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“Pleasure as always, Father.” I stand and leave the office as quickly as possible. My uncle follows me out to where I’ve parked my car, and it’s not until we’re far from the building that I let some frustration show. “How the fuck does he know about Harlow?” I ask.
“One of Clara’s men mentioned it in their debrief. That a problem?”
I run my hand through my combed hair, messing it up now I’m not on show.
“No. I think he bought it.”
“Bought it?” he asks with a frown. “Is there more going on?”
“No, there’s not, and this is precisely why.”
“You like her,” he says. It’s not a question, but I carry on anyway.
“It doesn’t matter. Let me know if he doesn’t drop it, yeah?”
“Of course, Nico.” He pulls me into a rough hug. “It’s good to see you, even if these are the circumstances.”
“You too. Tell Clara I’ll see her another time?”
“Will do.”
I’m flustered as I leave, my cool definitely left behind in my father’s office. I’m pretty sure I sold it, if his reaction is anything to go by. But that flash of fear of her being in danger solidifies my resolve to not get involved with her. It also makes me want to check if she’s okay, right now, with my own eyes. Driving to the coffee shop, I speed just a tiny bit to get there before closing. I pull up outside, and Harlow’s face lights up when she sees me through the window.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” she asks as I come through the door.
“Was just passing by,” I lie through my teeth. I look around, and there’s only one customer in here, but I can’t see whoever is supposed to be here with Harlow. “Are you here on your own?” I ask.
“Yeah, Celeste had to run to get her kid.”
“How long ago?” I ask.
“Like an hour? It’s been dead,” she says casually, but I feel anything but casual, and I try not to flinch at her ominous word choice.
“That’s not the point. We work in twos for a reason.”
“Alright, chill,” she laughs. “We all do it.” Yeah, we all do it, but not when it’s Harlow left alone at night. “Good thing you turned up, then, I guess,” she jokes. “Knight in shining armor. Or at least a pretty flash suit.” She grins, definitely checks me out, and then blushes when she realizes I’m still watching her. She grabs a cloth and wipes the counter idly.
“I had a meeting with my mentor,” I mutter, hating the easy lie and the fact that she thinks I’m valiantly protecting her when it’s probably my own family she needs protecting from. Her face falls at my unenthusiastic reply, which makes me feel like an asshole. “Can I give you a lift home?” I ask.
“I’m going to the gym, but thanks anyway.”
“My car drives there too,” I tease, and a small smile lifts her lips. “Actually, can I join you?” Did I plan to go to the gym two minutes ago? No, but I have an aching to be where she is right now. After the insinuated threats from my father, I need to reassure myself she’s okay.
“I don’t really think you’re dressed for the gym,” she tells me with an arched brow. God, I really like this girl.
“I have spare stuff in my car, smartass.”
I help her close up and we go over to the gym, meeting Sawyer for her hour-long PT session. He doesn’t seem to mind me crashing, and I’m glad I did at the end, with the endorphins flowing and pent-up anger and frustration eased. Sawyer’s staying behind for his late class, so I drive Harlow home.
“Are you officially coming over to the dark side, then?” she asks as we pull up outside her apartment.
“Definitely. Killer trainer and gorgeous workout partner? What’s not to like?” My eyes widen as I realize what I said, but it doesn’t seem to faze Harlow in the slightest. Instead, she frowns at the building across the road. “Harlow? You okay?” Following her gaze, I see the police car outside a little restaurant or takeaway.
“Yeah, thanks for the lift.” She hops out but makes her way over to it rather than going into her apartment building, so I get out too and follow her. We step through what used to be a door and step over glass and wood splinters to reach the counter.
An elderly Chinese gentleman greets Harlow. “Hello, Miss Harlow.”
“Chung! Are you okay? What happened here?”
