Page 158 of The Twisted Beats

He’s a rockstar, Livianna. This is what they do.

I type out three messages, all intended to hurt like hell. Each and every one of them.

The first one I send to Callum.

Me:I’ve seen and read enough. Well done, mate. Once again, you’ve shown me who you really are. But don’t worry. You’ve never lied to me about that, so I don’t hold it against you. Oh, and one more thing. The name Mayhem is fitting. So true to you and all you bring by being in your life. Goodbye, Cash.

The next one goes out to Bren.

Me:I’ve canceled my trip. Let your crew know. Looks like you’ve scored yourself a new companion. Maybe she and her friend can take my place. Thanks for having my back, Guns. You’ve helped me with the clarity I’ve needed for a long time.

And the last one goes out to my special contact. One I’ve secretly made through someone from the studio.

Me:I have some extra time this weekend. Any chance we can meet up?

Marco my wizard:I’ll always make time for you, tiny. Whatcha thinking?

Me:It’s been hot out, so some Snow would be nice. I’ve got a Chronic case of the summertime blues. I could use some Hydrotherapy if you get my drift. Maybe we could meet up near Malibu and fit some of that in.

Marco my wizard:I got you, tiny. Malibu it is.

Me:Time and place… I’m thinking Malibu Pier. It’s only an hour away and I can find someone who’s willing to drive me there. I’ll let you know as soon as I secure a ride.

Marco my wizard:Can’t wait, tiny. It’s been a while.

I place my phone down and get ready to go to work, knowing I’ve once again just changed the course of my entire life. Oh, the dreadful lessons little girls need to learn.

Chapter Thirty-Three

JAXON

Then — Six Months Later

Seven Years Before Now

(Livianna 16 / Jaxon 31)

Desire doesn’t whisper…it dares you and then laughs while you choke on the ash.

Jesus, California, even in late September, is too hot. I’ve been traveling so much I forgot, but I’ve kept my enemies away for a long time, and I’m ready to put down roots. California makes the most sense.

I pull into the driveway of my realtor, Greg Hemings’ estate. Its immaculate grounds have me running my gaze over the property.

A gorgeous woman is sitting on the opulent staircase that leads to the grand front door. I quickly calculate her age.

I’m thirty-one and she appears to be a little younger than me, so she must be in her mid-twenties. Perfect if I can figure out who she is and see if she’ll give me the time of day.

She stares at me as I park. I can’t stop looking at her. She has electric blue eyes that suck me in. It could be her blue hairthat’s making them more pronounced, but damn she’s a beauty.

She’s not my usual type but more alluring than anything on this estate. That’s saying a lot because this is one of the most extravagant settings I’ve ever stepped foot on.

Who is she and why is she just sitting there?

I get out of my Audi and stride toward her with my stomach doing strange flips. She doesn’t move.

I keep advancing toward her like I’m magnetized to her. It’s likely because I haven’t been on a date in months, but I can’t deny, this woman has me wanting to ask her out right now. Too bad I have business to attend to.

I step up to the bottom of the staircase and remove my sunglasses. “Hi, I’m here for Greg Hemings.”