Page 174 of The Broken Keys

“I don’t need your concern.” The anger in her voicesurprises even her because she blinks and touches her forehead. “I’m sorry. That was rude.”

“It’s fine.” Jaxon picks up his laptop. “The medication is still in your system.”

“It’s not that.” Livianna straightens despite still leaning on me. “I just think you should go now.”

The dismissal is clear. Her body tense against mine, that inexplicable hostility she has toward Jaxon surfacing even through the drug haze.

Jaxon notices it too. His gaze flicks between us before settling on me. “Remember what we discussed.”

“I will.” The promise sits weighted between us.

He steps toward the door, then pauses. “Cash, take care of business. Don’t make me come back here to do it for you.”

It’s not quite a threat, but it’s close enough.

“I’ve got it handled.” I keep my voice even.

Jaxon holds my stare for another beat, then nods once and leaves. The door closes behind him.

Livianna releases a shaky breath. “Why was he here?”

“He brought you home.” I guide her back toward the couch. “Do you remember that?”

“Yes.” She sinks onto the cushions. “God, I’ve been so angry with him today. So angry. But I don’t know why.”

I sit beside her and pull her close. “It’s okay. You don’t need all the answers right now.”

“But I do.” Her fingers curl into my shirt. “It’s the only way these headaches will stop.”

I hold her in my arms, stroking her hair. “Don’t worry, Lily. I’ve got you, and I’m not gonna let you fall.”

“But what if I fall anyway?”

It’s with those words that I make a decision. Everything is gonna change from this moment on. I stake my life on it. Things will change even if it tears us apart.

Chapter Thirty-Five

JAXON/JAX

Two Months Later

Now

Firecracker Dreams & Pretty Bows

The party should be a celebration, but it’s more like my funeral.

I’m in my office on a video call with Axel, talking about what he’s uncovered about the strike against Livianna’s life.

I pick up the picture he sent me. “What am I looking at?”

“That SUV that hit Livianna. It’s one of Edward Thorne’s security team’s vehicles. See the man in sunglasses standing off to the side?”

“Yes. Who is he?”

“He’s the lead on the team.” Axel picks up the same image and shows it to me through the screen. “I’m not sure why Leon Baker is with Edward and his daughter Faith, but I’ll see what I can dig up.”

I bring the photo closer, recognizing the girl. “That’s Faith Thorne?”