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Jordy has already figured it out. He sits back and his nostrils flare, but he stays silent, waiting for me to get it out. “So, to keep her safe, I’m breaking up with her. And I’m doing it tonight.”
I sit and wait for the explosion. The silence drags on and I look up to shocked expressions, except for Jordy, who glares at me.
“What the actual fuck?” Dylan breaks the silence.
His voice snaps them out of their shock. “Luke, have you lost your goddamn mind?” Jackson says.
“I’m not making this decision lightly. I’ve put things in motion to make this easier for her. She’s set up financially for the rest of her life. Garrett and Dylan, you’ll stay with her for the rest of your contract.”
“Do you think she gives a shit about being financially set? How could you do this to her?” Jackson says, his tone disbelieving.
“I can’t just leave her hanging. She already depends on me for a place to live. I still love her. That’s why I’m doing this. I hope one day she’ll be able to understand that.
“You’re an even bigger asshole than I gave you credit for. She trusts you, Luke. You make it sound like the end of a business deal. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Jackson says.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “It’s the only way he can get through it,” Jordy answers for me.
Jackson looks over at him, then back at me, and his fists clench as his jaw ticks.
Brando has been glaring at the ground with his arms crossed. His lips press together and he faces me. “What about when she dates someone else? Because she will. She’s a fucking catch. You’ll let another man put his hands on her? You think about that?”
I flinch, because when that day comes, I’ll be dead inside. “Yes. She deserves happiness. And in order for her to find it, I’m stepping back. I’ll be spending more time in LA.”
They stare at me again for a full minute. I’ve never tucked tail and run before, but that’s exactly what I’m doing.
“You don’t get to come crawling back to her once you’ve realized how much you’ve fucked up. You owe her a clean break. Do you understand me?” Jackson’s voice is hard and his eyes blaze.
They’re all ready to castrate me, but I feel content that Liv will have these fierce men to look after her. She’ll be protected, and I’ll be able to sleep at night, knowing she’s safe.
“I understand.” I nod at him, but it does little to soften his mood.
Jordy steps up to me and I stand to face him. He measures me for a long moment before he finally speaks.
“You’re letting your fear rule you.”
"So be it. They’ll kill her to get to me. I can’t let that happen.”
He’s silent for a few beats, then he lets out a weary sigh. He moves around me and heads towards the front door. When his hand hits the handle, he turns back. “For the record, this is the stupidest thing you’ve ever done.”
He leaves and slams the door behind him.
The guys glare at me. I won’t get any sympathy and I don’t deserve it. “I need whoever’s after me to be convinced that Liv isn’t important to me anymore.”
“What does Mark think?” Brando asks.
“He’s in your camp.”
“What about John?” Garrett asks.
My eyes drop to the ground. “I haven’t told him, but I think he has suspicions. I didn’t want to force him to keep it from Liv.”
“But you’re fine putting us in that position?” Jackson asks.
“I want you guys to be there for her when it happens. You can't do that if you're too busy being pissed at me. Now, you'll be able to focus on her.”
They fall silent as they try to absorb everything.
“Luke, for what it’s worth, I understand why you’re doing this. I think she will too someday, but you’re taking away her decision. Is there any way I can convince you to try a different route? At least talk to her first instead of blindsiding her like this?” Garrett asks.
