Page 54 of Worth the Risk

“You’re comparing my girlfriend to an overseas informant,” I say wryly.

Leo shrugs. “Until I know differently, I’m lumping them in my head as the same thing. And frankly, if Hannah is that concerned that she’s trying to get out of there, I’d say you should be incredibly worried, too.”

I let out a long exhale. I woke up this morning full of happiness. Thinking about when I’d see Hannah at lunch, and wondering how many orgasms I could give her before she had to go back to work. Never thought I’d end the day hanging at my sister’s, discussing what’s going on with my girlfriend.

The following day, I have morning skate, then a scheduled visit to the VA Hospital to visit some injured veterans. Obviously with two brother’s in the military, the VA is near and dear to my heart. I hate these pre-planned visits, though, because it’s all about politics, publicity, and getting my picture taken. I’m here for them, not fans reading articles on the Internet. Once the media leave, I typically stick around for a few hours just hanging out and shooting the shit with the vets. They give me a little more insight into my brothers, especially Leo.

When I get back to my apartment, I immediately knock on Caroline and Hannah’s door. I get excited when I hear the door being unlocked, only to sigh in defeat when Caroline opens the door.

“Hello, Luca,” she says stiffly.

“Is Hannah here?” I ask. I’m not doing pleasantries. I just want to talk to Hannah.

“No, she is not.”

“Do you know when she’ll be back?” I ask, irritated.

“I assume she won’t be. She moved out.”

“What?” I ask sharply. “You seriously kicked her out, with nowhere to go? Jesus, Caroline, that’s a shitty move, even for you.”

“I told her she had the remainder of the week to find a new place. She chose to move out last night,” Caroline huffs. “She didn’t even leave a thank you gift or anything. I let her stay here out of the goodness of my heart, and all she did was stain a couch cushion and kill my plants.”

I roll my eyes at her. “She’s your niece, for Christ’s sake. She wasn’t a tenant. It’s no wonder the two of you don’t have a good relationship.”

“What?” Caroline gawks. “Who told you that?”

“Mrs. Willowby, of course,” I sneer. “Who the fuck do you think told me? Hannah did. At least she has a better relationship with her uncle. Guess I can just lump you in the same category as her parents, Caroline. A fucking waste of space.”

I turn, heading to my door, and unlock the door. Caroline clears her throat and calls out to me. “She’s too good for you.”

“Don’t I fucking know it,” I mutter as I enter my apartment and slam the door. I pull out my phone and open my text chain with Hannah.

Me: Pixie, I don’t know what happened. All I know is something is up, and I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me. Please, Pix. I miss you. Just tell me where you are, and I’ll come to you.

I’m surprised when I see the three dots telling me she’s typing.

Pixie: It’s complicated, Luca. I can’t be with you right now. Please give me space.

Me: What the fuck happened between Boston and today? Who got to you? Woodward? Your uncle? Do they know?

Pixie: Does it matter?

Me: Yes.

Pixie: Fine. They know.

Me: Did they make you break it off with me?

Pixie: No.

Me: Then why are you?

Pixie: Because I’m trying to protect you! Please, just let me go for now.

Me: For now?

Pixie: I don’t know. Maybe.

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