Page 5 of Loving the CEO

"God, she never changes, does she? I'm so happy she’s in good health. Both her and Abe, of course."

"So am I."

"Isn't Nick as stressed about her plans as you are?"

I chuckled. "He’d tell you no, but he's shitting his pants. We all figured it was just the other Whitley batch who had the relationship gene. But once Maddox fell, too, we started to question our assumptions."

"I miss Nick too."

"You're always welcome to come to Boston. Both of you," I added quickly even though I’d be ecstatic if she came alone.

Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say, because her smile faded again.

"Yes, maybe I’ll come visit you."

I.Notwe.

She took a sip of her drink, crossing and uncrossing her legs. She was wearing long jeans and a light sweater. The weather in New Orleans might be pleasantly warm in April, but the AC in the hotel was absolute shit.

"Tory...," I began.

“Don’t say it," she whispered.

"You don't know what I was aboutto say."

She looked up at me. "You weren't going to ask how things are between me and Walter?"

I swallowed hard. "It's not fair. How can you still read my thoughts?"

"Because they’re written all over your face."

I’m a dead man.

"Things have become progressively more strained between us. Honestly, ever since we started planning the wedding, things have felt off. He's losing patience, and—” Her eyes were welling up again. I hated this.

"I don't like how he talks to you." There. Now it was out in the open.

"I saw that on your face. He only used to snap at me in private. Now he's been doing it in public too. Almost to belittle me..." I thought she might say more, but she stopped.

I blinked, trying to choose my words very,verycarefully. "In private, huh? So, he's always been like this with you?"

"It's been more strained lately. I don't understand why the wedding is stressing him so much. I've been doing most of the planning anyway."

Fucking Walter."Want me talk to him?"

She gave me another of her megawatt smiles. "What? To put the fear of God in him? I think it's a bit late for that, Leo."

Damn it. I knew I should have pulled him to one side the day she introduced him to me and threatened the shit out of him. Made sure he’d take good care of my girl. But hindsight is what it is.

"If it helps, he's always felt intimidated by you," Tory volunteered.

"Why?"

"Because he knows I care about you and that you've always been important to me."

"I can let him know that he'd better treat you like a princess or else." I cocked a brow. My tone was lighthearted, but I was only semi-joking. I didn't like what I was hearing at all.

Tory closed her eyes, leaning her head back, then took another sip of her cappuccino. "I'm sure things will get better after the wedding.”

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