Page 74 of Cole

“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Cole said, still stuck on the fact that this was Annie’s dad and he wanted them to break up.

Duncan leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. “My family has maintained a very private existence for reasons that go beyond mere preference. I’ve gone to great lengths to ensure the safety and anonymity of both Annalisa and Benjamin.”

Cole’s mind flashed to what Annie had shared about her life and past, which had been precious little, now that he thought about it. “Sir, with all due respect, Annie is an adult. She makes her own decisions about who she spends time with.”

“You don’t understand the full picture.” Duncan’s voice remained measured, but Cole detected the steel beneath it. “Annalisa and her twin sister were kidnapped when they weretoddlers. Though Annalisa was returned, her sister was never found.”

The revelation hit Cole like a physical blow. Annie had never mentioned a missing sister, but this was clearly the family tragedy that she’d alluded to. “I didn’t know—”

“Of course you didn’t. There are many things you don’t know about my daughter or our family. The media attention that follows you everywhere puts her at risk, and I won’t have that.”

Cole felt his competitive nature rising to the challenge. “Mr. Burke, I care deeply about Annie. I would never do anything to put her in harm’s way.”

“Your intentions are irrelevant,” Duncan replied flatly. “The nature of your career makes discretion impossible. Sooner or later, someone will dig deep enough to connect the dots to our family, and the privacy we’ve maintained for decades will collapse. You’ve already dragged her into the spotlight once at the gala. It’s going to happen again. There’s no way to avoid it with your career.”

Cole couldn’t deny that it had happened, because it was clear Duncan knew with certainty that it had. And Cole also couldn’t deny that it would likely happen again. But if Annie wasn’t worried about it, why was her dad so focused on keeping her out of the spotlight?

“Have you discussed this with Annie?” Cole asked, working to keep his voice level despite the anger building inside him.

Duncan’s expression hardened. “I’m discussing it with you because I expect you to be the reasonable party here. End the relationship quietly, make her believe it’s your decision, and allow her to return to the safety of anonymity.”

“You want me to break her heart to protect your privacy?” Cole couldn’t hide his incredulity. “That seems incredibly unfair to Annie.”

“Life is unfair, Mr. Halverson. My daughter learned that lesson at three years old.” Duncan reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a pen. He laid it on a sheet of paper in front of him, then folded his hands on it. “Should you need some motivation, I’m prepared to make it worth your while.”

Cole stared at the paper, a bitter taste rising in his throat. “You’re trying to buy me off?”

“I’m offering compensation for what I’m asking you to sacrifice. Money? A significant purchase?” He paused, his gaze boring into Cole. “A new contract, either here or elsewhere?”

Cole returned the man’s stare, unable to look away from him. “You own this team?”

“Part of it,” he said. “Enough that I can make your next career move happen with minimal fuss.”

Did this man truly wield that much power in the league? Cole wanted to say no, but he knew that money and prestige could open and close doors, and could sway people to do things they might not otherwise.

“And if I don’t give you a price for buying my soul?” Cole asked. “What happens then?”

“Maybe nothing.” Duncan shrugged, then smoothed his hand down his tie. “Or maybe you’ll be retiring.”

Anger swelled inside him, but he did his best to contain it. He could hardly believe the turn his life had just taken.

He tried to picture Annie as this man’s daughter, but there was a disconnect. She didn’t seem anything like this man. Neither did Benji.

And yet here he was, and because of his relationship with Annie, his career was being threatened.

Why hadn’t she told him anything? Why hadn’t she mentioned who her dad was? Why hadn’t she told him about her past?

She knew that his life and career were high profile. Why had she agreed to go to the gala with him? And why had she agreed to something more than just friendship, knowing what it meant?

Cole was confused. She had to have known that he’d eventually find out about her family.

Was she dating him as a form of rebellion against her dad? Did she see him as someone to just kill time with?

Cole had to know more. “Annie never mentioned any of this. Not her family’s wealth, not her sister, not the... kidnapping.” The last word caught in his throat, suddenly understanding why Annie sometimes had that haunted look in her eyes.

“My daughter has learned to compartmentalize her life,” Duncan said, seeming almost proud. “She’s built walls to protect herself. Walls that your presence is threatening to tear down.”

Cole leaned back in his chair, mind reeling. “Why wouldn’t she tell me who she really is?”

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