Page 8 of The Twisted Beats

Livianna’s shoulders lower a bit. “I’m sorry I treated you like I did. It wasn’t your fault and I took it out on you.”

Again, I peek toward the front of the bistro. The woman is gone. The muscles in my tight neck loosen.

I turn back to Livianna. “You don’t need to apologize. It’s clear that woman was goading you on.”

“You could say that.” Livianna’s face pulls into a frown. “Why did I let that bitch get to me? I’m so mad at myself I could scream.”

“Who is she anyway?”

“Her name is Zara Blackthorn. When I had my TV show,Ember From Denver, she had a recurring guest role. We never got along.”

“Your reaction wasn’t because of a petty childhood rivalry. Tell me the real reason she got under your skin.”

Livianna straightens her back, takes a drink of water, and averts my gaze. There’s that horrific shield getting ready to snap into place.

My instincts kick in. I’m a skilled negotiator and reading people is one of my strengths. She’s hiding something from me. I don’t know why she is, but I’m never wrong about these things.

“Excuse me for a minute.” I push my chair back and stand.

Her brows crease together. “Where are you going?”

I peer down at her with understanding. “You’re feelingexposed and unprotected. Our table is in the center of the room, so I’m going to request they move us to a more suitable area.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’m perfectly happy here.”

“If you say I’m off base about my awareness of your needs, I’ll sit and we can continue our discussion. Otherwise, I’m going to find a place where you feel safe enough to talk to me. Openly and honestly.”

“Jax…” Her gaze flits around the room. “Don’t.”

“Tell me I’m wrong in my assessment and I’ll leave it alone.”

She gives me the telltale sign. She fidgets with her bracelets and runs her fingernail over the rose tattoos on her wrist, yet still makes no eye contact.

I dip down to put myself in her line of sight. “You’re not in the bathroom anymore and you’re not fourteen. You’re twenty-three and in a restaurant with me. No one can hurt you here, but I suspect it would make for a more pleasant evening if you had more privacy.”

She pauses for a few beats and glances down, now adjusting the silverware. “You’re right. I would be more comfortable at a different table. I feel like everyone is staring at me.”

“Very well. I’ll be right back.” I leave, determined to get this night back on track.

After speaking with the manager and giving him some excuse as to why I want to move, he makes the changes. He seats us in an area on the other side of the bistro and in a back corner.

Much better.

Livianna’s already more relaxed. Her blue eyes shine brighter, her breathing has leveled off, and she’s back to her normal color.

“Thanks for calling me out back there.” She shakes her head. “I know better than to react like that in public.”

“Enough about that. Let’s get back to what this Zara woman did to provoke you.” I rest back against my chair, opening the space between us.

Livianna needs to feel like I’m listening, not giving her the third degree. Right as she starts to answer, our server approaches us. He goes over the specials and we order a bottle of wine. Once he leaves, I gesture for her to begin the conversation.

She places her folded arms on the table, inching closer to me. “Zara came into the restroom and asked me why I was back in town. I shouldn’t have engaged with her, but I’m proud my design house is doing well and… I guess I wanted to rub it in her face.”

“Good for you.” I chuckle. “Even if the reason you shared was a little childish, you should be proud of how well you’re doing. You’re young and not many people get to where you are at your age.”

“How old were you when you hit it big?”

“Twenty-six. Three years older than you were when you did.”