“The worst,” I agree, nudging her playfully. “You hid her car keys in the fish tank.”
“I maintain that was an accident.”
“You were eight, not stupid.”
Liv shrugs. “I was jealous. You had this amazing mom who baked cookies and taught you to paint.”
“And you had Derek, who could buy the entire cookie factory and hire Picasso’s ghost.”
“Not the same,” Liv sighs. “Your mom made our house a home. My birth mother was more interested in social climbing than raising me.”
I feel a pang in my chest. Mom had treated Olivia like her own daughter from day one, despite Liv’s initial resistance. “She loved you, you know. Used to tease that you were her fashion consultant in daughter form—while I was her wild artist who could never keep my hair tidy or clothes matching.”
“Yeah, she used to grumble when she’d find you covered in paint with leaves in your hair,” Liv laughs, then grows quiet. “I miss her every day, Aurora. Cancer is such a bitch.”
“Yeah,” I whisper, the familiar grief washing over me.
“Remember when she taught us self-defense in the backyard?” Liv asks.
“Dad nearly had a heart attack when he came home to find his wife teaching his daughters how to break someone’s nose.”
We’re both laughing when a mechanical whir breaks through our moment. The electronic lock disengages with an ominous click.
The heavy door swings open, revealing a tall figure silhouetted against the harsh hallway light.
"Ladies," Jax King steps into our cell, his smile chilling as his eyes lock with mine. "I wanted to welcome you personally."
I feel my stomach twist as Jax's predatory gaze shifts from me to Olivia. His eyes travel down her body, lingering on the places where her masquerade gown clings to her curves. It's not just the way he looks at her, but the unhurried, possessive nature of his assessment that makes my skin crawl. Liv inches closer to me on the cot, a subtle movement that speaks volumes.
Jax steps further into our cell, his expensive suit a stark contrast to the bare concrete surroundings. The door remains open behind him, but the guard positioned there makes any thought of rushing past futile.
"You should settle in, ladies," Jax says, his voice smooth as glass yet sharp enough to cut. "These accommodations aren't the luxury you're accustomed to, I know, but you won’t be go anywhere anytime soon."
Liv's hand finds mine, squeezing tightly.
Jax notices, dark eyes moving to our entwined hands.
"Aurora Harrison," Jax says my name like he's tasting it. "The woman who managed what no one else could – capturing Hunter Reed's undivided attention." His gaze slides back to Liv. "And Olivia Harrison. The supposed fiancée."
Jax moves closer to Liv, who shrinks further against me. He reaches out and twirls a strand of her blonde hair between his fingers. The casual violation makes my stomach clench.
"You know," he says to Liv, "I've watched you at charity events for years. Always so polished, so perfect." His hand moves to hover near her face, not quite touching. "I wondered what was beneath that carefully constructed façade."
"Don't touch her," I snap, pulling Liv closer to me.
Jax's smile widens. "Protective. Just like your lover." He steps back, straightening his cuffs. "You should know, Hunter istearing the city apart looking for you. It's quite entertaining to watch."
"If you hurt him—" I begin.
"You'll what?" Jax laughs, the sound bouncing off the concrete walls. "You're in no position to make threats, Ms. Harrison." His eyes drift to Olivia again. "Either of you."
Liv raises her chin, finding her courage. "Our father will notice we're missing."
"Derek Harrison," Jax nods. "Yes, I imagine he will. Though I doubt he'll look in my direction. We've had a mutually beneficial relationship for years."
He walks around our cell like he's inspecting property.
"I must say, this is fascinating," Jax continues. "Hunter Reed, the man who feels nothing for anyone, is willing to risk everything for you." He points at me, then shifts his attention back to Liv. "And you, the perfect society daughter, why didn't Hunter want you?"
