Page 38 of Money Reigns
Liv.
The way he says it makes my jaw tighten.
I nod once, cutting him off before he can say anything else. “Good. Because I need you to leave on assignment. Early.”
His brows lift. “For California?” His voice is full of barely-contained excitement.
I let a slow smile tug at my mouth.
“No,” I say, savoring the moment. “Seattle.”
The look of confusion on his face is better than any victory won.
Chapter ten
Olivia
By the time I get home, the pride I felt earlier is gone, replaced with the tight, crawling kind of panic that starts in your chest and sinks down your spine.
My rent extension is overdue.
The elevator dings, and I step inside, scrolling through my apps before I even breathe.
If I can just pay it tonight, before the late fee triggers again, maybe I’ll still have enough to send something to Mama. Even a little.
The doors slide open on my floor and I nearly slam into Brody.
“Hey, Liv,” he says, flashing that tired but easy smile of his.
It takes me a second to notice the sleek black roller bag in his hand, a travel tag flapping against the side.
I nod toward it. “You going somewhere?”
He shifts the handle up. “Yeah. Seattle. War’s orders.”
My brows knit. “Seattle? I thought it was California. And that wasn’t for another month.”
“Yeah, well.” He shrugs, too casual. “He changed his mind. Wants me to help an associate of his first, then I’ll head off to Cali.”
I pause. “You okay with that?”
Another shrug. Lighter this time, like he’s brushing it off. “Doesn’t matter if I am, right?”
There’s a flicker of something behind his eyes, resentment, maybe. But he covers it with a grin. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck,” I say softly. “And… safe trip.”
“Thanks, Liv.”
He gives me a wink before stepping into the elevator.
I turn toward my door, digging for my keys, pulse still unsettled.
My fingers fumble through my purse until I find them, sitting in the front pocket.
I freeze.
I never put them there.
