CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Cole dried his hair with a towel, listening as his teammates chatted about the game. There was still media to do before he could call it a day and head home.
Unfortunately, he’d been tapped to meet the press, most likely because he hadn’t had a great game. They’d still won, but it was no thanks to him. If they’d been playing a better team, it would have been an L for them.
“Halverson!”
Cole draped the towel over his shoulders as he turned toward the coach who’d yelled out his name. He hoped it wasn’t time to go to the media room yet because he wasn’t ready.
“They want you upstairs.”
Cole frowned. “For media?”
“Nope. GM requested your presence.”
Trying not to let the room know how much that unsettled him, Cole nodded. “I’ll get dressed and head up.”
“What do you think that’s about?” Marcus asked from the bench where he sat near Cole.
“No clue,” Cole said as he tugged on a shirt. “I didn’t think I played that bad.”
Marcus chuckled. “Many players aren’t as good on their best day as you are on your worst.”
Even if that was true, expectations for Cole’s performance were always high. They paid big bucks for him to be on the team, and they expected value for their money.
Once he was dressed, Cole approached Coach. “Are you going to tap someone else for media?”
“Yes. I’ve got Evans covering for you.”
“Okay. See you on the plane.”
The coach clapped him on the shoulder. “Definitely.”
They would have one day off before setting off for a five game road trip. Then they’d be home for a handful of games over the holidays.
In the past, he hadn’t really cared that they often played games around Christmas or New Year’s. However, since reconnecting with his family and having Annie in his life, he wished he could go back to Serenity to spend the holidays with all of them.
When he reached the area that contained the offices, Cole saw that the space was all decked out for the holiday. A large Christmas tree with white and gold decorations and sparkling lights stood in the corner. There was also greenery over doorframes and smaller decorations on the reception desk. They were definitely in the holiday mood.
He spotted the GM standing with a tall, middle-aged man near the door of his office. As the pair turned toward them, Cole’s steps faltered for a moment.
He recognized the man with the GM as one of the wealthiest men in the world. There had also been rumors that he was someone behind one of the entities that had bought into the team a few years back.
What on earth could Duncan Burke want with Cole?
He hoped it had nothing to do with his position on the team. Best case scenario, the man was there on behalf of a fan in his family, or maybe the child of an employee.
He approached the pair with some trepidation, which was rare for him. He was wealthy in his own right, but it was nothing compared to the wealth and standing of this man.
Duncan Burke’s companies were known for producing some of the biggest advances in medicine. The man had made his money while helping the people of the world, while Cole had made his through entertainment.
“Cole, this is Duncan Burke,” the GM said. “Mr. Burke, this is Cole Halverson.”
Cole held out his hand and when the other man took it, he found his grip to be firm and strong. This was a man who commanded attention. Whose presence filled the whole room.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Cole said. “What can I do for you?”
“I’d like to have a chat with you,” the man replied, his voice deep and steady.
“Sure.” What else could he say?
The GM directed them to his office, though he didn’t follow them there. Another man was standing in the office, also wearing a suit.
As Duncan Burke closed the door behind Cole, he said, “This is Mark Irving. He’s a lawyer for my company.”
Lawyer? Cole’s unease went up another notch. What on earth was this meeting about?
“Have a seat,” the older man said, gesturing to a chair that Cole had sat in on previous visits to the GM’s office. Only now, sitting in the chair opposite him was not the GM but one of the wealthiest men in the world. “I’d like for you to sign an NDA before we begin.”
“An NDA?” Cole asked with a frown. “Why do I need to sign an NDA?”
This was just getting stranger and stranger.
“I need to discuss some things with you, but they can’t be mentioned outside of this office.”
Cole hesitated, his mind racing through possible scenarios. None of them made any sense. He’d never had to sign an NDA just to have a conversation before.
“I understand your hesitation,” Duncan said, his expression softening slightly. “Let me assure you, this has nothing to do with your position on the team or your performance tonight.”
That didn’t exactly put Cole at ease, because it still didn’t reveal the purpose of the meeting. Apparently, he needed to sign the NDA in order to find that out.
The lawyer stepped forward, placing a document on the desk between them. “This is standard procedure for Mr. Burke when discussing sensitive personal matters.”
Personal matters? Cole’s brow furrowed. What personal connection could he possibly have to Duncan Burke?
