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 .

She couldn't believe she had encouraged him to touch her like that . God , she'd ridden his fingers , releasing all over his hand . She glanced at him and saw the smirk on his face - he was clearly pleased with her reaction . " It's not happening again , " she said firmly , refusing to meet his eyes . " Oh , come on , Ivy . His smirk deepened . " You enjoyed it . " " I didn't , " she shot back , though her blush betrayed her . 1/3 Chapter 23 " You're adorable when you lie .

" he said , leaning closer . " And I'll have you again , sooner or later . " His honesty both angered and moved her . Why was she reacting to his tone ? " It's not happening again ," she repeated , this time less convincingly . " Come on , " he chuckled . " I pleasured you . It's only fair I expect the same ." Her jaw tightened . " Not in a million years . " Silas chuckled , straightening up . " Feisty , I see . " She looked away , desperate to change the subject .

" How long are we doing this for ? " " Already bored ? " he asked , amused . " I'm just asking , she replied flatly , " Let's eat then , and get to their food . o know each o other better . " Without waiting for her response , he signaled the waiter , who arrived shortly with " For appetizers , we have Beluga Caviar on Blinis , served with crème fraiche , and paired with a vintage Champagne . " Thank you , " Ivy smiled as the food was placed before them .

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When the waiter left , Silas asked , " So tell me , what are your hobbies ? What do you " Not much ," she said vaguely . Silas raised an eyebrow , " Like ? " " Things , " she shrugged . like doing ? " He dropped his spoon . " Fine . I'm sorry I shouted at you earlier . It's just that I got pissed about Rosie- " And you choose her side , " she interrupted , her tone sharp but not raised . " I overreacted , " he admitted , his voice low . " I thought … Never mind . I apologize ." Silas sighed .

" Will you forgive me ! " " No , " she replied , digging into her food . " Don't be stubborn , Ivy ," he pleaded . " I'm not angry . I'm just disappointed . And I know your reaction had a lot to d He gripped his spoon like he was about to break it . " Who told you ? " Ivy swallowed , not wanting to implicate Sally . " It was gossip . " do with the red gown - I had no idea then . " He sighed .

" I thought you did that on purpose , and you attacked Rosie because she didn't want you to wear it ." Ivy pouted her mouth , remembering Rosie's act . " I shoved Rosie because she was disrespectful . I'm not asking you to pick a side , but next time I deserve to be heard too ." She waited for him to object . " I'm sorry , " he said sofily . His tone melted her annoyance , and she reached for her drink . " Is that why you left the sapphire necklace ? " he probed . " Yes , " she admitted .

" Well , " he chuckled , " at least you like this one . His gaze dropped to her neck . When she'd seen the red diamond necklace , she hadn't had the heart to refuse it . It was elegant , pairing perfectly with her black gown She had to hand it to Silas - his taste was impeccable . 10:16 AM Chapter 23 " Thank you ," she nodded . " My pleasure , " he smiled , and they returned to their food . After a moment of silence , he spoke again . " Since you know about the gown .

The person she cheated on me with was Dylan - the guy we met outside . He was my best friend , " Ivy's heart dropped at the pain in his voice . That explained a lot . No wonder he'd understood her pain when she'd told him about Cheryland Mason . " I'm sorry , " she said , her voice soft . " I see why you were angry . He knew what it felt like to be betrayed by the two people you loved most " Thank you , " he smiled . " But I don't want us dwelling on our pains . Let's just enjoy the night .

" Despite the reporters lurking nearby , Ivy gave him a genuine smile . " After all the publicity , we'll have a meeting with Thomas to begin your photography processes ," Silas added . At the mention of Thomas , her smile faltered , and she tried to keep it in place . Her suspicions about Thomas involvement in her mother's death crept in . The guilt of being with Silas - of surrendering to him again - overwhelmed her . " Are you okay ? " Silas asked . He seemed to have noticed her change .

" Yes ," she said quickly , forcing a smile . " So , " he whispered , leaning in , " do you have any ideas on how to take revenge on Mason ! " The change of subject stunned her . " No … not yet " " Should we brainstorm ? " He winked . She hesitated . As much as she wanted to , she didn't trust herself not to react if Thomas's name came up in connection to Mason . -To us ." " No ," she smiled . " Let's just enjoy ourselves . " Raising her glass , she added , " To us .

" Silas was surprised but he quickly masked it . " To us . " The dinner ended with an exotic soup , a savory main course , and a decadent chocolate dessert . Soon , they ey were ready to leave . Outside the restaurant , Silas pulled Ivy close and kissed her . " A perfect way to end the night . " She blushed deeply , her heart pounding at his tone . But her excitement was Short - lived " So it's true . You're an escort now . Ivy froze , turning toward the voice .

It was Cheryl and she was with Mason . E