Page 149 of The Bitter Words

I get into the clothes and tie the shorts securely. Even if they fall down, the sweatshirt covers all of me. I’m swimming in it.

“Thanks again for letting me borrow something to wear.” I pull my hair out from underneath the material as I meander into the living room area. “That was thoughtful of you to consider my comfort.”

“I always want that.” His heavy gaze trails over me.

Warmth covers my skin. “Want what?”

“Um…” He clears his throat. “For you to be comfortable around me.”

“I want that, too.”

“Did you decide what you want for breakfast?” He peruses the menu. “We could share a couple of items, or you can decide something for yourself.”

The thought of sharing food with him seems a little intimate and I like it. “Let’s pick out something we both like and split our meals.”

He nods and keeps his focus away from me. We chose a fruit plate, eggs Benedict, and some chocolate chip pancakes, which were his choice. He calls and orders for us and then we both settle in to wait for our breakfast.

I curl up in the corner of the couch. “It’s nice to see you’re human.”

“What does that mean?” His question comes out somewhat offended. He sits sideways next to me and faces me.

“You ordered pancakes with chocolate chips. With a body like yours, I was expecting a meat tray or a protein platter.”

His eyes light up, and I swear he stifles a smile. “A body like mine?”

“Yes.” I dip my chin and stare at his chest. “You don’t get that cut without being disciplined.”

“Yeah, well. I need something to do to release the stress I’m under.”

“Jaxon Crowne gets stressed?”

He connects with my gaze with a gentle sincerity. “Like you, Livianna, I used to suffer from panic attacks.”

“Oh…” My insides tighten and I shift. I glance at my wrist and tug the sleeves of the sweatshirt down. “I should’ve said this earlier, but thanks for taking care of me last night.”

“Of course.”

“I guess I drank too much.”

“I’m sure that was part of it.”

“Meaning?”

He scoots closer and pauses. “May I?”

When I nod, he pushes the sleeve up and flips my palm over. My heart races.

He gently traces the cuts and scars on the insides of my arm with his pointer finger. “I’d say these have a lot to do with why you got sick last night.”

My head grows light and I whip my arm away from him. “These are just… I get nervous and?—”

“Livianna, it’s okay. You don’t need to explain. I was just making an observation. That said, if you ever want to talk about it with someone who understands, I’m here for you.”

I knit my brows and try to figure out if he is truly safe enough to discuss something so deeply personal and terrifying for me.

There’s nothing but a calm aura surrounding him. He has a quiet strength about him that puts me at ease.

I pull in a breath and relax. “Have you ever… You know…hurt yourself?”