Page 137 of The Bitter Words

“What?”

“I wanted you to come after me.” Her voice purrs and she slinks over to me.

My desire for her erupts and makes my mind spin. It’s at this moment, I realize she’s got me cornered and I may as well say goodbye to any good sense I have.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

JAXON/JAX

Then

Tangled Sheets & Mixed Cravings

We pretend not to notice the flames until the heat tastes like a promise neither of us can keep.

“What do you mean, you planned this?” I back away and calm my racing heart.

Livianna continues to advance on me. “I decided earlier that you were who I wanted to kiss when the clock strikes midnight.”

“Livianna…”Damn, that sounds like a perfect way to end the evening.“We both know that can’t happen.”

“Why?” She slides her palms up my chest and around my neck. “I’ve told you before I find you attractive. You’ve said some nice things to me tonight. That tells me you like me, too.”

I rest my hands on the curve of her waist. “Just because I think you’re pretty doesn’t mean I believe anything should happen between us.”

“Come on, Jax, let yourself live a little.”

“Like you do?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She steps out of my arms.

“Just that.” I motion up and down her body. “You’re destroying yourself.”

“What?”

“Look in the mirror, Livianna. You’re more altered than you think.”

“I am not.” She spins and stomps away. “Why do you always have to ruin a good thing?”

“Because stopping you from making a huge mistake is better.” I follow her.

She huffs, shoves the door open, and leaves the room. She might be angry with me, but at least she didn’t add more chemicals to her already altered mind.

“Livianna.” I reach her side. “I’m only trying to look out for you. This isn’t me rejecting you.”

“Really? Could’ve fooled me.” She gives me a side-eye glare and trips a little. She recovers well and needs no help from me. “Jax, why have you been spending time with me tonight if you’re not into me?”

I run my hand down my beard and release a heavy sigh. “I care about you. That’s why.”

“How so?” She stops, faces me, and folds her arms over her chest. “Explain to me what you mean because I’m tired of making an ass out of myself.”

I stand before her. “You’re not even twenty years old, Livianna.”

“So? What does that have to do with anything?”

“I’m almost twice your age.”

She stares at me, seemingly considering something. “You’re not thirty-eight. And who cares if you were? We’re both adults, so what’s the problem?”