Page 86 of Shattered Rhythm

“Something funny or some action?” I ask, and he squeezes me.

“Whatever you want, but I would be down for something light and fun.”

“A Pixar movie it is,” I say, and he huffs a laugh in my hair as I start going through the options.

“How have you been, Livy?” he asks me. “I was so caught up in all my shit, I didn’t even ask, and I’m sorry. Did you sleep better the last few nights? I haven’t heard you.”

“I did,” I reply.

“That’s good. And did those jackasses do anything new? I like Chris, by the way. She’s cool,” he says, and I cringe. Oh, I messed up by not updating him sooner.

On the other hand, he did ignore me.

“Yes, she is, and yes, there were some developments with the guys,” I say to Gunner, but when I don’t elaborate further, he puts both hands on my hips and lifts me so I’m sitting sideways on one of his thighs. He looks at me with raised eyebrows.

“Livy—” he starts, but I cut him off.

“I’m in a relationship with three of them now,” I blurt out so quickly, it nearly becomes one word. His eyes go as wide as they can while still swollen.

“What? When did this happen? With three of them? Which ones?” he asks, seeming shocked, and I can’t blame him. The last time he checked, I was heartbroken over all of them.

“Yes, I know it sounds crazy. It’s just that Jaxon got jealous after our night out, and he finally said he was willing to try this thing between us, so it just kind of happened. Now I’m with Jaxon and the twins, but Chase doesn’t want to be in a relationship,” I explain, feeling embarrassed.

“Livy, you know that’s unconventional, right? And there’s a lot to consider. Did you guys talk that out? Are you exclusive? Is this relationship public, or do you hide it? Do you guys have a schedule, and what do you do when there’s jealousy?”he asks, and my shoulders bunch up.

“It sounds like you’ve thought more about the details than I have,” I say, and Gunner’s expression softens.

“It’s okay, Livy. As long as you’re happy and everyone’s on board with it, that’s all that matters,” he says, giving me a gentle squeeze. I smile in relief, feeling grateful for his understanding.

“Thank you, Gun. I was so worried about telling you,” I say, and he chuckles.

“Well, I’m not going to lie, it’s a bit of a shock. But let me tell you, when one or all of them fuck up, I am going to kick their asses,” he declares, and I laugh.

“When they fuck up, I’m going to give you permission to do it. But, Gun, I am happy,” I say, leaning my head against his chest.

We sit in silence for a few minutes, then Gunner breaks the quiet.

“So who’s the best kisser?” he teases, and I playfully hit him on the chest.

“Shut up,” I laugh before sitting in front of him again and starting the movie.

CHAPTERFORTY-THREE

Olivia

“They wanted to take you away from me!” Liam screams in my face, bending over me. “Your father told mine that he thought I wasn’t treating you as well as I should, that I needed to change.” He steps back and tugs at his hair with one hand, while the other gestures wildly with the knife, getting too close to Theo and me for comfort.

What he says surprises me. I didn’t know my father had caught on that something wasn’t right. Now, even more guilt floods me. I need to do something. I need to save Theo.

“Okay, so they’re gone now,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, but tears are freely running down my cheeks. “They can’t separate us anymore. Let’s just leave Theo here and go to your house instead.”

“No, we need to pack your stuff and get out of the country. I have everything I need in the car, and he…” Liam spins around to point at Theo, but he uses the hand that’s holding the knife, and he’s too close. It happens so quickly, I’m not even sure what happened, but now Theo is on his knees, clutching his bleeding chest.

There’s so much blood.It pours like a crimson waterfall, pooling around him, seeping into the light green carpet. I get on my hands and knees, wanting to crawl to him, but Liam is crouching in front of Theo, one hand on his shoulder, pointing his knife at me with the other.

“No! You stay there!” he shouts.

“Liam! He’s bleeding too much! We need to call an ambulance.” I yell.

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