Page 161 of The Broken Keys

I remain silent because if that were true, we wouldn’t be here. We sit, dread filling the space between us, both seemingly spinning helplessly in the situation.

After a moment, he releases a heavy sigh. “I think Livianna is in more danger than we thought.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because not only are the people who want to hurt you after her, but so is Zara. And if she can get to Livianna to take her down, she will.” He stands. “She threatened us the night before the accident. I forgot about it until just now.”

I rise to his level. “What happened?”

“We went dancing and ran into Zara and a friend of hers. Zara alluded she knew who Livianna was dating. Turns out she did. Makes sense now since she saw you two together.” He shrugs. “Long story short, we all got into a fight. On her way out of the club, Zara vowed to come after Livianna.”

“Interesting.”

“What?”

“If Zara knew we were dating, why wouldn’t she tell you when she ran into you?”

He stiffens. “She enjoys holding things over my head.”

“Then the better question is, what’s she got on you, Cash?”

Chapter Thirty-Three

LIVIANNA/LILY

Now

Rattling Ringtones & White Magic

My brain refuses to remember, but that doesn’t stop my reactions.

Iplace a profit-and-loss statement on my desk, my head held high. Lehlani Rose Designs is doing better than I ever dreamed.

Quinn strolls into my office. She must do this a lot because she acts as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. “Pilates tonight. I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Pilates?” I visualize a reformer and making a complete ass out of myself trying to operate one. “Quinn, I think I need to have a few private sessions to get back to the level I was before.”

“No, you don’t. It’s like riding a bike. You might be rusty, but after one class you’ll be right back to where you were.”

I force a smile and gesture to the chair across from my desk. “Can we talk for a minute?”

“Sure.” She settles into the seat and crosses her legs. Herexpression shifts from playful to concerned. “What’s going on?”

My pulse quickens and I glance at the closed door behind her. The words sit heavy on my tongue. My stomach knots because I need to know if I can trust her, but I can’t just blurt out the truth.

“Actually, about Pilates…” I shift forward and rest my elbows on the desk. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yes.”

“How would you handle it if someone told you something really personal? Something that could change how people see them?”

“Is this hypothetical or are we talking about you?”

I don’t answer. Instead, I study her reaction, gauging whether she seems like someone who would keep a secret or run straight to someone else with it.

“I’m just trying to figure out who I can be completely honest with.” I drum my fingers on the desk.

“You can trust me.” She narrows her eyes. “Have I let you down so far?”