“Did they see you leave your penthouse?” she asks hoarsely.
“No. And I don’t think anyone saw me when I got here.”
“Okay, that’s good.” She fixes her focus on me, pressing her hand to her stomach. “After today, you can’t come here anymore. No one should know we’re close.”
“Close?” I rear back like I’ve been slapped. “I’m sorry, Ry, but you’re pregnant with my child. This is a thousand times more serious than us just being close.”
She frowns. “And what do you suggest we do?”
“You’re not doing this alone.” I take her hands. “Move in with me.”
Her only response is a scoff.
“I can keep you safe,” I plead, “but only if you stay close. If I start showing up here regularly, the media will catch on, and they’ll find you within minutes.”
“I don’t like it,” she mutters, her voice defeated.
I move closer and hug her to my chest. “Trust me, I know. But your safety and the safety of our baby come first. It doesn’t have to be forever. We can find a new place for you, somewhere closer to me, with better security. Maybe even in my building.”
She leans away, and her eyes search mine. Finally, she nods. “Okay. But you need to leave now. I can’t show up at your place with you. I’ll call Nastya. She’ll help me pack, and her husband can drop me off later.”
“Please let me help too. Then I promise I’ll leave.”
She takes a deep breath and nods.
Well, I guess I got myself a roommate.
30
i’m so glad you stayed
HAYDEN
It’s beenhours since we packed Riley’s things. Nastya joined us, and she was civil with me. She even supported my plan to have Ry move in.
Riley is here now, and she’s been unpacking for a good forty minutes. When I offered to help, she said, “No, thanks,” and closed the door in my face.
It stings. I want to be there for her.
With a sigh, I sit on the couch in my living room and pull out my phone. My family’s group chat is blowing up because I still haven’t returned any of their calls. I only talked to Glenn to update him on the situation.
Mom:
Has anyone heard from Hayden? He’s not answering my calls, and with all this news, I want to make sure he’s okay.
Dad:
No, but I’m sure he’s fine. Probably avoiding everyoneuntil it blows over.
Hunter:
He hasn’t answered my calls either, but with all the media attention, I don’t blame him.
Pip:
He hasn’t responded to me either.
Story:
