The Taste of Trouble

Tessa's words lingered in my mind, pressing against my skull like a weight I couldn't shake.

"You need to be careful, Liv."

"I think Jax isn't just watching you. I think he's planning something."

I had barely slept.

Every sound outside my apartment had me on edge.

Every passing shadow felt like a threat.

And worst of all?

I still hadn't told Ethan.

Because deep down, I knew—if I did, he would go after Jax.

And this time?

I wasn't sure Ethan would walk away alive.

By morning, my exhaustion had settled into my bones.

Ethan showed up at my apartment, knocking twice before letting himself in.

He froze the second he saw me.

"You look like hell."

I let out a weak laugh. "Gee, thanks."

His expression hardened.

"What's wrong?"

I hesitated.

For a split second, I almost told him.

Almost let it spill—that Tessa had seen something, that I was scared, that I didn't know what to do.

But then I saw it.

The way his jaw clenched, the way his fists tightened at his sides.

And I knew.

If I told him, he wouldn't think.

He'd react.

And that?

That would make everything worse.

So instead?

I lied.

"Nothing. Just didn't sleep well."

His eyes narrowed, like he knew I was holding something back.

But he didn't press.

And maybe?

That was worse.

Ethan stayed.

Made me coffee.

Watched me with that unreadable expression of his, like he was searching for cracks.

And the thing about Ethan?

He always found them.

But this time, he didn't call me out.

Didn't push.

Instead, he leaned against the counter, crossing his arms.

"You've been quiet."

I shrugged. "Just tired."

Another lie.

Another inch of distance between us.

And I hated it.

But I didn't know how to fix it.

My phone buzzed.

I hesitated before checking it.

Tessa: Have you told him?

My stomach twisted.

I typed back, fingers tight around my phone.

Me: Not yet.

Three dots appeared.

Then—

Tessa: You're making a mistake.

I swallowed hard.

Because part of me knew she was right.

But another part?

The part that had seen Ethan nearly lose it the last time Jax got involved?

That part told me I had no choice.

Ethan's voice cut through the silence.

"Who was that?"

I locked my phone. "No one."

His eyes darkened.

But he didn't push.

And somehow, that made it worse.

Because Ethan Carter never backed off.

Not unless he was getting ready to do something reckless.

And I had a terrible feeling I wasn't the only one keeping secrets.

That night, I went to Tessa's apartment.

I wasn't sure why.

Maybe because I needed something familiar.

Maybe because I just needed her.

But when she opened the door, her expression was cold. Guarded.

And suddenly, I realized—

We weren't just fixing this with a conversation.

This?

This was a break.

One I wasn't sure we'd come back from.

Tessa didn't move aside.

Didn't invite me in.

Instead, she crossed her arms, tilting her head.

"What do you want, Liv?"

I swallowed. "Can we just… talk?"

She let out a slow breath.

Then—

She stepped back.

I took that as my invitation.

And maybe?

Maybe I shouldn't have.

I sat on the couch.

Tessa stood.

Distance between us, even though she was right there.

And for the first time, I realized—this is what it felt like to lose her.

Tessa sighed, rubbing her temples.

"I know you think you're protecting him."

I exhaled. "Tess—"

"No." She cut me off.

"You're keeping secrets, Liv." Her voice wasn't angry.

It was tired.

And that?

That was somehow worse.

She shook her head. "You think that's going to save him?"

I clenched my fists. "I don't know."

She scoffed. "That's the problem."

I swallowed hard.

Because she was right.

I didn't know.

And yet, I was making the choice anyway.

A choice that might ruin everything.

Tessa looked me in the eye.

And when she spoke, her voice was like a knife.

"If you don't tell him, I will."

My breath hitched.

"Tessa—"

She shook her head.

"I mean it."

A pause.

Then—

"Jax isn't just messing with you, Liv."

I frowned. "What?"

Tessa's throat worked.

Then, quietly—

"I think he's coming for Ethan."

The room tilted.

My stomach dropped.

I barely got the words out.

"You're wrong."

But even as I said it—

Even as I tried to convince myself—

A terrible thought settled into my mind.

What if she wasn't?

More lies push Liv and Ethan further apart.

Tessa delivers a warning—Jax isn't done, and Ethan might be next.

Liv is left questioning everything.

Liv has to decide—tell Ethan the truth or risk losing him for good.