Page 156 of The Broken Keys

“That’s great, Lily.” I keep my voice even. “Sounds like you had a good teacher today.”

“I’ll say. He’s been a godsend.” She beams at Jaxon. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without him today. He made everything make sense.”

Jaxon’s gaze flickers to me for half a second before returning to Livianna. “You did the work yourself years ago. I just helped you remember.”

“Still.” She steps away from me and strides back to thedesk, gathering papers into a folder. “I’m so grateful. Thank you for dropping everything to help me.”

“Anytime.” Jaxon’s eyes find mine again, and something unspoken passes between us. A challenge. A warning. A resignation.

I’m not sure which.

“We should let you get on with your evening, Jaxon.” I gesture toward the door. “I’m sure you have plenty waiting for you.”

“Enough to last a lifetime.” Jaxon picks up his suit jacket from the back of Livianna’s chair. “I’ll be in my office tomorrow if you need anything else.”

“Thank you, Jaxon, for everything. I owe you lunch one of these days.” Livianna strolls over to him and gives him a hug.

I’m about to lose my shit. But I take a cleansing breath and tell myself to relax.

He holds her in his arms for a beat too long. His eyes even shut for a moment as he basks in having her near him.

“If you ever need anything, just ask.” He releases her and steps aside.

I grind on my molars and make a mental note to get back into therapy this week. If I don’t, I’m gonna ruin everything with my insecurities.

“That’s really kind of you.” She tucks the folder into her bag. “But I don’t want to keep taking up all your time. You’ve already done so much.”

“It’s not a burden.” His expression softens when he looks at her. “It never has been.”

I step forward and rest my hand on Livianna’s lower back. “Ready?”

She nods and turns to Jaxon one more time. “Seriously, thank you. Today would’ve been a disaster without you.”

“You’re catching on quickly and seem to be sliding right back into your role as the powerful designer you are.” Jaxonholds her gaze for a few seconds before shifting to me. “Take care of her, Cash.”

“Always.” The word comes out hard.

We stand there for a moment, the three of us caught in some twisted triangle. Livianna, oblivious to the weight pressing down on the room, me trying to maintain control, and Jaxon trying to let go.

“Good night, Jaxon.” I guide Livianna toward the door.

He gathers up his belongings and follows us out. “I’ll walk out with you both.”

Great.

We all leave and get into the elevator. Livianna keeps the conversation going. I can’t deny how nice it is that she isn’t second-guessing everything and asking questions about her past. She just chatters away with a gleam in her eyes.

We get to the car and say our goodbyes again. Right as she’s getting situated, she turns her head toward me with wide eyes.

“Callum, I just remembered something.”

And it’s with those words I see my future with her fade away.

Chapter Thirty-Two

JAXON/JAX

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