Chapter 1
Chapter One
LIVIANNA
Two & A Half Weeks Before Now
The Night I Dare To Love Him
Loving the wrong man is the easiest mistake I keep choosing.
I’ve told so many stupid lies to avoid being hurt. What’s the point if I don’t get to tell the most incredible man I’ve ever met I’m in love with him and I’m ready to hard-launch our relationship?
There is no point.
That’s why tonight I’m laying my heart on the line. The world needs to know he’s mine. Even more, I’m ready for him to know how I feel.
I’m sick of being afraid of my love for him. No matter how much professional and personal chaos it will create.
My dad will probably beat him to a bloody stump, but eventually, my family will get over it. I hope.
Jaxon Crowne may be off-limits because he’s my dad’s billionaire business associate and friend, who’s fifteen years my senior, but the heart doesn’t let you choose who you fall in love with.
I stare at him, practically drooling as he strolls into the luxurious main bedroom of his Malibu beach home. He’s letting me lease it for practically nothing while I wait for the renovation of my house to be done.
“You’re gorgeous, as always.” He adjusts his silver tie. “Is it straight?”
With my heart racing, I scan over his chiseled, six-foot-three frame. “I don’t think anyone will be focusing on that.”
“Black Brioni suits have that effect on you, but not everyone is into fashion like you are.” He steps in front of me and peeks at his reflection in the floor-length mirror. He spins around, sweeping me up in his muscular arms. “Who cares how I look? I wanted an excuse to do this.”
I wrap my legs around his waist as he presses his lips hard against mine, tangling his meaty fingers into my dark hair and gripping the back of my head. I’m about to protest since I just applied bright red lip coloring, but I’m not about to pass on the chance of him taking me.
He breaks away after we share a short-lived, passionate kiss. Much too short, if you ask me.
“Mr. Crowne, why deny me? You know what that does to me.” I bat my eyes.
He releases a low, deep laugh. “As always, firecracker, you have me about to blow. But I want to show you off.”
“Are you sure I can’t entice you?”
“Yes.” He places me on my feet, steps back, and looks me over like he’s devouring me as he wipes the smeared lipstick off his mouth. “Leather and lace never looked better. But I’d wear a jacket if I were you. It’s early spring and it can get chilly where we’re going.”
I glance down at my black pants and low-cut red top. The lace designs cover just enough to keep the shirt classy.
This outfit is from the last fashion line I created. I’m pairing it with one of my new form-fitting blazers from my new collection.
I find his gaze. “Already two steps ahead of you, Jax.”
“I’m sure whatever you plan on covering yourself with will only make you that much more desirable.”
“Don’t forget my six-inch Christian Louboutin stilettos. I’m on point tonight, Jax. Too bad you have us going to a secluded bistro hidden away from the world.”
“If I had it my way, I’d take you to the best-known restaurant in LA so everyone could see us together.” His expression grows serious.
Does he mean my parents? Beverly Hills isn’t that much farther away. Maybe he’s ready to let our forbidden secret affair out of the bag.
I roll back my shoulders and my breathing kicks up. “You can… If you want, let’s do it.”
He stares at me as he runs his hand over his short, dark beard. His gaze lingers, seemingly considering it. Unreadable emotions swirl in his brown eyes.
He slides his hands into his pants pockets. “There’s something missing.”
“What?” I crease my brows together. “I’m not sure I understand.”
Slowly, he advances on me until he stands before me. He turns me toward the mirror. I peer at his reflection, waiting for an answer. A sly smile grows across his face, and his arms come over my head.
He places a magnificent ruby and diamond necklace around my neck. “Lift your hair and I’ll make sure its clasp is secure.”
“Jax, it’s beautiful.” I do as he asks and my heart balloons. A mischievous curl slips from my lips. It seems my bratty side thinks it’s time to provoke. “It’s not a collar, but I guess it will do.”
His hand slides to my throat. He grips it tightly between his thumb and fingers, choking me just enough to make it difficult to breathe but not enough to hurt me.
“Careful, firecracker, or you’ll be on your knees staining my cock instead of my mouth with those pretty red lips of yours.” He strengthens his grasp. “And we’re already late.”
His commanding stare tells me to behave. Since I can’t really speak, I nod, letting him know I understand.
He releases his hold and adjusts my necklace so it’s centered above my cleavage. “Livianna, tu es mon trésor. You don’t need a collar for that to be true.”
“I know I’m your treasure.” I face him and place my palms on his broad shoulders. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Why did you get me this?”
