Page 75 of Shattered Rhythm

“Last night, I was at the new club Diamonds with Chris, Liv, and her friend Gunner,” he responds, and I’m surprised I’m only hearing about this now.

“And?” I ask.

“That Gunner guy was all over her. They didn’t do anything, but they seem close, and he lives right next to her,” Jax explains.

“Never heard of him,” I say, frowning.

“That’s what I said.” He nods.

“Do you think she’s with him and playing you guys?” I wonder aloud, and my heart sinks at the thought.

“No, not at all. There’s nothing from her side, but I’m not sure about him. Anyway, that made my blood boil, and I didn’t sleep a wink, thinking about her and our options,” he says, and I nod understandingly. “Chris and Liv got pretty drunk last night, so I brought them both home. I thought they’d be nursing a hangover today, but they showed up early to work out.” I still don’t see the problem.

“Jax, what’s the issue?” I ask. He stands up, bending down to put his hands on his desk.

“Kevin hit on Liv,” he tells me, and I chuckle.

“What’s new? I think he does that every day she’s here,” I point out.

“But she’s never responded,” Jax retorts. “Today she did. They’re going out tomorrow.”

I start to feel sick to my stomach.Kevin? That dumbass who can barely string a sentence together?

“Are you sure?” I ask, hoping for some other explanation, but Jaxon nods grimly.

“I heard them myself, talking about breakfast and walking on the beach or some shit. He even got her number.” I feel a wave of anger and jealousy wash over me.Liv deserves so much better than that sleazeball.

“We need to do something,” I say, clenching my fists. “I don’t want her to get hurt.”

Jaxon looks at me with an awkward smile, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, well, that’s kind of the problem, because I already did something.”

* * *

Jaxon

“You’re such a jerk!” Liv yells at me as I open the front door to my house the next morning. I’m surprised to see her here, but I’m glad she’s talking to me again, even if she’s mad. I’d rather deal with her being angry than her being hurt every day.

“Good morning to you, too,” I mutter, stepping aside to let her in. She storms past me and stops to take off her shoes by our shoe rack. As she tries to pull off her sneaker with both hands while hopping on one foot, I’m amused by how someone who dances so gracefully can be so clumsy in everyday life. I try to conceal my smile, but she catches it and shoots me a glare.

“What’s so funny?” she demands, nearly fuming.

“Nothing,” I say, failing to hide the amusement in my voice.

“You think it’s funny to tell every guy in the gym that I’muntouchable?” she demands.

Ah, that’s what twisted her panties. This is going to be fun.

“I don’t think I said that.” I reply, enjoying her agitation.

“No? You don’t think?” She jabs her forefinger into my chest with each word. “Let me refresh your memory.”

It’s a struggle to maintain a blank expression and not burst out laughing.

“Kevin just told me he had to cancel our plans today because, and I quote, ‘I’m sorry, Liv, I can’t risk my membership for a hot piece of ass.’” She drops her voice to imitate Kevin, sounding as dumb as he is.

My poker face crumbles, and I chuckle.

“Oh, you think that’s funny? Wait, it gets better,” she says, becoming even more agitated. “So, I ask Kevin, ‘What do you mean you’re risking your membership?’ And guess what he told me.” I don’t need to guess, but I play along.

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