“I’m trying, Hailey,” he says quietly. “I’m trying to balance everything, but it’s not easy.”
Before I can respond, Luca’s voice breaks through the air like he’s been waiting for his cue. “Everything okay over there, lovebirds?” His tone is dripping with amusement, and I can hear the smirk even without looking at him.
I roll my eyes, but Elijah’s expression hardens instantly. “Mind your own business, Lucian.”
Luca chuckles, pushing away from the desk and walking over. “Oh, but it is my business, isn’t it? After all, I have to make sure our sweet Hailey is… well taken care of. I mean, that’s what you’re insinuating, right?”
“Elijah, don’t,” I warn, sensing his temper flaring. My eyes shoot to Luca. “Can you stop trying to provoke him and do your job?”
But Luca’s just getting started. H