“You love to be spoiled, and tonight I plan on doing that while helping you remember how we met. If it weren’t for Paris, this thing between us never would’ve happened.”
“Oh! That’s why we’re going to a French bistro.” I rise on my tiptoes and give him a quick peck. “That’s very thoughtful of you. And I’ll even order more than soup and a salad.”
“You better.” He spins me around and swats my ass. “Let’s go, little one. I’ve already called once to change our arrival time. I won’t do it again.”
I sway out of the room, grabbing my blazer off the bed as I do. “Yes, my king.”
“There’s a reason my name is Crowne. And don’t you forget it.”
As Jax’s driver, David, weaves through a canyon, leading us to the secluded upscale restaurant, I fret over how Jax didn’t take me up on my offer to go into LA for dinner.
Why did he avoid my suggestion?
Even though he’s got his arm around my shoulders, he’s being too quiet and stiff. Something is off, but I can’t put my finger on it.
He’s got his impenetrable billionaire business mogul attitude dominating the back seat. Ever since yesterday, it seems he’s wrestling with something heavy.
His phone rings. He reaches into his inside jacket pocket and pulls it out.
He shifts away from me and answers without looking at the screen. “Jaxon Crowne.”
There’s a muffled male voice coming through the line. I can’t make out what he’s saying, but there’s an urgency to it.
Jax turns his head and peers out the window. “I already said I’d be there soon.”
He’s going somewhere?
I try to make out what the other guy is saying, but it’s useless. Jax has moved farther away, making it impossible.
He clears his throat. “Send everything over that I need to review. I’ll know more after I read it.”
There’s a brief pause, then Jax releases a growl. “I need to inspect the details myself. I’ll get back to you later. Right now, I’m busy and can’t discuss the matter.”
He hangs up without saying goodbye. Obviously, that call wasn’t pleasant, so I wait for him to address me. I’ve jumped in asking questions too soon after an interaction like that and it ended in a massive argument about him letting me into his life on a more personal level.
Whatever the issue is he’s dealing with, it isn’t going to ruin our night. Once he cools down and I tell him I love him, everything will be exactly how it should be. Us tangled up together, driving each other insane with our passion.
After a few cleansing breaths, Jax nestles up against me and tucks my hair behind my shoulder.
He nuzzles near my ear and whispers, “Sorry, mon trésor. You’re my only focus for the rest of the evening.”
I arch my neck, giving him more access. “Promise?”
“Yes.” He takes my chin in his hand and turns my head, melding our mouths together.
Our tongues intertwine as chills crawl over my skin. I climb into his lap, straddling him.
There’s nothing better than kissing him as I rub against him like this. Every time I do, he gets rock hard in mere seconds and I love it.
It’s one of the only situations where he has no ability to hide his reaction to me. He’s well-endowed and couldn’t if he tried.
Jax pulls away from our kiss and crooks his gaze around me. “David, please call the restaurant and tell them we’re running late.”
David peers back through the rearview mirror. “Sir, we’re almost—”
“Engage the privacy settings for the windows, drive around for thirty minutes, call the bistro while you do, and close the divider.” Jax squeezes my waist once we’re secluded. “You know better than that. I told you to behave.”
I coyly shrug. “When I want something, I go for it.”
His stare burns into mine, lust growing white hot. “Off my lap, remove your pants, and then ride me.”
“Yes, my king.” Tingles spider through my lower stomach and spread, causing wetness to seep between my thighs.
I move to the side and strip as he undoes his trousers. His incredible girth and length have me panting.
I’m back on him in moments. “Jax, take me.”
“Done.” With a quick adjustment, he buries himself in me.
He yanks back my hair, fucking me hard and fast. He nips and bites my neck and nipples, kneading my breasts in greedy desire. It’s enough to send me over the edge. I can’t get enough of this man.
I grind over him, finding friction over my sensitive, engorged clit, building to the point I’m about to explode. He groans and I get lost in another world.
“Livianna, I’m about to come.” His voice strains. “Is it safe, or should I pull out?”
I’m floating on an intense wave of pulsating pleasure, not paying attention to his question. I moan and shake as I ascend out of my body in bliss.
“Livianna! Answer…” He plows into me deeper and his body stills. “Fuck!”
Shit. He’s coming inside me.
My orgasm disappears in an instant. I can’t tell him I’m on the edge of the week before my most fertile time.
He’ll be beyond concerned and I’m not letting anything come between us tonight. Besides, I’m probably safe. According to my menstruation tracker, I’m not supposed to ovulate for another week.