Page 382 of Ruthless Court

“What?”

She exhales.

“Leave it.”

“Hannah.”

“It’s already out there.”

“That doesn't mean you have to accept it.”

“I know.”

She takes off her glasses.

Wipes one lens on the bottom of her shirt.

Puts them back on.

Thinking.

Then she looks at me.

“I’ve spent months trying to make sure nobody knows where I am, who I’m with, what I’m doing.”

I move closer.

“You don't owe them anything.”

“I know.”

“And you told me you didn't want this.”

“I didn't.”

Her gaze stays on mine.

“But maybe I can’t build my entire life around avoiding people taking pictures.”

“You don’t have to decide that because Vale acted like an idiot.”

“Hey,” Vale mutters.

Everyone looks at him.

“Sorry.”

Hannah almost smiles.

Then turns back to me.

“It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid.”

“I don’t want you pretending you're okay because you think I want this.”

“That’s not what I’m doing.”

She reaches for my hand.