Chapter 33 #2
“That may be true, but would you do that? Because I don’t think you would.”
“Livianna, what I would do is irrelevant. But if you want my opinion on why I believe he would do such a thing, then that piece could help you understand more.”
“Please share.”
Jaxon runs his palm over his mouth. “For whatever reason, Cash was in a world of agony when you two broke up. My guess is he was in the anger phase of mourning a loss such as he had with you.”
Dead Lilies echo in my head. The innuendo is downright mean. And worse is Bren let it happen. My own fucking brother betrayed me.
The dam breaks and the tears fall in waves. I collapse into myself, wrapping my arms around my waist.
Jaxon pulls me into his chest. “Don’t let this bring you down.”
“How can I not?”
As I lie on the bed in the middle of my hotel room, I roll onto my side and check my phone for a response from Callum. Nothing.
Why isn’t he responding?
I lie back down, tossing and turning. It’s midnight in Paris, so it’s afternoon in the States. He should be available.
Why would Callum want to hurt me like that? He told me he loved me and wanted me back every day we were apart. How much of what he tells me is the truth? What is he leaving out?
I sit up and call my mom. Maybe she can help me understand.
She answers on the third ring. “Hi, darling. How’s Paris?”
“Hi, Mom. Paris is fine.”
“You don’t sound fine. What’s going on?”
I scoot back against the headboard, bringing the bedding with me. “Why did Mayhem name their album Dead Lilies? Why would the band let Callum hurt me like that? Why would Bren do that to me?”
All that comes through the line is her heavy breathing. I know better than to jump in when she’s trying to find the right words, so I wait. Impatiently.
After a few moments, she answers. “The band didn’t let that happen. Cash announced it live. That’s when the guys found out.”
“How could they not know? That makes no sense.”
“Honey, Cash did it on his own. The album was supposed to be Dead Shadows.” She sighs and takes another pause. “If it helps, he got into a lot of trouble with the label because of what he did. He had to pay for all the changes they had to make.”
“Good.” I rub my burning eyes with an ache in the center of my chest. “Did he ever try to make it right?”
“He tried, but the damage was done.”
“Yeah, I can see why I wouldn’t want to forgive him.”
“Livianna, Cash was in a dark place.”
“I know. We’ve talked about some of that.” I rest my head back, staring at the ceiling. “Why can’t I let this go? It’s been five years.”
“It’s fresh to you, even though it happened years ago.” Her voice switches from factual to sympathetic. “Are you okay, honey?”
“Honestly, I’m so sad about this, I just want to come home and cry in your arms.”
She releases a small laugh. “I’m always here for you if that’s what you need.”
“Thanks.” I pull the covers up to my chin. “How many things like this did Callum do to me over the years?”
“I don’t know. You never spoke about him after you moved to Paris.”
Memories hit me in waves, and the entire picture comes into focus. After Callum did that, I got trashed and Jaxon took care of me.
He was kind, gentle, and protective. Warmth soothes away the pain.
I sink against my pillow. “At least Jaxon was there to make me feel better.”
A long silence passes. Then my mom cuts into my thoughts.
“Livianna, he’s been by your side from the very start.”
“Jaxon?”
“Yes, Jaxon.” She clears her throat. “I’ve always wondered if there was ever anything between you two.”
Noooo. That would ruin everything.
My heart rate accelerates and my insides heat. “Why would you say that? Were there signs?”
“Yes, plenty of them.”
Right as she gets done speaking, I receive a text. I peek at the screen, and my pulse jumps.
Jaxon: I’m just checking in. How are you? Do you need anything?
He’s been by my side since the start. Chills run down my spine, and I squash all the emotions bubbling up.
“Mom, I can’t handle any more information tonight. Maybe we can talk about this when I get home.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“It is.”
We say our goodbyes, and I run over and over the memories that resurface. I can’t escape that dreadful time in my life. No wonder I didn’t remember it until now. It’s almost too much agony to bear.
As the night stretches on, I try to put myself in that exact time until I start to doze off. I was trying to forget Callum and had my sights on Jaxon. There’s no mistaking that revelation. I was determined to be a part of his life. Just how much is yet to be known.
My eyes close. I’m transported to an enormous bed, its dark leather headboard looming over us like a fortress in Jax’s masculine sanctuary.
My body tingles as he hovers above me, his broad chest bare except for a sexy patch of hair, and his muscles flexing. His fingers work me over.
“God, Livianna, you’re so wet for me already.” Jax releases a growl, his voice low and commanding. He pushes my thighs apart, his fingers sliding through my slick folds.
I gasp, arching into his touch. “Jax…please. I need you inside me.”
He smirks, positioning his thick and impressive cock at my entrance. “Tell me how badly you want it, firecracker.”
“Please,” I moan, gripping his shoulders. “Fuck me, Jax. Now.”
He thrusts in deep, stretching me wide. I cry out, my walls clenching around him as he fills me completely. He starts moving, hard and steady, each stroke hitting that perfect spot.
“Yes,” I pant, wrapping my legs around his hips. “Harder. Don’t stop.”
“You’re so fucking tight.” Jax grunts, pounding into me. “Take it all.”
I dig my nails into his back as pleasure builds fast. The bed creaks beneath us, sheets tangling around our bodies. He leans down, kissing me roughly, his tongue claiming mine while his cock drives deeper.
I shatter first, my orgasm crashing through me. “Jax!”
He follows with a deep groan, spilling hot inside me. We collapse together, his weight pressing me into the mattress, hearts racing in the quiet billionaire’s room.
My eyes pop open, and I sit up, breathing hard. “Shit. That was too real.”
And something deep in my gut tells me it was.