Chapter 16 #2
“They’re beautiful, but you’re paying for privacy. Other than Sinsations, they’re all invite only and you must have a reason to want anonymity.”
“Why?”
“If you don’t have something to lose that’s of equal value to the other members, you could expose them and their kinks. Look at it like an insurance policy.” She straightens her sexy black dress. “We should get back out there.”
“Yeah. I’m sure Jaxon’s looking for you.”
“Maybe, but I’m parched and want some of that bubbly.”
We join the others in the living room after getting a drink. Jaxon spots us near a corner by the open folding glass walls that lead out to the concrete porch that overlooks the pool in our backyard.
He strolls up to us wearing a stunning black tailored suit. One thing is certain; he knows how to dress.
“Jaxon.” Cindy makes space for him to stand at her side. “I’d like you to meet Livianna…?”
“Hemings.” He has a scotch in one hand and slides his other arm around her waist. “Livianna, it’s nice to see you again.”
“You two know each other?” Cindy’s gaze flits between us. “And you’re a Hemings?”
“Yes, I’m Greg and Lorna’s daughter.” I smile and dip my head to Jaxon. I was being a rebellious brat the last time I saw him. “Hi, Jaxon. I promise to be better behaved this time.”
“I don’t know what you’re referring to.” A flicker of something like annoyance sparks in his eyes. “I hardly remember that day.”
Oh, how bad I want to remind him by flashing him my cleavage, but I refrain. He could help my dreams get off the ground.
“Cindy was just telling me that you might be able to help me with an idea I have.” I brush my hair over my shoulder.
His eyes trail my movement, then his gaze comes back to mine. “I like your hair brown. Blue was pretty, but you’re beautiful with your natural color.”
He thinks I’m beautiful? The revelation catches in my throat and I swallow. A strange flutter fills my insides and my face heats.
Jaxon Crowne is beyond handsome. Like a young Pierce Brosnan, but with darker skin and brown eyes.
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.
A sudden glimmer of Callum flickers in my thoughts. I pull away, remembering I have a boyfriend. One I had completely forgotten about for the last few minutes.
That never happens. Something is wrong with me.
My insides twist and turn. I need to get away from Jaxon Crowne. He plays mind tricks on me. No wonder he’s a billionaire. He affects people.
Maybe he even manipulates them?
I spin away and run smack dab into a big, puffed-out chest.