Page 3 of The Twisted Beats

“What?” I crease my brows together. “I’m not sure I understand.”

Slowly, he advances on me until he stands before me. He turns me toward the mirror. I peer at his reflection, waiting for an answer. A sly smile grows across his face, and his arms come over my head.

He places a magnificent ruby and diamond necklace around my neck. “Lift your hair and I’ll make sure its clasp is secure.”

“Jax, it’s beautiful.” I do as he asks and my heart balloons. A mischievous curl slips from my lips. It seems my bratty side thinks it’s time to provoke. “It’s not a collar, but I guess it will do.”

His hand slides to my throat. He grips it tightly between his thumb and fingers, choking me just enough to make it difficult to breathe but not enough to hurt me.

“Careful, firecracker, or you’ll be on your knees staining my cock instead of my mouth with those pretty red lips of yours.” He strengthens his grasp. “And we’re already late.”

His commanding stare tells me to behave. Since I can’t really speak, I nod, letting him know I understand.

He releases his hold and adjusts my necklace so it’s centered above my cleavage. “Livianna,tu es mon trésor. You don’t need a collar for that to be true.”

“I know I’m your treasure.” I face him and place my palms on his broad shoulders. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Why did you get me this?”

“You love to be spoiled, and tonight I plan on doing that while helping you remember how we met. If it weren’t for Paris, this thing between us never would’ve happened.”

“Oh! That’s why we’re going to a French bistro.” I rise on my tiptoes and give him a quick peck. “That’s very thoughtful of you. And I’ll even order more than soup and a salad.”

“You better.” He spins me around and swats my ass. “Let’s go, little one. I’ve already called once to change our arrival time. I won’t do it again.”

I sway out of the room, grabbing my blazer off the bed as I do. “Yes, my king.”

“There’s a reason my name is Crowne. And don’t you forget it.”

As Jax’s driver, David, weaves through a canyon, leading us to the secluded upscale restaurant, I fret over how Jax didn’t take me up on my offer to go into LA for dinner.

Why did he avoid my suggestion?

Even though he’s got his arm around my shoulders, he’sbeing too quiet and stiff. Something is off, but I can’t put my finger on it.

He’s got his impenetrable billionaire business mogul attitude dominating the back seat. Ever since yesterday, it seems he’s wrestling with something heavy.

His phone rings. He reaches into his inside jacket pocket and pulls it out.

He shifts away from me and answers without looking at the screen. “Jaxon Crowne.”

There’s a muffled male voice coming through the line. I can’t make out what he’s saying, but there’s an urgency to it.

Jax turns his head and peers out the window. “I already said I’d be there soon.”

He’s going somewhere?

I try to make out what the other guy is saying, but it’s useless. Jax has moved farther away, making it impossible.

He clears his throat. “Send everything over that I need to review. I’ll know more after I read it.”

There’s a brief pause, then Jax releases a growl. “I need to inspect the details myself. I’ll get back to you later. Right now, I’m busy and can’t discuss the matter.”

He hangs up without saying goodbye. Obviously, that call wasn’t pleasant, so I wait for him to address me. I’ve jumped in asking questions too soon after an interaction like that and it ended in a massive argument about him letting me into his life on a more personal level.

Whatever the issue ‌is he’s dealing with, it isn’t going to ruin our night. Once he cools down and I tell him I love him, everything will be exactly how it should be. Us tangled up together, driving each other insane with our passion.