Page 128 of The Broken Keys

“They didn’t. You did, and it wasn’t a difficult decision to make.” I pause. “You had the vision. I simply provided guidance.”

“Guidance.” She smirks. “I’m sure that’s a nice way of putting it. Even though you say I did it all, I’m guessing my father strong-armed you into the mentorship. He’s good at volunteering people for things they probably didn’t sign up for.”

Greg chuckles. “I may have suggested it would be beneficial for you both.”

“Suggested?” Livianna raises an eyebrow. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

The easy banter between them twists something in me. This is a version of her eighteen-year-old self. She’s playful and unburdened by the weight of what we built together.

She’s genuinely happy, and that’s the key for me to make it through losing her. As long as there’s joy in her life, I need to step aside.

“Your dad can be persuasive.” I consider what he just asked me to do. “But mentoring you was never a burden. And I’ll repeat myself. I mentored you because you opened up to me and shared your dreams. It was never because I was doing a favor for anyone.”

“Well, thank you for that.” She inches toward Cash’s side, still addressing me. “And for whatever magic you worked to help me build my business. From what everyone tells me, Lehlani Rose Designs is pretty successful.”

“It is.” I force down my desire to take her in my arms. “You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

“It’s hard to be proud of something I don’t remember creating.” Her smile falters for just a second. “But I’m working on it.”

Cash’s hand finds the small of her back. It’s a subtle claim. A reminder that she’s his now and I’m walking a fine line for her mental well-being.

“We should let you two finish your meeting.” Cash glances between Greg and me. “Lily just wanted to stop by and say hello.”

“Thanks, Cash, but Jaxon and I are done.” Greg kisses her forehead. “But I have something I’d like to discuss with Cash in private.”

He tenses. “Yeah, sure.”

“Good.” Greg motions to the couch with a wave of hishand. “Jaxon and Livianna, sit. Jaxon, why don’t you and Livianna talk about her company? I’m sure she has plenty of questions for you.”

“I’d like that.” Livianna has a subtle limp as she moves toward the couch. “Jaxon, I’d appreciate all the help I can get.”

Greg and Cash leave the office, the door closing behind them. The silence that follows is heavy and awkward.

Livianna settles into the corner of the couch, leaving space between us. She tucks one leg under her and winces from the movement.

The yellow and green bruises on her face are healing, but they’re still visible reminders of how close I came to losing her forever.

“So…” She smooths her jeans with the palms of her hands. “Where do we even start?”

“Wherever you’d like.” I sit in the middle, needing to be as close to her as possible. “What do you want to know about Lehlani Rose Designs?”

She opens her mouth to answer, but nothing comes out. Her gaze drifts to something over my shoulder.

She presses her nails against her wrist where her scars from cutting on herself remain covered by rose tattoos she got after I suggested she let herself heal from needing to hurt herself.

There’s a sadness in her expression that wasn’t there before. Something about it has my protective instincts kicking in. I swallow hard and study her for any sign she’s regressing emotionally.

“Actually, can I ask you something first?” She brings her attention back to me.

“Of course.”

“The last time I remember being with you, you left me in tears. You didn’t seem to like me, so why did you help me?”

“Things were very different when we got involved.”

“How so?” She shifts closer to me, so close I can smell her sweet aroma.

“You went back to your old perfume.” It’s another reminder she’s not where I am—in love and wanting to be together. A lump forms in my throat.