Page 100 of The Bitter Words

“Livianna.”

That’s all he has to say for me to know he has the intelshe’s coming into town to surprise me. My blood goes cold and my muscles tense.

I face him. “What about her?”

“You know she’s not allowed to be with you.”

“She’s not. I know what you’d do to her if she were. Do you even hear how crazy that sounds?”

“Stupid boy, when are you going to realize I know everything? My reach is so deep, people practically call me out of the blue and give me the information I need. I never have to go searching for it.”

I huff and shake my head. “Is that why Sebastian was in the crowd? Does he know something I don’t?”

Leon gives me a once-over. “Let’s say I think you’re being honest and you don’t know what’s going on. That doesn’t matter. The fact remains, she’s intent on meeting up with you. And if that occurs, you know what will happen.”

“She’s not visiting me.” I broaden my shoulders and glare. “I’m having a party back at the hotel. Come if you don’t believe me.”

“It’s already taken care of, Cash. Your birthday party has been moved to my suite.” Leon adjusts his pants. “You always think you can fool me and you can’t.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Then let me fill you in so you don’t fuck up.” He brings his face to mine, glowering at me. “Livianna is coming and plans on being in your room in the morning.”

“And you know this, how?”

“She confided in a friend of hers, and that person told Sebastian.” Leon releases a low, devilish laugh. “Now that you have the correct details, you have a choice.”

My intestines cramp. “Yeah, like you ever give me a good one.”

“Don’t pretend you don’t enjoy yourself because if you didn’t, you wouldn’t get off every time we’re together that way.”

“Bodies can fire without consent. That isn’t desire and you know it.” I almost throw up. “Besides, I have no recollection of these times you describe, so I wouldn’t know.”

“Sure you do. There are plenty of videos I can show you if you need a reminder.”

“That won’t be necessary.” My soul empties because I know I’ve lost the fight. “What are my choices?”

“Let me paint the whole picture. Zara and Sebastian will be at your party tonight. We’ll all have a good time celebrating you turning twenty.”

“And what about Livianna?”

“I’ll have a car waiting to pick Livianna up at the airport to surprise her. If you do what Zara wants, Livianna will remain untouched. That goes for you as well.”

What Zara wants? What could that be?

We don’t speak or get along, so I’m lost.

I race to make the connection. “Just what is Zara planning?”

“Retribution.”

“For what? Giving me an STD when she sexually assaulted me?”

Leon rolls his eyes. “When are you going to stop saying that? You took the drugs of your own accord.”

“I didn’t willingly fuck her.” I snarl, wanting to strangle him. “We both know Floating V changes your perception and makes Viagra seem like you’re eating a fucking Tic Tac. Floating V is the most dangerous date rape drug out there.”

Leon smirks with smug knowingness. “Cash, calm down.”