Page 66 of Shattered Rhythm

“Always,” I echo, grateful for his support. “You talk big for someone who’s just as smitten with her as I am but lacks the balls to try either,” I tease him, a smirk playing on my lips, but Chase shrugs in response.

“Maybe you’d make a great boyfriend for her. As for me, I don’t have much to offer,” he says, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“That’s not true and you know it,” I say but he just shrugs again before walking away, leaving me lost in thought.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR

Liv

I drive home feeling completely shattered. Despite my efforts to maintain my composure, tears are streaming down my face. After Chase left me standing there, I just needed to get out of the studio. I get out of my car in front of my apartment complex and head straight for the elevator, trying to take deep breaths to keep myself together, but when I reach my door, I can’t seem to get the key into the lock. My hands are shaking so badly, and my vision is blurred with tears. I feel utterly defeated.I slump down onto the floor with my back against the door, my body hunched over as I let myself fall apart.

A few minutes later, I hear a muttered “Fuck” between my sobs, then I’m being lifted up by strong arms.

“Livy? What happened?” Gunner asks, his voice laced with concern. “Shh, I got you.”

I hold onto his broad chest, taking comfort in his familiar scent, and let out another sob.

“Gun,” I whimper. Slowly, I open my eyes to see his worried face staring back at me. He’s sitting down, holding me in his lap. As I glance around, I realize we’re not in my apartment, but his. The space is nearly identical, with the same kitchenette and built-in closet, but everything is more spaced out and tidy. Not a single wrinkle can be found on his perfectly made bed, and nothing is lying around except a notepad and pen on his desk.

“What happened, Livy?” he asks me in a gentle, soothing voice. I take a deep breath, trying to control my sobs.

“It’s over. I fucked up,” I say, feeling the tears start to well up again.

“What do you mean? What’s over?” he asks, concern etched on his face.

“I messed up with the guys. I want them all, but I can’t be the reason they fight and lose their family. I just can’t,” I explain, feeling the weight of my decision and the pain of losing them crashing down on me.Gunner holds me tightly and rubs soothing circles on my back.

“Shh, it’s okay. You made a tough decision, but you did what you thought was right. If they cool down and look at it realistically, they’ll understand that this kind of relationship was a bad idea from the start,” he says, trying to comfort me. But his words leave a sour taste in my mouth.

“What if I’ve lost them forever, even as friends?” I ask, feeling a sense of hopelessness creeping in. He tilts my chin up so I’m looking at him.

“Listen to me, Livy. You’re a kind, strong, beautiful, and talented woman. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their lives. If they can’t see that, then they don’t deserve you. You deserve to be with someone who loves and supports you, no matter what, and who always chooses you first. There’s somebody out there who is that for you, but it’s not them, and that’s okay. I’m proud of you for making that tough decision. Everything will be all right,” he says, and I look into his grey eyes, seeing the sincerity in them. Gunner has been a rock for me, always there to pick me up when I fall apart.

“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I say, and he smiles at me softly.

“That’s what friends are for Livy. You know I’m always here for you,” he responds. I lean into him, feeling safe.

“I wish I could just forget about all this and move on, but it’s going to be hard,” I say, feeling the weight of the situation still heavy on my chest.

“I know, Livy, but it’s okay to feel hurt and take time to heal. Just remember that you’re not alone,” he says, his voice gentle and understanding. I nod, taking in his words.

Maybe he’s right. Maybe it’s time for me to focus on myself and my own healing, without the added pressure of a complicated relationship. I hug him tighter, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me as I close my eyes.

* * *

I hear loud knocking and sit up. It takes me a second to remember where I am and that I’m lying in Gunner’s bed. I hear muffled knocking again, and my name being called. Gunner, who was sitting on the end of the bed, stands up and walks to the door. He opens it to Ryder and River banging on my door.

“I suggest you two get lost and forget about her,” he says.

“Fuck you, Gunner. Where is she?” Ryder snarls.

“Her bag with her keys and her phone is just lying outside her door. We’re worried. Can you please tell us if you know where she is?” River asks, trying to sound polite.

“Oh, I know where she is, and she told you guys that yourrelationship” —he nearly spits the word— “is over. So leave her in peace.”

“You piece of shit,” I hear Ryder say, then there’s some shuffling, so I quickly get out of the bed and go to the door.

“Gun, don’t!” I shout at him and pull on his biceps. He steps back to my side, revealing Ryder and River standing outside, both looking at me intently.

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