Page 42 of The Bitter Words

“I can only hope.” I leave their house and head straight home.

As I drive, I take in everything Jaxon Crowne shared. He may have a few good points.

And with that, I lift my head higher and decide I’m gonna take on my enemy. What’s the worst that can happen?

I take the advice of Mr. Hemings and Jaxon Crowne. I arrange for my business and trust to get set up. It’s a more straightforward process than I expect.

Mayhem is signed and Leon is none the wiser that he can’t touch my assets. I’m protected all around and on top once again.

Livianna and I stroll into Leon’s New Year’s Eve party with the rest of the band and a couple of random girls they invited along. Nothing’s gonna stop us from celebrating our asses off on Leon’s dime.

Her gaze sweeps the luxurious mansion as party music blares through the corridor. “This is a beautiful house. I can’t believe Leon’s throwing a huge bash here.”

“Why?”

“Because the artwork alone must have cost a fortune. One person knocking one off and breaking it could put him back millions.”

“Then so be it. It’s not our problem.”

“What’s going on with you?”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t seem to care about pissing him off anymore. I feel like I’m missing something.”

“The only thing you’re missing is this.” I slide my arm around her neck and kiss her on the cheek.

She smiles. “I better be getting one of those on my lips when the clock strikes midnight.”

“It’s a promise.”

“I hope so because you said that last year and look what happened.”

My stomach churns with acid. “Let’s drop that subject. It gives me heartburn thinking about it.”

“Well, look who’s here.” Leon grabs two glasses of champagne off the tray of a server passing by and hands them to us. “I wasn’t sure you’d accept my invitation.”

We take our flutes and toast each other. She thanks Leon for his hospitality while I just stare his way.

“Cash, you’re quiet tonight. Lighten up. It’s New Year’s Eve and I want my guests to enjoy themselves.” Leon peeks around me. “Excuse me. I need to welcome some out-of-town arrivals.”

He runs off with a loud, boisterous laugh cutting through the loud hum of the crowd trying to yell over each other. I guide Livianna through his home for close to an hour, mingling with different people.

I’ve heard he usually has more TV personalities at these events, but since it’s a music industry party, maybe the actors aren’t invited. It’s unlikely considering Leon is flashy and likes to be in the spotlight.

It’s around eleven when my suspicions are verified. A group of at least twenty actors roll through the door, clutching their stomachs as if they just heard the funniest story.

My guess is they’re drunk, high on coke or Molly, and haven’t had a thing to eat.

My stomach tightens as they stroll into the room and Faith… Zara Blackthorn breaks through the middle. She flips her long brown hair over her shoulder and whispers something to Sebastian fucking Holloway.

I grab Livianna’s hand to lead her away. “Let’s go find Guns.”

“He said he was going to the bathroom.” She stays planted in her stilettos in the same spot.

Her back is to the entryway, so she has no idea why I want to leave. Zara and Sebastian are the last two people I wanna interact with.

I lean down near her ear. “You’re driving me wild, vixen. Let’s see if we can find a place to be alone.”