Page 76 of Shattered Rhythm

“What?” I ask, and she smirks sarcastically.

“He said Jaxon Tanner let everyone in his gym know that Liv Michaels isuntouchable, and any guy who tries to date her or make a move on her will get kicked out of Tanner Fitness with a lifelong ban.”Good to know the rumor mill works so well.

“I still don’t think I used the worduntouchable,” I say, scratching my beard.Damn, I need to shave soon.

“Oh, you didn’t?” she retorts, crossing her arms defensively over her chest.

“No, I think the word I used wasmine.”

* * *

Liv

My mind goes blank, and my anger deflates. Did he just say what I think he did? That makes no sense. He said he won’t—nocan’tshare, that this would never work, and he knows I couldn’t choose just him, not if I feel as much for him as I do for the others.

“I…” I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

“You, speechless? I never thought I’d see the day.”

The cocky bastard.

I punch him in his side reflexively, but he doesn’t even flinch. Let’s be honest, that hurt me more than him. We hear a sound coming from Ryders’ room. Fuck, we’re being too loud for this early in the morning. Jaxon takes me by the hand and guides me down the hallway, where he ushers me into his room and closes the door. I take a quick look around. His room is neat and neutral. I stand there, not sure what to say or do.

“Liv, I’m sorry.”

Well, that was unexpected.

“I know I hurt you—” he starts, but I don’t want to hear it again, so I interrupt him.

“You did, and I’m sorry, but I don’t need a replay of that conversation. I get it. The thought was selfish, and I would never come between you guys.”

One second, he’s standing in front of me, and the next, I’m pressed against the door, sandwiched between his hard body and the wood. He holds my head in his hands as he gazes into my eyes, and my breath hitches.

“I wasn’t done, sunshine,” he murmurs, and I swallow hard. “I really thought I couldn’t do it. Honestly, Liv, I didn’t want to hurt you. I tried to get my head around the idea of sharing you with my brothers, but I just couldn’t see it.”

I don’t get this man.

“You’re giving me whiplash, Jaxon,” I say, and he chuckles.

“I’m sorry.Again.” He presses his forehead to mine, closes his eyes, and whispers, “But do you know what I can’t see, Liv? A future without you. A future where you’re dating a douche like Kevin just to get to me.”

Oops, busted.

“I can’t see a future where Ryder falls into his darkness again, or where River goes back to his clinical self. I can’t stand the thought of Chase living his life only to watch my back, and I can’t see any future for me without you in it. We need you Liv.Ineed you,” he murmurs.

I’m floored, and I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe this guy. He’s the most infuriating man I’ve ever met. I think he feels my anger rising when he opens his eyes again, so he lets go of me. He steps back until his calves hit the side of the bed, where he sinks down to sit on it, looking at me warily. Forearms on his knees, he cracks his knuckles.Is that a nervous habit?Is he playing with me, or did he just need time to get used to a very unconventional idea?

“Sunshine, come here,” Jaxon says, reaching for me. His voice is low, and a shiver goes down my back. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “Eyes on me.” I snap my gaze back to his. His eyes are hooded, and I see more than just desire in them, but no, that can’t be, right? He doesn’t even know me or the dark parts of my life…

“Liv.” I take a few steps and stop right in front of him. Jaxon takes me by the hips and pulls me down onto his lap so I straddle him. I wiggle a bit, and he groans. With one hand still on my hip, he takes my chin between his thumb and forefinger so I can’t avert my eyes again.

“I claim you Liv, for me, for us. You’re ours, whether you’ve accepted that or not, but right at this moment, you’re just mine, and I want your full attention. Can you do that? Can you be a good girl for me?”

Ugh, this man has a mouth on him.His thumb swipes over my bottom lip, and I bite it gently.

“I need to hear you say it, Liv. Tell me you want me as much as I want you,” he demands.

“Please,” I say, and even to my own ears, my voice sounds pleading.

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