Page 132 of The Bitter Words

JAXON/JAX

Then

The Allure of Gold & The Bombs That Follow

She strikes, static in her smile, a storm on her lips, and I taste the ending before she even kisses me.

“Jax! There you are.” Livianna straightens out her gold metallic slip dress and tucks her black clutch under her arm. Her blue eyes sparkle as she struts my way. “I was afraid I’d lost you.”

My stomach flips and my pulse picks up. She’s more beautiful every time I see her.

I shake off my attraction. “You seemed upset when you left, so I came looking for you.”

“Such a gentleman.” She grins and gestures to the bar. “Would you mind if I get something to drink? I left my other one at the table.”

“Of course not.” I lead her to the line. “How are you getting served?”

“Gia’s agent gave us wristbands so itwouldn’t be a problem. Besides, the last one was given to me by the owner himself.”

“Oh, Mateo ordered for you.”

“Either he or Hunter did. It doesn’t matter who. They both have a stake in the venue, so I should be okay to get another.”

“In that case, what would you like?”

“A double vodka soda.” She bats her long lashes and places her palm on my chest. “That way I don’t have to keep coming up here.”

“Livianna! Hi. It’s been so long.” A young lady about her age waves to her. “Come over here and tell me what you’re up to.”

Livianna glances at me. “You don’t care if I say hi, do you?”

“Take your time.” I turn sideways to let her by.

She steps away and gives her friend a hug. They have a brief discussion as I wait in line.

Hunter joins me. “Do you mind if I cut in?”

“Regarding what?” I dip my head to Livianna. “Her, or getting a cocktail?”

“Both.” He laughs under his breath as his desire-filled gaze settles on her backside.

My stomach turns to a solid rock. “Don’t you think she’s too young for you?”

“She’s legal, isn’t she?”

“Yes.” I frown at how easy it was for him to see himself with her. “What happened to you and Ava?”

“She’s still around.” He addresses me. “From your tone, I gather it might be a problem if I try my hand with Livianna.”

“It’s not that, Hunter. I’m friends with her family and don’t want it to fall back on me when you break her heart.”

“What makes you think I’d do that?”

“You always say you don’t want a relationship. You’re a known playboy. It doesn’t take much for the scenario to form.”I clear my throat of my growing frustration. “And you just admitted you and Ava are still dating.”

He releases a small growl. “We’re not an item.”

“That’s why you’ve been linked to her since I’ve known you.” My sarcasm is obvious.