Page 10 of The Twisted Beats

“I never feel defeated. Stretched and out of my comfort zone, yes. Never defeated.”

And there’s no way I’m losing you forever.

She studies me intently, taking a sip of wine while seeming to ponder something. There’s no doubt in my mind that she knows something she doesn’t want to hear is coming.

She places her wineglass down but keeps her fingers on the stem, twisting the glass in a slow, circular motion. “What do you need to tell me, Jax?”

The server once again interrupts and takes our order. As he steps away, I give him a pointed stare, telling him to give usplenty of time before he returns. He gives me a subtle dip of his chin in acknowledgment.

I shift my gaze back to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. “You know I care deeply for you.”

“I do.” Her breath shallows. “What’s going on, Jax?”

I brace myself for one of the most difficult conversations I’ve ever had to have. “One of the companies I’ve heavily invested in is under attack. Some issues need my immediate attention.”

“Meaning?”

“I’m leaving for Malaysia tomorrow. I’m sorry, Livianna, but it’s got to be my number one priority.”

“When did you find this out?” She fixes a look of concentration on me, like she’s watching me for the slightest crack of deception.

“Yesterday morning.”

“Then why wait until tonight to tell me? Why dress it up as a romantic date?”

I swallow with my chest burning. “Our date is not a ruse. This evening is meant to be one we’ll both savor.”

Her eyes narrow. “You’ve been referencing Paris. You brought me to a French bistro, and you just said you hope we don’t forget each other. Not only that, but you were acting strange on our walk on the beach last night. Cough it up and tell me what this is really about.”

“Before I explain, understand that you’re not losing me for good. It’s just best if we take a breather while I’m away.”

She flinches back. “How do you go from showing me how much you care to taking a break?”

“Mon trésor, I feel deeper for you than I’ve ever felt about anyone. The issue is I don’t know how long I’ll need to be away. There are security issues with government agencies, tech moguls, lawyers, and more hands than I can count involved. It could take…”

She rubs her lips together and sitsstraight. “How long?”

I shake my head with my heart emptying. “I don’t know. Likely a month, maybe more.”

“And you can’t be in a long-distance relationship with me during that time?”

I stand, move my chair next to hers, and sit. She’s reaching for her iron mask and that’s the last thing I want.

I pull her into my arms and hold her. “Of course I can, but from what you’ve shared about your past, I don’t want you worrying about anything.”

She softens in my embrace. “But you’re different. You’re nothing like he was.”

I wish I knew who thishewas, because if I did, I’d make sure he got taught a lesson on how to treat a woman. This guy royally fucked Livianna up for a while.

When I met her, she was a wild child with nothing but self-destruction in her sights. She’s never told me who he was, just the circumstances of their relationship. It was toxic as fuck and she’s lucky she made it out of it alive.

I keep her secure in my arms for a moment so she can feel how much I care for her. The server approaches but quickly passes by when he realizes he’s not welcome. I allow her to stay where she is until she’s ready for some space.

A few moments pass and she sits back but turns so we’re close and face-to-face. “I trust you, Jax. This situation is miles apart from what I went through.”

“I understand, but hear me out. Truly consider what I’m saying.” I take her wrist in my hand and with my thumb I trace small circular movements over the scars hidden under the tattoos. “You’re a strong woman, Livianna, but you have some deep wounds you’ve never resolved.”

“Yes, I have. That part of my life is history.”