Page 95 of More than Paper

“I didn’t tell my brother. I figured he was just hurt. My brother works with him, and they are friends, so I didn’t want to make things awkward for him.”

This isn’t good. It can’t get out that Valeria and I are married. The press would eat us alive. And it can’t get out who Valeria’s father is. “I’m sorry being with me is causing family issues for you. Are you sure you don’t want me to come this weekend?”

“I’m sure. I’ll see you next weekend when you come back.”

“Okay. I’ll call you later. Love you.”

“I love you, too.” She hangs up.

I text Valeria. “Ran into Matt while in Chicago. Heads up—he’s friends with Quinn’s brother, who already hates me, and Matt told her brother about us and who you are.”

“That slimy weasel.”

“Yep.”

“Okay. Thanks for the warning.”

The car pulls up to Chase’s building, and as soon as I walk into the penthouse, he hands me a beer. “What the fuck happened?”

I tell him the story and how Quinn’s brother sent her a picture of Valeria.

“I see eight years hasn’t made Matt any less of an asshole,” Chase seethes.

“Nope.”

“God help me if I run into him while I’m in Chicago. I might end up in jail.” Chase takes a swig of beer.

“Trust me. It took all I had not to wipe his cocky look off his face. Oh, and he slept with Quinn.”

Chase’s eyes widen. “What?”

“Her brother pressured her to go out with him. I didn’t ask her, but I could tell by the look on both their faces that they slept together. And he was nasty to her when she broke it off.”

“Jeez.”

I take a long drink of my beer.

“Are you and Quinn okay?”

“I don’t know. She agreed to stop staying away from me, but she’s still hurt. I’m such an idiot for not telling her sooner.”

“You’re in a tricky position. Don’t beat yourself up too much.”

“Easier said than done.”

* * *

Things have been strainedbetween Quinn and me again. Her mom’s birthday ended with her leaving in tears, and I can tell she’s pulled back again. I told her I was going to fly in, but she was adamant that I not and told me not to surprise her, either.

So, the last few weeks have been torture. I can’t eat or sleep much, constantly worrying about Quinn and wondering what I can do to make everything right between us.

The trip to Chicago doesn’t come soon enough. When Chase and I land, we stop to pick up Vivian then Quinn. When the car pulls up to her building, I jump out, ready to kiss her, and remind her that we have something special and that I’m hers, but she’s already in the lobby and bolting outside.

She doesn’t want me upstairs alone with her.

We hug, but I only get a peck on her cheek. “You look beautiful.”

She doesn’t say anything, only stares at my eyes, biting her lip.

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