“Alright,” Cole said finally, reaching for the pen. He skimmed the document—straightforward legal language preventing him from discussing whatever was about to be revealed. He signed his name at the bottom, the scratch of pen against paper unnaturally loud in the quiet office.
Duncan nodded to the lawyer, who collected the document and stepped toward the door. “I’ll wait outside, sir.”
Once they were alone, Duncan studied Cole with an intensity that made him shift in his seat.
“I’ll get straight to the point, Mr. Halverson. This concerns my daughter, Annalisa.”
Cole frowned. “Annalisa?”
“You probably know her as Annie.”
For a moment, Cole wondered if there were cameras hidden in the office. Surely this was some sort of prank.
“So you’re Annie and Benji’s dad?” he would play along for now. At least until the punchline landed. Then he’d have a laugh with everyone and go home.
“Yes. Annalisa and Benjamin are two of my children.”
“How does this concern Annie?”
“I need you to break up with her.”
Cole stared at the man opposite him in shock. “Break up with her?”
“Yes. You are living your life in the spotlight, and I need Annalisa to stay out of it.”
“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 were toddlers. 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?”
“Because Annalisa knows the danger of being a Burke. We’ve spent decades protecting her identity after what happened.” Duncan’s composure slipped for just a moment, revealing a glimpse of the concerned father beneath the businessman’s exterior. “When the girls were taken, the fear was unimaginable. When we only got Annalisa back, we were devastated. We may have lost her sister, but I won’t risk losing her, too.”
The revelation that Annie and her sister had been kidnapped, and she had been returned alone, struck Cole again. He tried to imagine what that kind of trauma would do to a three-year-old child, to a family. No wonder Annie had seemed guarded, especially at the start. But even since then, too.
“Mr. Burke, I understand your concern for Annie’s safety. I truly do. But shouldn’t this be her decision?”
Duncan’s jaw tightened. “You think you know my daughter after what, a few months? I’ve spent twenty-four years trying to keep her safe. Making the hard decisions she can’t or won’t make for herself.”
Cole fought to keep his voice steady. “With all due respect, sir, I care about Annie more than you realize. She’s chosen to be with me, knowing who I am and what my life entails.”
“Has she? Or has she simply been too afraid to tell you the truth about herself?” Duncan leaned forward. “Ask yourself this, Mr. Halverson: if she truly trusted you, why would she keep her entire identity a secret?”
The question hit Cole like a physical blow. Why hadn’t Annie trusted him enough to tell him who she really was? All those times they’d talked about their families, their childhoods—she’d shared a little about hers, but she’d always seemed more interested in his.
“I need to talk to her,” Cole said finally.
“That would be unwise.” Duncan’s voice had regained its clinical detachment. “The NDA you signed prevents you from discussing this conversation with anyone, and that includes my daughter.”
Cole stood abruptly. “You can’t stop me from asking her about her own life.”
“No, but I can ensure there are consequences if you reveal what was discussed in this room.” Duncan remained seated, utterly calm. “Think carefully about your next move, Mr. Halverson. Your career, her safety—both hang in the balance.”
The threat lingered in the air between them. Cole’s mind raced through options, none of them good. If he confronted Annie, he’d be violating the NDA. If he ended things with her without explanation, he’d break her heart. If he stayed with her, her father might destroy his career—or worse, Annie might be put in danger.
“I need time to think,” Cole finally said, his voice tight.
“I’m not unreasonable in this. I’ll give you a week to end things with Annalisa,” Duncan replied, rising to his feet. “After that, I’ll assume you’ve made your decision to continue this relationship, and I’ll act accordingly.”
The threat hung in the air as Cole turned and left the office without another word. The lawyer standing outside the door gave him a curt nod as he passed, but Cole barely registered it. His mind was spinning, trying to reconcile the Annie he knew with this new information.
The drive home passed in a blur. When he finally reached his apartment, Cole sat in his parked car for several minutes, hands gripping the steering wheel. How had everything changed so drastically in a single hour?
His phone buzzed with a text.
Annie : Congrats on the win tonight. Wish I could have been there to see it in person .
Cole stared at the message, his thumb hovering over the screen. What could he possibly say to her now?
He finally typed Thanks then paused before continuing. Wish you could have been here too. I’m beat. Going to bed early. Talk tomorrow?
She sent back a thumb’s up and a heart.
That small heart emoji twisted something inside him. He tossed his phone onto the passenger seat and leaned his head back, closing his eyes.
Lord, I could use some guidance here, he murmured, surprising himself with the prayer. It had been a long time since he’d turned to faith for answers.
