ivy is ready,” Silas replied.
1/3
10 15 AM
Chapter II
Thomas nodded his understanding just as Andrew and Aria walked in.
“Cousins!” Andrew exclaimed, pulling Thomas into a hug and rufliing Silas’s hair. Andrew came in with a blonde.
Silas rolled his eyes at how much Andrew changed his women–never with one woman for more than a week.
Aria kissed Silas’s cheek and hugged Thomas as she sat down next to him. “Howdy, Captains”
“Where’s your date?” Thomas asked.
“Her new boyfriend’s car broke down,” Andrew answered. “You know Aria, always picking up strays.”
“At least I’m better than you, inconsistent fool,” Aria retorted.
+
Silas chuckled at their banter. “I’ve missed you two.”
“I miss you more, Si Aria replied. “Are there no drinks here? I need some brandy. Where’s your wife?” she asked.
Thomas called out to his servers just as Rosie and Ivy returned to the backyard. Ivy had changed into a sky–blue gown with no slit this time. Though the gown was a little loose, she carried herself with grace.
As she took her seat near Silas, his eyes dropped to her cleavage, causing an instant hard–on.
“Hello,” Ivy greeted with a wobbly smile.
“Guys, this is Ivy. My wife,” Silas said, pride welling in his voice.
“She’s pretty!”
“Aria said as a server poured her drink.
“Nice to meet you, Ivy,” Andrew said, extending his hand.
“Thank you,” Ivy smiled, shaking him.
“Welcome to the family, Thomas said warmly.
Ivy nodded at him
“Well.” Silas said, pulling Ivy closer to him so their legs could touch. “This is Thomas, my elder brother. You know him–he runs the Stone Real Estate empire?
“The money man, Andrew chimed in, making everyone laugh.
a social media
“That’s Rosie,” Silas continued. “That’s Aria,” he pointed and Aria waved, her glass of brandy in her hand. “She’s a s influencer, makes a shitton of money-”
“And bring home stray dogs,” Andrew added, earning a grunt from Aria.
Silas chuckled. “And there’s Andrew, our tech genius and his date..”
“Riley.” Andrew answered.
“It’s River,” his blonde companion corrected.
“Same thing, honey,” Andrew chuckled.
“Aria and Andrew are twins and our cousins,” Silas explained
“But we’re nothing alike,” Aria added, downing her drink and already signaling for more.
“There’s Theresa, our other cousin, and her husband, Will. They’re out of town,” Silas smiled, stroking Ivy’s thigh under the table. “And Uncle Mike–he’s always late.”
Everybody laughed.
“Well, to Ivy.” Thomas said, raising his glass as the server poured him a drink. “Welc
“Thank you. It’s so nice to meet you all.” Ivy said softly.
“Welcome to the Stone family.”
10:15 AM
L
Chapter II
The rest of the evening was spent talking, eating, and bughing. Silas was grateful nobody talked about the contract marriage, allowing Ivy to relax. She even cracked a joke or two.
Later, Aria’s date arrived, sparking banters between her and Andrew. They were the first twins Silas knew who were identical in appearance, but disagreed on almost everything.
As the night subsided, Silas hugged each family member before leading Ivy into the car. Once inside, he pulled her closer.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” he asked.
“Oh, I did. Your family is great,” she slurred slightly, her tipsiness obvious.
Silas found it difficult to keep his hands off her, and her seductive eyes didn’t make it easier. When they got home, he swept her into his arms, carrying her upstairs to her room.
She laughed, kicking her legs in the air. “Thank you for tonight, Silas,” she said when he set her down.
The way she said his name sent a shiver through him. He pulled her closer, capturing her lips in a searing kiss.
He grabbed her behind, pressing his arousal against her stomach. Ivy melted into his touch, weakened by his kiss.
Silas reached for breast through the front opening of the gown. He found a nipple and teased it with his thumb.
Ivy pulled away, her eyes widened with shock and desire. “You can’t do that,” she gasped.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I… I couldn’t control myself. I’ve wanted to do that all night.”
Her cheeks flushed. “You can’t say that either.”
“I know,” he chuckled, his voice thick with need. “I want you, Ivy.”
“You want me, or you’re just horny?” she asked skeptically
Silas chuckled again, aware of his growing arousal. “Can’t it be both?”
She shook her head, opening her door. “Goodnight, Silas.”
His eyes lingered on her chest, and he wanted to touch her, to bury himself inside her. But he managed to control himself.
“Goodnight, Ivy. Lock your door–I can’t promise I won’t come back,”
With that, he turned and walked away.
B
AD
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