Page 43 of The Bitter Words

“You’re looking mighty fine too, but I want to be around the band when the ball drops.”

“Why?”

“I was all by myself last year.” She places her hand on my heart and gives me a quick peck. “I want to be around everyone and make new memories. Please, can we wait? I want to be a part of something fun this year.”

My lungs seize at the thought of what happened to her. “Yeah, okay.”

“Thank you. I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“You better.”

I shift and slide my arm around Livianna’s waist to get out of the view of Zara’s and Sebastian’s prying eyes. They haven’t taken their stares off us since they realized we were here.

I squeeze Livianna into me. “We should go into the kitchen. I think I saw Hawke and Cooper venture in there.”

“If that’s where the food is, that’s where they are. They eat almost as much as Bren.”

“Hey, what can I say? We’re rockstars and use up a lot of energy.” I step toward the other room.

A heavy palm lands on my shoulder. I turn and one of Leon’s security guards is standing before me.

“Cash, Leon wants to see you in his office.” He grabs my arm and starts to pull me with him.

I look back at Livianna. “Come with me.”

“I would, but I have to use the restroom.” She points at Bren. “I’m going to go now so I don’t have to wait in line.”

“Okay, but come find me. I want you with me.” I shake my arm loose and glare at the guy. “Make sure you tell her where I am.”

“I don’t take orders from you.” He pushes me in the center of my back with a forceful shove.

I stop myself from stumbling forward and lock my legs in place. “Tell Leon to fuck off. I’m not going anywhere without Livianna.”

She slips up next to me. “Callum, please don’t cause a scene. I don’t want you to get arrested for fighting again. I’m just going to pee and I’ll find you.”

“But what if you can’t?” I gesture to the TV, which has a New Year’s Eve show playing. “I’m not spending another New Year’s Eve separated from you.”

She winks and adjusts her top so her breasts protrude over the top of her satin emerald green skin-tight dress.

She steps to the security guard and runs her hands down his arms. “If he goes with you now, will you show me where he is once I’m done using the restroom?”

His gaze goes straight to her chest and I lose it. My vision blurs and I curl my palms into fists.

Oh, he’s gonna die.

Chapter Ten

LIVIANNA/LILY

Then

Perfume Wars & Silver Lighters

The celebration glitters, but the mirror it casts is stolen.

“Get your eyes off her, motherfucker.” Callum’s chest balloons.