Page 61 of Burning Bridges Duet

“Thank you, brother.” He then laughs and pushes him away. “God, you stink.” Chase laughs too before getting serious again.

“Liv just danced her heart out on the dance floor. That whole thing wreaked havoc on her.”

River finally looks up from the desk and zeroes in on Chase, concern etched on his face.

“She’s hurt?” he asks, and Chase looks over at him, his expression turning grim.

“Pretty much heartbroken, but too stubborn to fight or take initiative.”

“Fuck,” River mutters, standing and pulling at his hair. “She needs us. We need to show her that we support her, even just as friends, and that she’s not alone in this.”

“You’re right, Riv,” Ryder says, nodding in agreement. “Let’s go check on her and make sure she’s okay.”

They both leave my office, but not before Ryder shoots another glare my way. I let out a sigh as I sit down in my desk chair. Chase comes over to me and puts a hand on my shoulder.

“You know, Jax, I’m always going to be on your side first,” he starts. “And I’ll never pressure you into anything you can’t do, but if you fear what she could do to this family if we let her in, consider what she could do to it if we don’t.”

I look up at him, realizing the truth in his words. We’re all too far gone to avoid the impact Liv has on us.

“Please just promise me that you’ll give it a real fighting chance while you think about it. Don’t just push the idea away because you can’t see yourself there now. Really consider it, visualize it. Ask yourself what you would need from them to feel comfortable. If you take your time and still can’t do it, I’m with you, always.”

“Always,” I echo, grateful for his support. “You talk big for someone who’s just as smitten with her as I am but lacks the balls to try either,” I tease him, a smirk playing on my lips, but Chase shrugs in response.

“Maybe you’d make a great boyfriend for her. As for me, I don’t have much to offer,” he says, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“That’s not true and you know it,” I say but he just shrugs again before walking away, leaving me lost in thought.

THIRTY-FOUR

I drive home feeling completely shattered. Despite my efforts to maintain my composure, tears are streaming down my face. After Chase left me standing there, I just needed to get out of the studio. I get out of my car in front of my apartment complex and head straight for the elevator, trying to take deep breaths to keep myself together, but when I reach my door, I can’t seem to get the key into the lock. My hands are shaking so badly, and my vision is blurred with tears. I feel utterly defeated. I slump down onto the floor with my back against the door, my body hunched over as I let myself fall apart.

A few minutes later, I hear a muttered “Fuck” between my sobs, then I’m being lifted up by strong arms.

“Livy? What happened?” Gunner asks, his voice laced with concern. “Shh, I got you.”

I hold onto his broad chest, taking comfort in his familiar scent, and let out another sob.

“Gun,” I whimper. Slowly, I open my eyes to see his worried face staring back at me. He’s sitting down, holding me in his lap. As I glance around, I realize we’re not in my apartment, but his. The space is nearly identical, with the same kitchenette and built-in closet, but everything is more spaced out and tidy. Not a single wrinkle can be found on his perfectly made bed, and nothing is lying around except a notepad and pen on his desk.

“What happened, Livy?” he asks me in a gentle, soothing voice. I take a deep breath, trying to control my sobs.

“It’s over. I fucked up,” I say, feeling the tears start to well up again.

“What do you mean? What’s over?” he asks, concern etched on his face.

“I messed up with the guys. I want them all, but I can’t be the reason they fight and lose their family. I just can’t,” I explain, feeling the weight of my decision and the pain of losing them crashing down on me. Gunner holds me tightly and rubs soothing circles on my back.

“Shh, it’s okay. You made a tough decision, but you did what you thought was right. If they cool down and look at it realistically, they’ll understand that this kind of relationship was a bad idea from the start,” he says, trying to comfort me. But his words leave a sour taste in my mouth.

“What if I’ve lost them forever, even as friends?” I ask, feeling a sense of hopelessness creeping in. He tilts my chin up so I’m looking at him.

“Listen to me, Livy. You’re a kind, strong, beautiful, and talented woman. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their lives. If they can’t see that, then they don’t deserve you. You deserve to be with someone who loves and supports you, no matter what, and who always chooses you first. There’s somebody out there who is that for you, but it’s not them, and that’s okay. I’m proud of you for making that tough decision. Everything will be all right,” he says, and I look into his grey eyes, seeing the sincerity in them. Gunner has been a rock for me, always there to pick me up when I fall apart.

“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I say, and he smiles at me softly.

“That’s what friends are for Livy. You know I’m always here for you,” he responds. I lean into him, feeling safe.

“I wish I could just forget about all this and move on, but it’s going to be hard,” I say, feeling the weight of the situation still heavy on my chest.