Page 71 of Power Pucking Play

I comply, trying to project an air of calm I definitely don't feel.

"So," Charlie says, leaning back in his chair. "Want to tell me what the hell is going on?"

I take a deep breath. "Charlie, I can explain…”

"Explain? Explain what, exactly? How my top reporter is suddenly the subject of every gossip rag in the city? How you've potentially compromised one of our biggest stories of the year? Please, Brookes. Enlighten me."

For a moment, I consider denying everything.

Claiming it's all a misunderstanding. A trick of the camera angle. But looking at Charlie's face, I know he won't buy it. And more importantly, I'm tired of lying.

"The photos are real," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "Gio and I...there is something between us. But Charlie, I swear, it hasn't affected my ability to report objectively."

"Objectively? Sounds to me like you're boning your subject, Brookes! There's nothing objective about that!"

"It's not like that," I argue, even as I know it's a losing battle. "We've only...it's new. And I've been nothing but professional in my coverage."

"Professional?" Charlie scoffs. "Do you have any idea the position you've put me in? The network has rules about this sort of thing for a reason. We can't afford even the appearance of impropriety."

I nod, swallowing hard. "I know. And I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Charlie eyes me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighs. "You're damn right it won't. Because if it does, you're off the story. Hell, you might be out of a job entirely. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal," I say, relief warring with a growing sense of dread in my chest.

"Good. Now, here's what's going to happen. You're going to finish this feature on De Luca. But from now on, all your interactions with him are to be strictly professional. No more private meetings. No more late-night rendezvous. If you so much as look at him the wrong way, I'll have Parker Altman take over the piece. Understood?"

The thought of Parker getting his hands on Gio's story—on my story—makes my blood boil. But I nod, knowing I'm in no position to argue.

"Yes, sir," I say. "It won't be a problem."

As I leave Charlie's office, the full weight of the situation crashes down on me.

This isn't just about my career anymore.

It's about Gio's reputation, his future in the league. It's about the story I set out to tell, the truth I wanted to uncover.

And as much as it kills me to admit it, I'm starting to realize that I can't have it all.

I can't be the hard-hitting journalist and the woman falling for her subject. I can't protect my career and pursue a relationship with Gio.

Something has to give.

I make my way back to my desk, ignoring the curious stares and whispered comments. My mind is a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, but one thought keeps pushing its way to the forefront...

I have to end things with Gio.

The very idea makes my chest ache, but what choice do I have?

If I don't, I'll lose my job, my credibility, everything I've worked so hard for.

The best thing, as screwed up as it is, is to end it now, before we're in too deep. Before we hurt each other even more.

I try to convince myself that this is the right decision. That I'm being professional. Ethical. Responsible. But it's no use.

In my heart, I know that ending things with Gio will be one of the hardest things I've ever done.

But as a journalist, it's my job to tell the truth. And sometimes, that means making sacrifices and tough decisions.

---