Page 134 of The Bitter Words

I segue. “Like I’ve said before, your brown hair color is a stunning choice. It makes you look more professional.”

“You don’t like it when I dye my hair?”

“I do, but I prefer how naturally pretty you are.”

We get to the table and I pull out a chair for her next to Gia and away from Mateo.

Livianna sits and peers up at me with a genuine twinkle in her eyes. “I like you when you’re kind.”

“Are you saying I’m not?” I sit next to her.

She shrugs. “You can be…standoffish at times.”

Gia places her hand on Livianna’s shoulder. “Where were you? I looked everywhere and couldn’t find you.”

“I had to use the restroom. Then I ran into one of my old crew members.” She points to the side where a group of people congregate. “Don’t worry about me. I won’t ditch you.”

“I know, but…” Gia rests back and drops the subject.

Livianna leans forward and addresses Mateo. “I have a question for you.”

“I’m all ears.” He gives her his full attention.

“Cindy, Jaxon’s…” Livianna peeks at me and then directs her statement to Mateo. “I don’t know what she is to him, but that doesn’t matter. What I’m getting at is she told me about your sex clubs.”

He straightens his back. “What about them?”

“Would you ever let me into one?” She moves her purse from her lap and puts it on the table. “I’m specifically talking about Elite-Sinsations. Only the best and most private would be what I’m interested in.”

He pauses for a moment. “I could get you access to one that isn’t in the States. The States have a strict twenty-one and older policy. Why? Do you want to purchase a membership?”

I tense and pray she says no. How the hell can I change the subject without looking like I’m panicking?

“I heard they’re expensive.” She tosses him a flirty stare. “Do you ever run specials on your fee?”

He lifts a shoulder to his ear. “If you aren’t ready to make that big of a financial commitment, maybe I could give you a season pass so you could try it out and see if you like it.”

Shit! This can’t go this way. What the fuck is she up to?

With my heart jumping out of my chest, I insert myself into the conversation. “Mateo, I wouldn’t offer that. It’s too risky given her age.”

She snaps her head to me. “Stop trying to be my daddy. I already have one and don’t need another.”

“That’s not what I was doing.” I take a deliberate calming breath. “It’s just… Places like those…”

Fuck me. I can’t get out of this.

All I know is Livianna can’t work her way into a membership at Elite-Sinsations. Not if I want to keep my thoughts about her on an appropriate level.

They were already straying into the danger zone. Imagining her there and me restraining her while I take a lap over her wet pussy…

Stop thinking, Jaxon!

“Here’s what I’ll do, Livianna.” Mateo takes a card out of his jacket and gives it to her. “Call my team and they’ll give you the specifics. To be honest, I’m not too involved in that side of our business. I don’t know what they’ll need to get you set up.”

“Thank you.” She takes it and slips it into her purse. “I look forward to speaking to them.”

I down my whiskey and adjust my pants to make room for my unruly erection while I take my gaze to the TV screen.This night almost took a turn for the worse. I need a minute to gather my senses.