Page 176 of The Broken Keys

What is she up to?

Livianna’s eyes widen. “What?”

“You don’t mind if they come too, do you?” Quinn presses her palms together as if begging Livianna to agree. “Andrew is really fun to party with, and Jaxon needs to relax. He’s been too wound up lately.”

“Um…” She glances my way. “Sure. You guys should come.”

Knowing it’s not a great idea to join them, I give her an out. “Andrew, you go with them. I have work?—”

“Not tonight, Jaxon.” Quinn takes my arm and leads us down the hall. “We have an important party to go to.”

“Yeah, and where is this party?” I step away from Quinn.

“It’s at my mom and dad’s house,” Livianna chimes in from behind me.

My neck muscles grow tense. Greg Hemings is going to want answers I don’t have.

But maybe I can ask Cash about Leon Baker and Edward Thorne. Understanding their connection could help me figure out what I’m dealing with.

Whatever it is, I know it’s not good. My intuition is screaming that this is a bigger problem than I can imagine.

Everything surrounding Livianna’s accident has been devastating, so Leon and Edward knowing each other isn’t just going to be a simple coincidence.

I feel it in my bones, but I can’t stop without making right what one of Edward’s men did to her. I’m almost positive Zara is part of it, but I need to be sure before I take action.

As I’m ruminating on that thought, they chatter about Andrew’s trip. The mention of Malaysia has Livianna rubbing her temples.

I hate seeing her in pain, so I jump in. “Livianna, your hair is violet. It looks good.”

“You told me once at my parents’ networking party you thought my natural color was better.” She stops in front of the elevator and raises her eyebrows. “Do you still feel that way?”

“I’ve always thought you’re a natural beauty. Your hair color doesn’t distract from that.” The elevator doors open, saving me from groveling over her hurt feelings.

We all gather in and take the lift down. Andrew switches topics, keeping us away from any delicate subjects. I make a mental note to thank him later.

We get out to the front of the building, and a limo is waiting. Livianna skips off with Quinn following close behind.

Andrew pats my shoulder. “You sure you’re up for this?”

“No, but I know how to control myself.”

“You do, but…”

“What’s the worst thing that can happen?”

He huffs. “A lot.”

“It’s a goddamn party. Not a funeral.” I shrug his palm off me. “Just get in the car.”

“It’s your choice, but don’t say I didn’t give you an out.”

I release a low growl and march to the open back door of the limo. I duck through the narrow space and slide into the seat farthest from Livianna.

We make eye contact and I swear she blushes. I want to jump in and ask why, but I no longer have the right to do so. It’s a knife to my heart how distant we’ve become.

I gaze out the window and focus on anything but the past. The ride to her parents’ house is dreadful, but I pretend to enjoy myself.

When Livianna insists, I even toast to a night full of laughter and love with a shot of whiskey she forced into my hands.