We all laugh at Hudson's enthusiastic support of that idea.
“Eva and I were texting,” she says.
Hudson and I exchange a glance at that.My sister and my girl getting closer. I love it.
“I think I want to go to medical school and work at a women’s clinic, helping victims—something like that. Eva was helping me research programs and clinics. She was really supportive.” Her smile is easy. A beat passes before she adds, “Or Icouldjust rest—for, like, the first time in my life. But that kind of feels illegal.”
Hudson smiles. “You’ve earned rest.”
“I know.” She glances between us. “I just don’t know how yet.”
“You’ll learn,” I say. “We’ll help you rest.Andwe’ll help you do whatever you want to do next. Not that you need our help…“
“I might not need your help, but I appreciate the support. Going back to school in my thirties seems like a bit much, but I was looking at the MCAT material this afternoon and I think it could be—” she trails off.
“Great! It’d be fucking amazing, Pippa,” Hudson says, wrapping his arm around her and kissing her cheek.
“You’ll make agreatdoctor,” I add, kissing her other cheek.
She blushes at the praise. I lock that away. Not much makes Pippa Saint James blush, but something tells me she hasn’t received nearly the praise in life she deserves. That changes today.
Hudson shifts and I sense a topic change. “Marsden officially put me on the task force with Jax. I’ll be helping him and Luna find Sophie.”
Pippa’s eyes widen. “That’s…good.”
“It is,” he says. “I don’t want Luna running that alone—not with that asshole Volkov involved.”
“Thank you,” she says.
“Of course,” he whispers.
“But I thought you wanted to quit soon,” she says.
“I’ll give my notice after that bitch Sophie is dead or behind bars.”
I inform them about my meeting with Vale. He seemed antsy and frazzled at our meeting. Troy’s death rattled him more than I expected for a man of his power and prestige. He mentioned California and two other clients called to tell me they’d be in California next week, too.
We all agree that something big will be going down in Hollywood in one week’s time.
“I wonder if any of Jules’s clients might be heading West, too.”
Pippa furrows her brow, unsure. “We’ll ask her tomorrow.”
There’s a pause. A quiet one that holds weight and takes up space.
We just closed one huge chapter for Pippa and her sisters, but we know threats still lurk around every corner. No matter how much we each want to step away, we have to stay in this until everyone we care about is safe.
“I talked to Eva,” I begin again.
They both look at me expectantly.
“She’s supportive. About—About my stepping away from the family business. She agreed Niko and Luca are ready,” I continue. “They’ll step up, take over, and still provide our family with protection. I’m going to talk to them tomorrow—once Niko’s back from Virginia.”
Hudson’s eyes soften. “You sure?”
“I am.” And I mean it. “I can’t do this forever. I don’t want to. Besides, I can keep the real estate holdings. They’ll keep me plenty busy.”
Pippa reaches for my hand and squeezes. “We’ll help you. All of us.”
