Page 164 of The Broken Keys

“Hi, Jaxon.” It comes out clipped.

His warm brown eyes roam over me. “I was just going to check on you.”

“You don’t need to do that.” My words come out harshly. “I know you have more important things to deal with in Malaysia.”

A flash of pain slices through my brain, but I pretend I don’t notice.

“Livianna, are you…?”

“What, Jaxon? Just say what you’re skirting around.”

He pulls back, slides his hands into the pockets of his designer pants, and studies me. “My issues in Malaysia aren’t more important than you.”

“Right. I’m supposed to believe that.”Another strike of agony cuts through my mind and I brace myself. “Just go back to your work.”

He steps toward me. “Are you upset with me about something?”

“No.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“Stop, Jaxon.” I squeeze my eyes shut, praying for relief.

His phone rings. It’s some kind of preset ringtone thatsignals he purposely set it so he knows who’s calling. Fire erupts in my heart and I glare his way.

He takes his phone out of his suit pocket and stares at the screen for a second, like he’s debating answering it.

“Take your damn call, Jaxon. I know you want to.”

His eyes snap to mine. “Livianna?—”

“Ready to go.” Quinn joins us in the lobby and addresses Jaxon. “We’re going to get a latte. Do you want something while we’re out?”

His gaze stays on me like he’s waiting for me to do something. What that is, is beyond anything that makes sense to me. All I know is the longer that stupid ringtone goes off, the more my head hurts.

“Quinn, I want to go now.” I rush to the door, not understanding any of my out-of-control emotions.

Jaxon’s shoulders grow tense as I march for the door. His phone continues its shrill demand for attention, but he doesn’t move to answer it.

“Livianna, wait.” His voice carries an edge I can’t quite identify.

It stops me in my tracks. I pause with my hand on the handle, peeking back at him.

“What, Jaxon?”

“If you need anything…” His concerned-filled eyes flick to Quinn before returning to me. “Let me know if you need anything.”

“I’m fine.” The words come out sharp.

Quinn takes hold of my elbow. “We’ll be back in twenty minutes.”

Jaxon’s phone stops ringing. The quiet is a welcome change. He slides it back into his pocket without checking who called.

“You two need to be careful.” His expression deepens with something I can’t read.“Let me have my driver take you two.”

Control freak.

Jesus, I need to get out of here before I burn the bridge between Jaxon and me.