Page 130 of The Broken Keys

The office door swings open. Cash and Greg step through and I force myself to rest back, creating distance that feels like miles.

Cash’s glare lands on her hand near my leg. He squares his shoulders as he takes in how close we’re sitting and how her body is angled toward mine.

“Sorry to interrupt.” Greg strides to his desk. “Cash and I finished our discussion.”

Cash stays frozen in the doorway. Livianna pulls her hand back into her lap and my chest aches from the loss of her closeness.

She stands with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Thanks for talking with me, Jaxon. It helped.”

Cash steps forward and wraps his arm around her waist with possession written across every line of his body.

“Just what did Jaxon help you with, Lily?”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

CALLUM/CASH

Now

Lace Promises & The Damage I Don’t Confess

Every choice I make tonight feels like love on the surface…and something far more dangerous underneath.

“Just what did Jaxon help you with, Lily?” My gaze moves between them. They’re sitting way too close for my comfort.

Her eyes widen as if she’s surprised by my tone. I force my jaw to relax because I’m coming across as too aggressive, and Greg is here with us.

“Jaxon was telling me about how we started working together.” She stands and takes my hand. “When I interviewed for the mentorship in Paris, I had a panic attack and he helped me through it.”

My stomach drops because they talked about Paris and their history there. Moments I wasn’t part of.

“That was nice of him.” I keep my voice steady even though my insides are twisting. “Ready to go? We need to get you a new phone since I lost yours at the hospital.”

“Actually…” She glances back at Jaxon with that soft expression like she used to give me. “I’d love to hear more sometime. If you’re available.”

“Anytime you need, Livianna.” Jaxon gets to his feet. “Cash and your dad have my contact information. I’m sure either would be happy to share it with you.”

“Perfect.” She smiles his way. “Well, along with everything else I lost, Callum’s right. I need a new phone.”

Greg gives her a hug goodbye. “I was just speaking to Cash about that. Please make sure you send me your new phone number as soon as you get it. I don’t like relying on Cash for information about you.”

“Of course, Daddy. You’ll be the first one I reach out to.” She dips her chin toward Jaxon. “Jaxon, thanks for not treating me like a child. It was nice to sit and talk. I actually believe it now.”

“What’s that?” He narrows his brows.

“That you wanted to help me and weren’t forced into it.” She nods in appreciation.

“Nothing about working with you was forced upon me.” He slips his hands into his pockets and keeps his longing gaze glued on her.

A slight pinch tightens in my chest. The love he has for her almost bleeds off him—undeniable, unmistakable.

My insides empty, knowing I’m witnessing his heartbreak all while loving every minute I seem to be stealing with Livianna.

I’ve never been conflicted about how my actions are affecting another man, but this is different. I just wish I could get a handle on it so I could move forward with Livianna.

“Well, we’d better get going.” I guide her toward the door with my palm firmly on her lower back, silently claiming her.

I lie and tell myself this is the only way. And maybe it is.