The irony wasn’t lost on him. After years of distance from his childhood faith, here he was, instinctively reaching for it in a time of crisis. Maybe Annie’s quiet faith had influenced him more than he realized.
Annie. Who was she, really?
He’d met the daughters of uber-rich men. Some had carried themselves with an air of importance. Others had definitely been spoiled and expected the world to fall at their feet. None had been as down to earth as Annie. Although, as he thought back over the interactions, he recalled the moments when he’d been struck by an air of elegance, even when she was on the boat wearing a simple sundress. And at the gala, she’d seemed at ease with the elaborate set-up of the meal, even as she hadn’t enjoyed the crowds.
The woman he’d fallen for—the quiet, thoughtful woman with her subtle humor and deep insights—was she real? Or was she just a carefully constructed facade?
No, he couldn’t believe that. The connection between them, the way she listened and understood him, the vulnerability she’d shown... that couldn’t be fabricated.
But she hadn’t trusted him with her true identity.
Inside his apartment, Cole paced the living room, weighing his options.
He could break up with Annie as her father demanded, protecting his career but losing the woman he was falling in love with. He could defy Duncan Burke, risking everything he’d worked for professionally. Or he could try to find a middle path—one that might keep both Annie and his career safe.
But first, he needed to understand more about who Annie really was.
He opened his laptop and began searching for information about the Burke family. Most articles focused on Duncan’s business empire and philanthropic work.
There were photos of him with his wife at various events, but surprisingly no mention of other children, outside of Julian, his eldest child. Of him, however, there were lots of mentions and pictures.
The man was in his early thirties, but it didn’t seem that he had settled down yet. At least not in his personal life.
According to the gossip sites, Julian had had a string of short-term relationships, and from what Cole read, he was currently dating the daughter of a famous actor and actress.
He certainly wasn’t keeping a low profile. If anything, his actions amped up his visibility. Clearly, Duncan had no concerns for his older son’s safety. Or perhaps Duncan had tried to impose his will on Julian, and this was Julian’s response.
Moving on from Julian, Cole continued to hunt through search results. It was hard to believe that there was no more information on Duncan’s other kids. Even the one site that usually had all the information on people didn’t list any children for Duncan beyond Julian.
It just reinforced the depths of Duncan’s reach. He’d essentially wiped all the information of his younger children—and the twins’ abduction, apparently—from the internet.
It was frightening to be in the crosshairs of such a powerful man.
Despite extensive searching, Cole found no discussion of Duncan Burke’s other children, nor anything about the kidnapping. It had either never been released to the public, or he had the power to have it all scrubbed.
If it had happened twenty-plus years ago, Duncan might not have been wealthy enough to make him or his family of news interest to people. He could have also kept the details of the kidnapping and Annie’s release under wraps, not wanting to give anyone any ideas for the future.
Cole sat back, running his hands through his hair in frustration. He wanted to verify Duncan’s story about the kidnapping. But there was nothing. Was the man making it up to control his daughter?
But if it was true, it would explain much about Annie—her hesitancy in public, her preference for quiet evenings at home rather than nights out, her careful way of navigating relationships.
Unfortunately, it didn’t explain why she hadn’t trusted him enough to share this part of herself.
His phone rang, startling him. It was Marcus.
“Hey man, everything okay? You disappeared after the game.”
“Yeah.” Cole closed the laptop. “Just some business stuff with management.”
“Nothing serious, I hope?”
Cole stared at the blank screen, Duncan Burke’s threats echoing in his mind. “I’m not sure yet. Listen, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you on the plane.”
After hanging up, Cole left his laptop and walked to the window, looking out at the city lights.
He was confused about how to move forward. What had seemed like a pretty straightforward relationship—even if it was long distance—had now become very, very complicated.
How was he going to sort it out without revealing his meeting with Duncan Burke? Though he wasn’t firmly decided on what he wanted for his future with his contract ending, he really didn’t want to be forced out of the sport.
Cole didn’t know what to do. If he stuck with Annie, he’d lose his career, and there was still a chance things might not work out for them.
But if he ended the relationship without a good reason, he’d hurt Annie. And himself, as well. They were long past being able to end things without inflicting heartache.
They might not have said they loved each other yet, but Cole knew that he had never felt for any other woman how he felt for Annie.
Please, God. Give me the wisdom to know how to move forward with Annie. Help me to do the right thing.