Page 127 of The Bitter Words

Who needs drugs when three fine men are about to surround us? My stomach does cartwheels and I balloon out of my chest.

I toss Gia a hopeful smirk. “Are you sure I can’t change your mind?”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

LIVIANNA/LILY

Then

Striking Clocks & Wounds That Don’t Scab

He swears I’m unforgettable, yet every hour he erases me.

Gia builds a tight smile. “Livianna, you know I don’t participate in those types of activities.”

“What activities would those be?” Jax rests his ankle on top of his knee.

“The fun kind.” I direct the innuendo to Jax.

His phone flashes. He pauses to check something and then addresses Gia.

“I apologize. I’m Jaxon Crowne.” He reaches across the table and holds his hand out to her.

“It’s nice to meet you, Jaxon.” She shakes it. “I’m Gia Armstrong.”

He takes the opportunity to change the subject and to ask her what she does for a living. She tells him and they start discussing her acting career.

For someone who’s supposed to be smart, Jax seems tohave little knowledge about who’s who in the industry. He recognizes the top movie stars’ names, but no one else.

It makes me believe he couldn’t care less about the entertainment business. That’s good for me because he might not know anything about my past.

Wouldn’t that be a refreshing change?

Mateo and Hunter approach and give Gia and me our cocktails. Jax stands and they all shake hands, complimenting each other on their latest accomplishments.

I introduce Gia to Mateo and Hunter. In the shuffle, I end up between Mateo and Hunter. Gia lands beside Hunter. Jax takes the chair across from me, shoulder-to-shoulder with Mateo.

They seem to travel in the same crowd and know a lot about each other because they’re comfortable in each other’s presence. They reference different people and lucrative deals the other might be interested in.

At one point, Hunter welcomes and congratulates Mateo on being one of the youngest people to make it into the club. He proudly thanks him.

This conversation just took a turn in a direction I’m more interested in. This might be the way to get an invitation to one of Mateo’s infamous sex venues.

“What club is that?” I ask. It comes out with a hint of desire.

Hunter lifts his glass. “Mateo recently hit billionaire status and he’s not even twenty-five.”

My mouth falls open, but I shut it just as fast. “Congratulations, Mateo. That’s a great accomplishment.”

“I appreciate that.” He glances at Hunter and Jax. “My dad helped and did most of the heavy lifting, but it’s great to be standing in the ranks with these two.”

Jax and Hunter both dip their heads in acknowledgment like it’s a ritual. That means Gia and I are sitting at a tablewhere not only are these men handsome as hell, but they’re also all powerful, driven, and resourceful.

Here I thought billionaires were dull, shy, quiet, and old. Wow, was I wrong. All three of these men are interesting, articulate, and young.

A weird pang of jealousy snaps in my chest. How could I get Livianna Grace Designs to that level?

I suck in a breath and let it fade away. This night is about fun. Work will stay locked in the closet if I have my say.