Page 132 of The Broken Keys

“I wouldn’t dream of hurting her.” I shift my weight, bracing for what comes next. “There’s something you should know.”

“What?”

“Livianna and I are moving in together.”

“What?” The single word cracks like a whip.

“She asked me to move in, and I’m there all the time. It makes sense, especially to her.”

“And what are you going to do when she remembers she loves me?”

I flex my chest on instinct. “If she remembers, then I’ll deal with anything she wants. But you should understand, she loves me too, and we’re growing closer.”

“Meaning?”

“We’re building something genuine, and that won’t change if she gets her memory back.”

Stone-faced, Jaxon stares so long without saying a word, I almost think he’s done talking. The silence stretches between us like a wire pulled taut, ready to snap.

Then he glances at the car where Livianna sits waiting. “If that’s true, then maybe that’s how it’s meant to be.”

“Right, like you’re gonna just bow out and let us keep building our future.”

“I will if it means she’s healthy, safe, and happy.” His voice drops to something raw and honest. “That’s all I’ll ever want for her.”

“That’s one thing we can agree on.” I rub the tight muscles in my neck. “I know you think this is an unfair twist of fate, but she’s doing well.”

“That’s all I can hope for.”

“And you should feel better knowing someone is there watching out for her. She has someone out there who wants to hurt her. Even with the insane security system her pops put in her house, she’s safer with someone there with her.”

He dips his chin in agreement. “Please keep me looped in regarding her. If she needs anything, if you need anything, just ask. Nothing is too big or small.”

“I can handle taking care of her.”

“You can, but I have resources you don’t.”

“Speaking of resources…” I pull my sunglasses out of my shirt pocket and slide them on. “Do you have any more information about who hit her?”

“I’ve had my team working around the clock since theaccident. We’re running down every lead, every connection, every enemy I’ve made over the years.”

“Every enemy you’ve made?”

“Yes.” He doesn’t flinch from the admission. “My business dealings… Situations in my life aren’t always clean, Cash. You should understand that better than most.”

“What have you found so far?”

“Three potential threats.” He pulls out his phone and scrolls through something. “One of them is a business rival who lost a significant investment when I pulled out of a deal. Another is connected to a pharmaceutical business I’ve been working with. The third is more personal.”

“Personal how?”

“Someone who believes I owe him something.” His stare moves to where Livianna waits. “Or someone, rather.”

My blood turns to ice. “Are you saying you’re positive someone went after her because of a personal vendetta against you?”

“I’m saying everything is pointing in that direction.” His expression cracks, showing the weight of guilt he’s been shouldering alone. “The timing of the accident, the location, the way her car was rammed; it all points to something calculated, not random.”

“Fucking hell, Jaxon. I knew it felt purposeful.” I curl my hands into fists at my sides. “If someone targeted her because of something they want from you, it’s best if she’s far away from you.”