Page 134 of Burning Bridges Duet

TWENTY

For the most part, classes were calm and passed swiftly this week. Since I was dealing with a bitchy period, I mainly just went to college, and returned home, where at least one of the guys would always come over to spend time with me. We studied together, watched movies, and indulged in ice cream.

For Ryder, it’s been a fantastic week. His band signed the contract Monday, and they wasted no time getting into the studio to record some songs while their new manager tirelessly promoted their music, generating considerable buzz around their band. I am so fucking happy for him.

Today is Friday, and I’m finally feeling good again. It’s my day off from classes, and fortunately, there are no looming tests, so I can enjoy the weekend without the need to study. I took the morning to sleep in and catch up on some laundry, then, after checking the studio class schedule and finding that the dance floor should be available now, I get ready to go spend some time dancing.

I put on a white leotard with a high-cut design, an oversized beige sweater, and comfortable gray sweatpants that I can easily take off before I start dancing. After grabbing my bag and keys, I head towards the studio.

Chris is standing at the reception desk, talking to a customer. I offer her a smile before scanning the area for the guys, but I can’t seem to spot any of them. Shrugging, I walk towards the dance studio, where I set my bag down, remove my sweatpants, and begin stretching.

When Ryder was at my apartment earlier this week, he sang “Work Song” by Hozier to me, and it’s been stuck in my head ever since. I pondered which routine would work with the song, and during a sleepless night due to cramps, I crafted one in my mind. Now it’s time to put it to the test.

I take a deep breath as I step onto the middle of the dance floor. The hum of the song fills the studio, enveloping me in its soulful melody. As I let the music guide my movements, blending fluidity and strength in each step, I immerse myself in the emotions evoked by the song. The lyrics resonate with me, reminding me of the deep connections we form and the sacrifices we make for true love—true love I found with them. With each twist, turn, and leap, I pour my heart and soul into the dance.

By the time the song reaches its final notes, I find myself breathless. The routine feels like a perfect match with the lyrics, capturing the essence of the song’s longing and passion. I take a moment to catch my breath, a smile of accomplishment forming on my face.

“Liv,” I hear Jaxon call out, causing me to glance down the hallway, where he stands between the chairs. I beam at him.

“Just a minute,” I reply, quickly turning to get my phone, turn off the music, and gather my stuff before making my way back toward him.

As I approach, I notice the tension in his expression, and then my gaze shifts to his hand. He’s holding a yellowish piece of paper, and in that moment, my bag slips from my grip and falls to the ground.

Angel,

I see you’re still playing your little game, pretending that you can live without me, but I know the truth, Olivia. I know that deep down, you still crave me, still yearn for my touch. Those other men are just distractions, temporary replacements for what we had. You can try to convince yourself that you’re happy with them, but I know better. They don’t know you like I do. They don’t understand you like I do. They don’t love you like I do. None of them can compare to me, and you know it too. I’ve given you plenty of time to stop that nonsense, to make things right, but you’ve ignored my warning. Well, let me make it clear, Angel. The clock is ticking, and your time is running out.

I want you to remember the love we shared, the connection we had. You may think you can move on, but you’ll never get rid of our past. You have one last chance to change your ways, angel, one last chance to leave those men and return to where you belong. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can escape the consequences of your actions. I’ll be watching. Choose wisely, angel, because the price of defiance is steep.

I love you, be good.

Jaxon and the rest of the guys gather around me, forming a protective circle as I sit on the desk chair in Jaxon’s office. I’ve read the letter at least three times, its contents sinking in with each repetition.

“He’s escalating,” River states, concern evident in his voice.

“Now he’s outright threatening her,” Chase says.

“And us too.” Ryder’s words hang in the air, causing a sharp pang of panic to surge through me.

The threat extends beyond just me. It encompasses each and every one of us. Once again, I’m the reason my loved ones are in danger.

“I can’t go on like this. I can’t risk your safety anymore. I’m going back to Canada. Maybe once he knows I’m back home, he’ll calm down,” I say, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination as I rise from the chair.

“The fuck you are,” Jaxon responds, his tone forceful. “We can’t protect you if we’re not together. We stay together. Everything else is far more dangerous.”

“He only wants to get to you because of me!” I shout, frustration welling up inside me. “You won’t be in danger anymore if I’m gone.”

Ryder steps forward, taking my hand and looking down at me with sadness in his eyes.

“You promised, Liv,” he reminds me, and I deflate, sitting back down into the chair.

“Let’s focus on the facts,” River says prompting a collective nod of agreement. “What do we know?”

“Not much, but I’m going to change that,” I say. Taking out my phone, I dial Frank’s number and activate the loudspeaker.

“Hey, honey,” Frank greets me. “I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon again.”

I glance up at Jaxon, who visibly clenches his jaw at the endearment.