Page 80 of Cole

Annie’s hand stilled. “He didn’t tell me.”

“He didn’t want to get your hopes up.”

A familiar ache bloomed in Annie’s chest. Twenty-four years of searching, of private investigators and discreet inquiries. Twenty-four years of her dad’s hope slowly calcifying into grim determination, then quiet resignation.

“I think that’s why he’s so protective of us,” Benji continued. “Especially you. He couldn’t save Angelica, so he’s determined to keep you safe, whatever it takes.”

“Even if it means I can’t live my life?” Annie set down her icing bag. “Even if it means pushing away someone I care about?”

Benji’s expression turned serious. “Annie, you know I support you. But Cole lives his life in the spotlight. Dad’s not entirely wrong to be concerned.”

“I know that,” Annie said, frustration edging into her voice. “But I’m an adult. I should be allowed to make my own choices—even risky ones.”

“Then make them,” Benji said simply. “Call Cole. Tell him everything. See what happens.”

Annie stared at her phone. The thought of laying bare all her secrets made her stomach clench with anxiety. What if Cole couldn’t handle it? What if he didn’t want the complications her life would bring to his?

Or worse—what if he did, and then something happened to him because of who she was?

Her phone buzzed again, startling her. But it wasn’t Cole—it was her father.

Dad:Arriving tomorrow afternoon. Please join us for dinner at the main house. 6pm sharp.

Annie showed the message to Benji, who grimaced. “That’s definitely Dad-speak for ‘we need to talk.’”

“I know.” Annie set the phone down with more force than necessary. “I need to tell Cole before Dad does something… Dad-like.”

“Like what?”

Annie shrugged, but they both knew their father’s methods.

Duncan Burke was used to getting his way, whether through persuasion, incentives, or more forceful means. If he decided Cole was a threat to their family’s privacy or Annie’s safety, there was no telling what measures he might take.

“Cole does deserve to know,” she said finally. “If there’s any chance for us to have something real, I need to tell him everything.”

“Good.” Benji moved to sit beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Whatever happens, I’m here for you.”

Annie leaned against her brother, grateful for his steady presence. He might be a teenager, but existing in their world together had made them close. And his dad had always insisted that Benji act with a maturity that often was quite beyond his years.

It was nearly ten by the time the cookies were decorated. Benji helped carry everything into the kitchen, then he headed out into the snowy evening.

Annie watched from the window as Benji’s figure disappeared into the swirling snow, the security lights illuminating his path toward the main house.

Alone again with her thoughts, she picked up her phone and checked the screen. Still no response from Cole to her last message.

It was quite late on the East Coast—he was most likely asleep by now. Or out with teammates. Or…

Stop it, she told herself firmly. That kind of anxious speculation would drive her crazy.

Plus, Cole wasn’t the sort of man to play around when he had responsibilities. And he wouldn’t be staying up super late when they had a game the next day.

Annie moved through her cabin, turning off lights as she went. She banked the fire, then locked down the house.

Upstairs in the loft, she went through her nighttime routine before crawling into bed.

Tomorrow. She would call Cole tomorrow and ask for a video chat. Face to face, she would tell him everything—about her family, her wealth, her sister. About the fear that had shaped her entire life. About why she’d kept secrets.

The thought made her stomach clench with anxiety, but Benji was right. Cole deserved to know. And she deserved a relationship built on honesty.

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