Chapter 9 #2
“You’ll get everything worked out, Cash.” Mr. Hemings rounds the table and returns to his seat.
“I can only hope.” I leave their house and head straight home.
As I drive, I take in everything Jaxon Crowne shared. He may have a few good points.
And with that, I lift my head higher and decide I’m gonna take on my enemy. What’s the worst that can happen?
I take the advice of Mr. Hemings and Jaxon Crowne. I arrange for my business and trust to get set up. It’s a more straightforward process than I expect.
Mayhem is signed and Leon is none the wiser that he can’t touch my assets. I’m protected all around and on top once again.
Livianna and I stroll into Leon’s New Year’s Eve party with the rest of the band and a couple of random girls they invited along. Nothing’s gonna stop us from celebrating our asses off on Leon’s dime.
Her gaze sweeps the luxurious mansion as party music blares through the corridor. “This is a beautiful house. I can’t believe Leon’s throwing a huge bash here.”
“Why?”
“Because the artwork alone must have cost a fortune. One person knocking one off and breaking it could put him back millions.”
“Then so be it. It’s not our problem.”
“What’s going on with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“You don’t seem to care about pissing him off anymore. I feel like I’m missing something.”
“The only thing you’re missing is this.” I slide my arm around her neck and kiss her on the cheek.
She smiles. “I better be getting one of those on my lips when the clock strikes midnight.”
“It’s a promise.”
“I hope so because you said that last year and look what happened.”
My stomach churns with acid. “Let’s drop that subject. It gives me heartburn thinking about it.”
“Well, look who’s here.” Leon grabs two glasses of champagne off the tray of a server passing by and hands them to us. “I wasn’t sure you’d accept my invitation.”
We take our flutes and toast each other. She thanks Leon for his hospitality while I just stare his way.
“Cash, you’re quiet tonight. Lighten up. It’s New Year’s Eve and I want my guests to enjoy themselves.” Leon peeks around me. “Excuse me. I need to welcome some out-of-town arrivals.”
He runs off with a loud, boisterous laugh cutting through the loud hum of the crowd trying to yell over each other. I guide Livianna through his home for close to an hour, mingling with different people.
I’ve heard he usually has more TV personalities at these events, but since it’s a music industry party, maybe the actors aren’t invited. It’s unlikely considering Leon is flashy and likes to be in the spotlight.
It’s around eleven when my suspicions are verified. A group of at least twenty actors roll through the door, clutching their stomachs as if they just heard the funniest story.
My guess is they’re drunk, high on coke or Molly, and haven’t had a thing to eat.
My stomach tightens as they stroll into the room and Faith… Zara Blackthorn breaks through the middle. She flips her long brown hair over her shoulder and whispers something to Sebastian fucking Holloway.
I grab Livianna’s hand to lead her away. “Let’s go find Guns.”
“He said he was going to the bathroom.” She stays planted in her stilettos in the same spot.
Her back is to the entryway, so she has no idea why I want to leave. Zara and Sebastian are the last two people I wanna interact with.
I lean down near her ear. “You’re driving me wild, vixen. Let’s see if we can find a place to be alone.”
“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.