Page 81 of The Bitter Words

The line goes dead, but something’s still breathing on the other end.

I flip through the slideshow on my computer that my interior designer sent me over to review for the latest renovations of my Malibu beach home. I wasn’t interested in the area until Livianna brought it up to me.

When I asked Greg about it, he agreed it was a beautiful place to live, but not many houses were on the market. I lucked out finding the one I purchased, but it needs a lot of updating and tons of security measures added to the property.

“Mr. Crowne, you have a call on line one,” my assistant Natalie’s voice floats through the intercom from the phone console I have on my desk.

“Who is it? And what’s it about?”

“She said she’s an acquaintance of yours and was hopingto get some advice from you. Would you like me to take a message?”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I’m available to talk.” I answer it on speaker. “This is Jaxon Crowne.”

“Hi, Jaxon. It’s Livianna Hemings.”

Something strange twirls in my stomach and my chest tightens. “Livianna, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you. How can I help you?”

“Well… I’m eighteen now.”

“So? What does that have to do with your call?”

“I’m no longer underage and you know what that means.” Her voice sings.

Yeah, it means I could be in big fucking trouble. I’ve seen how she can morph into a dangerous woman when she wants something.

Before I let a little fear about her overtake my rational thoughts, I take a breath and relax. She’s harmless.

“I’m not sure I understand, Livianna. What I can assist you with.”

“Do you remember when I was talking to you about wanting to start a fashion line?”

“Yes. What about it?”

“I was hoping you’d help me.”

“Okay, but before we go forward. Have you spoken to your parents about reaching out to me about this?”

“Um…kind of. But I’m eighteen now and can make my own business decisions.”

My throat constricts. “That doesn’t sound like a yes.”

“They know I’m thinking about quitting.” She pauses for a brief moment. “No, that’s not true. They realize I am going to get out of acting. They just don’t know when or what I want to do after.”

“Then we should probably put this conversation on hold. I don’t want to get in the middle of your family affairs.”

“Oh, is the mighty Mr. Crowne scared?”

I rock forms in my stomach. “No, I just don’t think?—”

“Admit it, Jaxon.”

“Admit what?”

She releases a flirtatious giggle. “I think you might be afraid of me.”

Yeah, just what I thought. I’m dealing with one wicked young lady. One who could blow my entire world up and something deep in my gut tells me she’s going to do exactly that.

Chapter Eighteen