Page 66 of Battered Moves

“What’s the plan?” Ryder asks, his hand gently rubbing Liv’s back.

“I think the best option is to go to the studio,” I say.

“I’ll text them to let them know what happened and that we’re on our way,” he says, pulling out his phone and holding it out behind Liv’s back. I simply nod in agreement.

I take precautionary measures, driving in circles to ensure that no one is following us. I curse the fact that Ryder’s car is so distinctive, making it difficult to go unnoticed. After about thirty minutes, we arrive in the parking lot of Tanner Fitness. Chase and Jaxon are already waiting for us, concern etched on their faces. Jaxon practically yanks the passenger door off its hinges as he pulls it open before taking Liv into his arms.

“Sunshine,” he whispers as I walk around the car and join them.

“Are you guys okay?” Chase asks. Ryder shakes his head, his expression grave.

“Let’s get inside,” he suggests.

We head to Jaxon’s office, where Ryder explains everything that happened. Liv is straddling Jaxon, who’s seated in his desk chair, holding her tightly.

“Do you think someone recognized her or…?” Ryder asks.

“No, he did this,” Chase says.

“How do you know?” Liv asks, looking up from Jaxon’s chest.

Chase walks around the desk and opens a drawer, retrieving a yellowish letter.

“Motherfucker,” Ryder hisses, and Liv inhales sharply.

“It seems he exposed you to the press,” Jaxon says.

* * *

Olivia,

I see that you still don’t understand the gravity of your situation. You think you can continue living your life as if nothing has happened, but you’re wrong. You’ve tarnished not only your reputation, but also my good name and your soul with your behavior. You should have listened to me. I warned you what would happen if you kept up this charade. I warned you that those other men weren’t good enough for you.

You didn’t listen, and now you’re going to pay the price, but I won’t be the one to punish you. No, that would be too easy. You might think you can hide from me, Olivia, but you can’t. I know exactly where you are and who you are. Soon, everyone else will too. You think you’re safe with those men, but you’re not. They can’t protect you from the truth.

Soon, everyone will know the kind of person you’ve become, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. The worst part is that you did this to yourself. You couldn’t be faithful to me, so now you must suffer the consequences. I hope it was worth it. You’re just a cheap little tramp, playing around with other men’s hearts, and when they get tired of you, as they inevitably will, you’ll be left with nothing. No man will want a used-up slut like you. You might think that I’m doing this out of spite or jealousy, but you’re wrong. I’m doing this for your own good. You need to be held accountable for your actions. Your reputation will be shattered, and those men you cling to will turn their backs on you, but don’t worry, I’ll take care of you when the time comes. I’ll make sure you don’t suffer too much.

If I can’t have you, no one can. Remember that.

* * *

“What are we going to do now?” Ryder asks, his gaze shifting between each of us.

“There’s nothing we can do,” Liv responds, wiping away her tears with the sleeve of her sweater. “He won. I could only start over somewhere new again, but we all know that’s not going to happen. I have to endure it, hoping that it will eventually die down, again.”

Jaxon nods in agreement from behind her, while tears well up in her eyes once more. Chase reaches out and gently strokes her head.

“But you’re not alone in this anymore,” he says. “You have us, and we’ll protect you.”

“I love you for saying that, but you have no idea what it’s like to live like this,” she says, looking sadly at him. “Liam is right—I can’t force you guys into this. It’s bad enough that Ryder got recognized today. He’ll be dragged through the mud right alongside me.”

“Oh, baby, bad press is the best press for rock bands,” Ryder says with a laugh. “Don’t worry about me.” Liv’s expression softens as she looks at Ryder, a mixture of gratitude and concern in her eyes.

“I appreciate your optimism, but this situation is different. All our personal lives are going to be exposed and scrutinized. I don’t want any of you to go through that,” she says.

“We’re a family,” Chase says, his voice determined. “We’ll face this together, no matter what. You won’t have to go through it alone.”

“You’re part of this family now too,” Jaxon chimes in, his tone calm yet resolute, “We’ll do whatever it takes to protect you and get through this. We won’t let him win.”

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