Page 79 of The Bitter Words

“Her boyfriend is going?—”

“My apologies for disappearing on you.” Cindy strolls up with her bloody nose taken care of. “The weather’s been so dry and my allergies are terrible.”

Yeah, right. She must think I’m an idiot if she believes I don’t know she has a cocaine problem.

Why Livianna was doing it with her is a whole other question, but none of my business. This town is full of people who do drugs. And in her line of work, it’s even more prevalent.

At first, when Livianna started to panic about whatever was going through her mind, I thought she was having a bad reaction from doing coke.

It became clear it was more than that by her breathless plea in the form of my name. She was crying for help as if she had been through a similar reaction before. The feeling resonates deep within me.

I release the thought and focus on the beauty that’s standing at my side. My mind goes to what I want to do to her later.

I slide my arm around Cindy’s waist. “I’m glad you got your issue taken care of.”

“It’s embarrassing.” She smiles over at Greg. “I met Livianna. I thought she looked familiar and assumed it was from a business venture.”

He chuckles. “No, she’s a TV star. That’s probably where you’ve seen her before.”

Cindy nods. “You’ve only mentioned you had a daughter and not by her name. Imagine how silly I felt when I realized she’s the star of the showEmber From Denver. In my defense, I never watch TV. I don’t have time for it. I’ve just seen her on the cover of a few magazines.”

Greg grows tense. “Don’t feel bad about not recognizing her. She was probably happy you didn’t put it together. She doesn’t like that side of fame.”

“Who would?” Cindy motions inside. “Will you excuse us,Greg? If we can find Lorna and I can show her my appreciation for a delightful night, that would be wonderful. I have a packed weekend at work and would like to get home early.”

“I understand. If it weren’t for Lorna demanding I take one day off every weekend, I would be a workaholic.” He leads us out. “Thanks for coming by.”

We give our gratitude for the invite, say goodbye to Lorna, and leave the party. Cindy may have told Greg she needed to rest due to her business obligations, but my guess is she’s looking for more entertainment in the bedroom. All well and good for me.

I have no desire to be in a relationship with her and she knows that. Our arrangement is purely sexual.

I drive out of the Hemingses’ estate. “Would you like to come over to my place, or do you really want to get home?”

“Take me to my house but plan on coming inside. I’d like to experience a great release and then go to sleep. I truly have a ton to do this weekend.” She runs her palm up my thigh.

My dick grows at her soft touch. “In that case, your place it is.”

She rests her head back and closes her eyes. “I’m mortified.”

“Why?”

“Before I realized who Livianna was, I thought she was a powerful business owner like we are.” Cindy shifts so she’s sitting sideways in my direction, still moving her hand over my shaft. “I mistakenly took her as someone my age.”

Talking about Livianna while Cindy massages my length gives me the creeps.

“Livianna does look older than she is.” I intertwine Cindy’s fingers with mine and move, resting our arms on the console between us. “Can we focus on us?”

“Of course, handsome. Although one last thing and then I’ll drop it.”

“What’s that?”

“I told her about the Becketts’ sex clubs.” Cindy visibly shudders. “I hope she doesn’t mention that to Greg and Lorna. They’ve been great clients of mine.”

“You did what?” My mouth goes dry. “Jesus Christ, she’s only seventeen.”

“I know. That’s why I’m spinning in my head.” Cindy pulls her hand into her lap. “Do you think I have anything to worry about?”

I consider everything Greg’s confided in me about Livianna. She has a tendency to act out and use her attractiveness to do it.