Page 162 of The Bitter Words

He’s lounging in a chair and there’s a woman sitting on his lap. She’s got her tongue down his throat.

His hand slides up her thigh and stops when it gets to her ass. He squeezes it and she breaks away. She says something to him and he nips at her lip.

Why did I think he’d change? I turn and run into Bren.

He’s frozen in shock but shakes it off. “Livianna, I’m sorry. I didn’t think he’d?—”

“It’s been less than twelve hours since he had that same mouth on mine.” I step around Bren and leave.

He follows me. “He’s such a prick.”

“I don’t want to talk about it. I knew he couldn’t go long before something happened. It’s better I learned that now.”

It’s been a month since I arrived in Paris and I’m finally done organizing my place.

It’s costing me a fortune, but I don’t care because it’s located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, close to the Champs-Elysées. It’s a fashion designer’s dream location.

I text my mom on my US phone. I have a new one just forParis with a local number. It makes me feel more official for some strange reason.

Me:I’m settled now and packing away this phone. If you need me, you’ll only be able to reach me with my Paris number.

Mom:Okay, darling. I understand. Are you sure I can’t give your contact information to Brendan?

Me:Yes. I don’t want him to be tempted to give it to Callum. Bren can call my US number and leave me messages there. Don’t worry. I still plan on checking in with him from time to time. It’s just better this way.

Mom:If you insist.

Me:I do.Au revoir, maman.

Mom:Goodbye, Livianna. I love you.

Me:Je t’aime aussi, maman.

I power down the phone and place it inside a drawer of the small desk that’s next to the bed in the spare bedroom.

I’m using the space as an office and an area to lay out my ideas, but this apartment came furnished, so I have a bed instead of a workspace.

The weather is perfect, so I decide to go on a walk along the Seine River and head toward the Louvre. There’s a beautiful scenic path I like to stroll down.

I’m about to go down to the lower embankment from the top-level walkway when I see him. Jaxon Crowne is talking on his phone as he sits on a bench under a tree with browning leaves.

My heart races as I approach him. I get right in his line of sight and wave.

It takes him a second to compute that it’s me. “Natalie, I need to call you back. I just ran into an old friend.”

At least this time he didn’t refer to me as young.

He hangs up, with his eyes wide. “Livianna, what are you doing here?”

“Bonjour,Jax. It seems fate has intervened.” I flash him asmile laced with seduction. At least I hope it comes across that way. “Can I get a welcoming hug?”

“Of course. You just caught me off guard.” He takes me in an embrace. “Are you in town visiting?”

His amazing scent engulfs me along with his powerful hold.

I suppress a whimper. “No, I moved here.”

He pushes me away from his chest but keeps a grip on my arms. His mysterious brown eyes sweep over me and then connect with my hopeful gaze.