Chapter 4 #2
I tighten my long leather coat around me. “I didn’t tell you because he hasn’t come up.”
“Okay, spill everything before he finds us.” Trent taps his box of cigarettes against the side of his hand until one slides out.
He lights it while I try to contain my utter elation.
“Jaxon and my dad are friends. I met him when he was buying a house and came over for a meeting with my dad.”
“Is he Greek like me?”
“I don’t know. What does that have to do with anything?”
“He’s tall, dark, and handsome. We look similar. He must be Greek.” Trent takes a long drag.
He exhales, smoke slipping between his lips. Somehow it comes out seductive and suggestive. Maybe it’s the way his eyes scroll over me like he’s devouring me.
Shit. I know exactly what Trent’s thinking.
“Trent, do not even consider doing something that makes Jaxon feel uncomfortable. I’ve hit on him more than once, and he always turns me down. I don’t want him thinking that’s the only way I see him. Plus, he’ll think I put you up to it.”
“Maybe I could persuade him, and I’ll get you both.”
“Stop!” I shove my hands in my pockets. “You’re not getting us.”
“Admit it, Livianna. It would be heaven. The three of us…yum.” Trent fans his face with a wave of his hand. “Fire. Hot. Fucking. Fire. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t enjoy it. Remember, you’ve shared that you’ve fantasized about being with another man and me. Well, boo, here’s your chance.”
“I doubt Jaxon…” My brain hooks onto the visual of Trent and Jaxon wrapped around me on either side.
My stomach tightens and spins. Trent is as good-looking as any other Greek god, and Jax… Damn, if my breathing isn’t giving me away. I’m almost panting.
Trent stubs out his cigarette against the brick wall. “Just give me the signal if you change your mind.”
“Get me drunk enough, and you might get your wish.”
“I knew you had it in you. You just needed a nudge.” He tips his chin toward something behind me. “Livianna was just catching me up on how you two met.”
“She was, huh? Did she tell you how spiteful she was, or did she leave that part out?” Jax flashes me a flirty smirk. “All kidding aside, she’s grown up a lot since then.”
“Do tell.” Trent gestures to the walkway. “Livianna can lead the way while you fill in all the holes in her story.”
“Be nice, Jaxon. Trent thinks I’m an angel.” I motion for them to follow me.
“An angel?” Jax stays near my side. “Does this angel have horns?”
“Hey! I’m not that bad.” I playfully slap Jax’s chest.
“You sure?” He grabs my hand and holds it in a tight grip. “See, they’re about to poke out right about now.”
I shake my head and pretend to glare. Jax’s brown eyes hook with mine, and the intensity behind them is enough to have me falter in my step.
It only worsens when he pulls me into him and I get a whiff of his smoky, leathery cologne. My blood races and my heart combusts.
He hasn’t let go of my hand. If anything, he holds me closer. The energy around us grows heated. If I didn’t know better, I would say Jax is coming on to me.
“Jaxon...” For some reason, it comes out all breathy and submissive.
Where I was going for some defensive defiance, I came across as a woman who would do anything Jaxon Crowne asked of me. And God knows I would.
“Yoo-hoo…” Trent breaks the tension. “If we’re getting all hot and sexy now, I’d like to be a part of it.”
My gaze disconnects from Jax’s, and I laugh, shaking off the undeniable passion of that interaction with him.
“Sorry, Jaxon. Today I have to remain an angel. Otherwise, Trent will be getting between us all night.”
“Maybe Jaxon wants that.” Trent stares in Jax’s direction.
“No. That’s not why I’m going out with you two tonight.” Jax strides forward. “Livianna, where’s your place?”
The February chill kicks up and snuffs out the fire that was growing in the atmosphere. I take the cue and lead the guys to my apartment. It’s within walking distance, so we meander through the streets of Paris to my home while discussing Jaxon’s company.
Jax owns the building where our classes are held. Okay, I admit I found out about the courses after I was trying to find out where Jax’s office was.
That’s also when I found out that getting up to his office without an appointment is impossible. The security level rivals that of the Pentagon.
I’ve never paid much attention to what Jax does, but Trent seems to have. He knows a ton about Jax, and to say I’m impressed would be an understatement.
Trent moves in front of Jax and me, walking backward. His animated expression lights up the dimming night sky.
“Livianna, has Jaxon ever talked to you about his mentorship program?”
I shake my head and glance at Jax. “Why would he?”
Jax turns his head away. “It’s just something I do to help those in need.”
“It’s a perfect fit for people like us.” Trent motions to Jax with a tip of his chin. “Tell us more about it. Then give us the inside scoop on how we get an invitation.”
Jax squares his shoulders and glances at me. “CVI has a mentorship program called The Vault.”
“Crowne Ventures International has a mentorship program?” I peer over at Jax. “Why call it The Vault?”
Trent answers before Jax can. “Because it’s an invitation-only, pro bono pipeline for underestimated talent. The focus areas are fashion, media production, wellness startups, some drug companies, and some tech stuff. But it’s the designer sector I’m interested in.”
Why haven’t you said anything to me, Jax? Why do you continually see me as a little girl who is just a thorn in your side?
I shrink, realizing Jax will never see me as worthy.
Jax’s facial features soften. “The mentorship was formed especially for those from marginalized backgrounds or war-torn regions.”
“Oh.” My chest warms. “That’s so…admirable of you.”
“Why do you sound surprised?” Jax’s defensive tone can’t be denied.
“I’m not surprised. It’s just…” I glance down. “Honestly, I feel like an entitled brat now.”
“Why?” Jax and Trent ask at the same time.
I suck in a breath and expose my truth. “My first thought was wondering why Jaxon wouldn’t tell me about it when he knows I want to run a fashion design house.
I was offended and took it personally. Now I see his reason for not sharing it with me was because there are people who need his help a lot more than I do. ”
“I never said I wouldn’t help you.” Jax stops mid-stride and looks me dead in the eyes. “In fact, I’ve always been interested in your business venture.”
“You have?” My insides tighten—not from fear, but from wanting this too much. “Then…will you help me with Livianna Grace Designs?”