Page 76 of The Bitter Words

I shake away whatever weird emotion that was. It was probably from doing those lines.

“Thanks for the compliment.” I take a sip of my champagne.

He tilts his head and studies me, seemingly genuinely interested. “What’s this idea you have?”

“Um… I want to get out of show business and start a fashion design line. Maybe even grow it into a fashion house like Louis Vuitton.” I shift my weight from one leg to the other. “I know it’s a lofty dream, but?—”

“Those are the best kind to have.” He glances down at Cindy. “Wouldn’t you say?”

“Of course. The only kind, if you ask me.” She smiles up at him. A trickle of blood runs from her nose. She wipes it and notices she’s bleeding. “Shit!”

Jaxon rushes to take his pocket handkerchief out of his suit pocket and hands it to her. “Here. Use this. There’s a bathroom down the hall.”

She takes it from him and blots her nose with it. “Yes, I know where it is. Please excuse me.”

He watches her disappear, then addresses me. “I should go assist her.”

“Jaxon, I’m a girl. If that happened to me, my date would be the last person I’d want help from. It’s just not sexy.”

“I’m trying to be a gentleman, but I see what you mean.” He laughs under his breath as if he’s embarrassed. “Let’s get back to your company. How old are you now?”

“Seventeen. I’ll be eighteen in a couple of months.” I scratch at my wrist.

My skin itches badly. Talking about changing careers is terrifying. Especially because I want it to reflect Lehlani Rose.

My breathing accelerates and I scan the room. Everything starts to go fuzzy.

Fuck!

I’m about to have a panic attack and my high from the coke isn’t helping. My hands shake, causing my drink to spill.

“Livianna, are you okay?” Jaxon’s expression grows concerned. “Let me take you outside to get some fresh air.”

He guides me out to the patio, takes my glass, and places it on a table.

“Look at me and breathe. Whatever is scaring you right now isn’t real.” He holds my shoulders in a tight but soothing grip and stares deep into my eyes. “Don’t let it take over. You’re in control.”

I nod, believing him. There’s something about the calmness in his voice, yet there’s an air of command in his tone that signals I can trust him to have my back.

Why? I have no clue. I barely know this guy.

“Jaxon.” It comes out strained. “I… I have…”

“Shh. Don’t try to speak. Focus on me. Listen to me. I won’t let anything hurt you, but you need to take a few deep breaths with me. Can you do that?”

“Yes.”

He keeps our gazes connected and guides me through some kind of exchange where he feeds me with his strength. My heart rate comes down and my world slows.

He lets up on his hold but keeps his big, warm hands on me. “Are you feeling better?”

“Yes. Thank you.” I lower my head. “Sorry. Sometimes I get…”

“No need to apologize or explain.” He takes me in a strong but gentle hug. His smoky, leather cologne wafts into my nose and my stomach flips.

Noooo. I can’t be feeling this way because of how amazing he smells, or how good it feels to be held by a powerful man who knows exactly what it takes to calm me down without making me numb with medication.

My strange reaction is because I almost had a panic attack and have cocaine flowing in my veins. That has to be the reason, but…holy shit, Jaxon Crowne is undeniably delicious.