Page 2 of The Twisted Beats

LIVIANNA

Two & A Half Weeks Before Now

The Night I Dare To Love Him

Loving the wrong man is the easiest mistake I keep choosing.

I’ve told so many stupid lies to avoid being hurt. What’s the point if I don’t get to tell the most incredible man I’ve ever met I’m in love with him and I’m ready to hard-launch our relationship?

There is no point.

That’s why tonight I’m laying my heart on the line. The world needs to know he’s mine. Even more, I’m ready forhimto know how I feel.

I’m sick of being afraid of my love for him. No matter how much professional and personal chaos it will create.

My dad will probably beat him to a bloody stump, but eventually, my family will get over it. I hope.

Jaxon Crowne may be off-limits because he’s my dad’s billionaire business associate and friend, who’s fifteen years my senior, but the heart doesn’t let you choose who you fall in love with.

I stare at him, practically drooling as he strolls into the luxurious main bedroom of his Malibu beach home. He’s letting me lease it for practically nothing while I wait for the renovation of my house to be done.

“You’re gorgeous, as always.” He adjusts his silver tie. “Is it straight?”

With my heart racing, I scan over his chiseled, six-foot-three frame. “I don’t think anyone will be focusing on that.”

“Black Brioni suits have that effect on you, but not everyone is into fashion like you are.” He steps in front of me and peeks at his reflection in the floor-length mirror. He spins around, sweeping me up in his muscular arms. “Who cares how I look? I wanted an excuse to do this.”

I wrap my legs around his waist as he presses his lips hard against mine, tangling his meaty fingers into my dark hair and gripping the back of my head. I’m about to protest since I just applied bright red lip coloring, but I’m not about to pass on the chance of him taking me.

He breaks away after we share a short-lived, passionate kiss. Much too short, if you ask me.

“Mr. Crowne, why deny me? You know what that does to me.” I bat my eyes.

He releases a low, deep laugh. “As always, firecracker, you have me about to blow. But I want to show you off.”

“Are you sure I can’t entice you?”

“Yes.” He places me on my feet, steps back, and looks me over like he’s devouring me as he wipes the smeared lipstick off his mouth. “Leather and lace never looked better. But I’d wear a jacket if I were you. It’s early spring and it can get chilly where we’re going.”

I glance down at my black pants and low-cut red top. The lace designs cover just enough to keep the shirt classy.

This outfit is from the last fashion line I created. I’m pairing it with one of my new form-fitting blazers from my new collection.

I find his gaze. “Already two steps ahead of you, Jax.”

“I’m sure whatever you plan on covering yourself with will only make you that much more desirable.”

“Don’t forget my six-inch Christian Louboutin stilettos. I’m on point tonight, Jax. Too bad you have us going to a secluded bistro hidden away from the world.”

“If I had it my way, I’d take you to the best-known restaurant in LA so everyone could see us together.” His expression grows serious.

Does he mean my parents? Beverly Hills isn’t that much farther away. Maybe he’s ready to let our forbidden secret affair out of the bag.

I roll back my shoulders and my breathing kicks up. “You can… If you want, let’s do it.”

He stares at me as he runs his hand over his short, dark beard. His gaze lingers, seemingly considering it. Unreadable emotions swirl in his brown eyes.

He slides his hands into his pants pockets. “There’s something missing.”