Page 138 of The Bitter Words

I try to hook onto something, but I come up with nothing. Hunter didn’t have an issue with her age and he’s in histhirties.

What is my hang-up around this? Her dad and his reaction flit on the screen of my mind.

I shift and look away. “It can’t work. I’m a family friend and that’s all it can ever be.”

“That’s what I thought.” She continues back to the party with an unstable gait. “You sure know how to make a woman feel fabulous about herself.”

“You’re a beautiful young lady. Please don’t doubt that.”

“Um-hmm.”

I slide my hands into my pants pockets and stew in silence. Nothing about this situation feels right.

My attraction to her, her reaction to me, her drinking and using drugs, me trying to save her from herself, it’s all wrong and there’s not a thing I can do to change it.

We get back to the table just in time for Gia to dismiss herself. When she does, she offers her leftover glass of champagne to Livianna. She happily accepts as she gives me fuck off vibes while finishing it off.

I keep a close eye on her, knowing she must be well over her limit. She’s now slurring her words and not finishing her sentences. If I had to guess, she’s on the verge of a meltdown, passing out, or falling on her face.

Sure enough, about ten minutes before the ball drops, signaling a new year, she stands to use the restroom and stumbles. Mateo reaches for her and stops her from toppling over.

Her eyelids tick down and she forces her unfocused gaze on him. “Will you be my New Year’s kiss?”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Livianna.” He holds her steady while keeping her at arm’s length. He sends me a tense look. “You know her better than I do. Can you help me out?”

“Yes.” I switch places with him and grab her purse off the table. “Mateo, please let Gia know I’ve taken Livianna to my suite so she can get some rest.”

“Will do.” He noticeably relaxes once she’s in my grasp. “Are you sure you’ll be okay alone with her?”

“Yes. She’s not…” I want to say spiteful, but I don’t know if that’s an accurate statement. “Fuck if I know, but it’s better than the alternative.”

He nods. “At least she’s not sick.”

“Not yet, anyway.” I pull her close to my side. “How about I get you to a place where you can kick off your shoes and lie down?”

“But I wanna see the…” She glances at the TV screen and sadness washes through her bloodshot eyes. “My brother’s mean.”

“Tell me what happened.” I turn and lead us out of the ballroom. “Maybe I can help.”

“You can’t. He’s already done the damage.” She leans into me. “Why do people hate me?”

“They don’t.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Livianna, why would people hate you?”

“Because I kill things. No, I killed them. Be careful, Jax. I might do you in, too.”

Fantastic. I see we’re at the rambling nonsense stage. I get to the elevators and reach into my pocket for my key card that will allow us onto my floor. Then I press the call button and wait.

The doors slide open and I usher her in. “Well, I like you and don’t believe you’d hurt anyone.”Except yourself.

“I have a strange feeling I’m not done ending people yet. Do you know how awful that is? I’m scared to death about it.” She rests her shoulder against the wall, scratching at her wrists. “If I didn’t do that, he wouldn’t despise me.”

“Who?” I swipe my key card and hit the button to my floor. The doors close and we ascend.

“The guy who wants to burn me to the ground.” She rolls to her back and peeks up at the ceiling. “He said you’d watchover us, but you didn’t. I don’t blame you, though. You’re mad at me, too.”