Page 71 of The Bitter Words

“Okay. Whatever.” He turns and opens the door. “Let’s go get that drink of yours. You’ve gotta be thirsty after that.”

I let the issue go. If I keep pushing, we’re bound to end up in a big miscommunication. It’s not worth it.

We leave and pass a few people waiting for the bathroom. Two guys give Callum a high five and laugh.

I just smile and keep my head up. I’m not ashamed ofbeing with him and that includes having sex with him in a public restroom.

We return to the table. Someone got me my own chair so we all have seats. Callum and I settle in and join the conversation.

Cooper shoves Callum’s arm. “Hope this means you’ll quit stomping around with a chip on your shoulder.”

“I wasn’t doing that.” He lounges back, places his palm on my knee, and smirks. “Well, I was doing something, but not what you said.”

“Luckiest motherfucker I know.” Hawke places his beer down and plays the air drums with the current song playing. “Livianna, why do you put up with him?”

“He’s not like that with me.” I put my hand on top of Callum’s.

“Bullshit.” Bren raises his eyebrows. “I live with you. I see what goes on, so you can drop the act.”

My cheeks heat. “Callum’s not that bad. Of course, we argue sometimes, but it’s nothing big. Besides, I like being with him.”

“He’s the moodiest guy in LA.” Bren moves a small bowl of peanuts that’s in the center of the table toward him. “I love him like my brother, but he needs to figure out what’s going on in that head of his.”

“I get migraines, dickhead.” Callum jerks his leg under the table. The movement shakes our drinks a little.

“Ouch. That hurt.” Bren must have gotten kicked. “That’s my point, Cash. You get laid. Then come out here and wanna cause physical damage to someone. What’s the matter with you?”

“Fucking hell, I’ve got a lot going on. Okay?” He rakes his teeth over his bottom lip and shifts. “We’ve been working nonstop, we’ve leaving town next Sunday, and I still gotta figure out who’s gonna watch out for my ma while we’re gone. On top of that, my uncle is using more than ever before.”

“Family shit always sucks.” Hawke picks up his beer. “Let us know if we can help with that.”

“I’ll work it out.” Callum pulls his arm away and takes a gulp of his Guinness.

A thought slides into my mind and I turn to him. “Hey, I heard there’s a kickoff party for your tour on Friday before you guys leave. Were you ever going to tell me about it?”

“Where did you get that piece of information?” He grips his glass tighter, making his knuckles turn white.

Yikes.He knows what I’m going to say.

I brace myself. “Someone at work told me about it.”

“Who?” He pushes upright. “There’s only one person I can think of who would know about that.”

“Yes.” My stomach does a flip. “It was Sebastian.”

Callum’s face flashes red. “I told you to stay the fuck away from him, Livianna.”

“How am I supposed to do that when we shoot scenes together every day?” My breathing kicks up.

“Filming is one thing. Talking is another, and I specifically said to avoid that prick.” He makes fists with his hands. “Are you just begging to get hurt?”

“Don’t go at my sister like that, Cash.” Bren’s chest flexes. “It won’t end well.”

“Like what?” Callum glares across the table. “Telling her she’s playing with fire?”

“No. You’re getting ready to take a swing.” Bren gestures to Callum’s arms. “Hit her and there will be huge problems.”

His crazed gaze goes to his fists. He uncurls them and his jaw twitches. All the guys have their eyes peeled on him like they’re ready to tackle him if he makes one wrong move.