Page 41 of Burning Bridges Duet

“Thanks, Theobear. What race are we driving today?” I ask him with a smile.

“No race today, Livy. We’re driving up Mount Everest,” Theodore replies enthusiastically, and I raise my eyebrows in surprise.

“Oh, that’s pretty high up and cold too. Aren’t you scared the cars might fall down?”

The scene shifts. We’re in my room now, and Theodore’s face is pale as a sheet, his big green eyes filled with fear and pain.

“I’m scared, Livy,” he whispers, his voice barely above a breath. Closing my eyes, I scream.

“I should give you a key already.” I say, sniffling, when I open the door to Gunner. He smiles and steps in, pulling me into his wide chest.

“We should look into aromatherapy or something,” he suggests, stroking my hair while still holding me.

“You’re into aromatherapy?” I lean a bit away from him to look up and see his face, but he just laughs.

“Nope, I’m not, but I’d be willing to try if it would help you sleep better,” he says, leading me to the bed. He gets in under the covers, as if all this is already normal to him.

“I’m so sorry for waking you up so often,” I say, feeling guilty, but he takes my hand and guides me to lie beside him. I rest my head on his chest, and his heartbeat immediately begins to soothe me.

“Do you go to therapy for everything that happened?” he asks me quietly. My head snaps up, and I look at him questioningly. There’s a glint of something in his eyes for a second, but it disappears quickly.

“Livy, I’m not dumb,” he explains. “You went through something traumatic, and the nightmares are proof. It’s okay to seek help.” I lay my head back down on his chest again, unable to meet his gaze as we talk about my struggles.

“I do see a therapist. We have weekly sessions, but since she’s back home, we have them online,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. I hear the pillows shift as he nods.

“And what does she suggest for the nightmares?” he asks gently.

“She recommended sleeping pills, but I don’t feel comfortable taking them, especially since I live alone,” I reply. He squeezes me a little tighter, pulling me closer to his side.

“I understand that,” he says. “Looks like we really do have to get into aromatherapy.” I can’t help but laugh at the suggestion. “Or we could try smoking a blunt. I know someone who can get us one,” he whispers, and I playfully smack his chest. He chuckles in response. “Back to aromatherapy it is then,” he concedes with a grin, stroking my arm soothingly, and before I know it, I’m asleep once again.

Riv and I are getting ready to leave and buy some cozy blankets for our movie night when Jaxon comes out from his room.

“You going to take long?” he asks.

“Not planning to,” River responds, and Jaxon runs a hand through his hair.

“Do you mind bringing back some nachos? I forgot them earlier,” he asks, and River grins.

“No problem,” he replies.

Just then Chase turns the corner, but he stops in his tracks when he sees us.

Jaxon continues, “Do you guys know if she’s more into sweets or⁠—”

“Are you serious, Jax?” Chase cuts in with a laugh, interrupting Jaxon. “I know River is pussy whipped, but now you are too?”

River glares at him, and I can sense his anger building up. I’ve never seen him so standoffish towards Chase, and it raises my hackles. I take a step closer, standing directly next to River, and confront Chase.

“Jealous?” I ask him, presenting a united front with my twin.

“Jealous? Of what? Pining after the same girl my brothers are too?” Chase responds with a bitter laugh. I glance at River, who is still glaring, then at Jaxon, whose eyebrows are furrowed as if he’s lost in thought.

“Have you seen the girl we’re talking about, Chase? She’s funny, kind, strong, loyal, and not to mention the hottest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Sharing her with my brothers doesn’t sound like a hardship to me.”

River nudges me gently with his shoulder, and I turn to him. His smile is reassuring, and I can’t help but smile back. Jaxon’s voice cuts through the moment, rough and serious.

“No one is sharing anyone,” he says. “Let’s not talk like that. We don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. She needs friends, and we want to be that for her because we care about her. I think a girl like her would run for the hills if she knew what you guys are thinking about doing with her. It would never work anyway. She’s a nice girl, but we’re not going to risk our family for that, you hear me?”