Page 130 of The Jaded Notes

Bren gives me a sideways smirk. “You really wanna know?”

“I asked, didn’t I?”

“He’s not sleeping around. Hasn’t been with anyone I know of for over a year, maybe longer.” Bren stops walking and turns to face me directly. “Your breakup broke something in him, Livianna. Something I’m not sure can be fixed.”

My chest hollows out. The words hit hard. I sink onto a log, suddenly exhausted by the weight of everything I didn’t know I was carrying.

“Bren, I need to forget about this conversation.”

He sits beside me and pulls a silver case out of the back pocket of his jeans. He presses a button and it flips open.

“In that case, let’s share this.” He pulls out a joint and lights it up.

“Shit, I haven’t smoked in a long time.”

“Not thinking for a few hours can’t hurt.” He takes a hit and keeps it trapped in his lungs.

He holds it out for me. I hesitate, but fuck it. My life is insane right now and I could really use the disconnect. I take it from him and inhale deeply, holding the smoke in my lungs until it burns.

I exhale. “If I’m going to make poor decisions, at least I won’t be making them alone.”

He takes another drag, then passes it back while waves crash against the shore. The marijuana works its slow magic, numbing the ragged edges of Bren’s admission until it’s manageable.

“So what’s the real story with this man you’re seeing?”Bren leans back against the wood. “And don’t give me more bullshit.”

“He’s just a guy I get together with from time to time. You know, like the one I was seeing in Paris.”

“Another boy-toy?” His laugh is simple and relaxed. “Makes sense. You never have time for anything more than casual.”

I take another hit, letting the smoke carry me away. “I’m too busy building my brand to get serious about anyone.”

“What’s he like?”

“Mysterious. He’s older and rich enough to own houses he doesn’t live in.” I gesture toward the divine structure behind us. “There’s something about him that captivates me.”

“Sounds like trouble.”

“The best kind.”

Bren studies my face. “Damn. You’re falling for him.”

“I’m having fun with him.” I turn away to hide my eyes. “There’s a difference.”

“If you say so.” He buries the blunt into the sand. “Just...be careful, okay? You’ve got a habit of loving people who hurt you.”

The next few days pass in a haze of guilt because I broke my word to Jax about using drugs and avoidance because I’m still upset about his date with Cindy.

I stay focused on work and moving into Jax’s mansion on the beach. I don’t have much, so it only takes two days to get everything I want over to the Malibu place.

He tries to make up for the wedding disaster by sending flowers to welcome me to my new chapter.

Along with those, he sends texts filled with apologies Idon’t respond to and calls I don’t answer. Every gesture of care feels like salt in a wound.

I stare at his latest message.

My King:I understand you’re angry with me, but I promise I didn’t want to be with Cindy. Please talk to me about this so we can work it out.

“Maybe another time, Jax. I’m too stuck in my head to make this situation better.” I continue unpacking boxes.