“I’m saying…” She took a deep breath. “I’m saying we need a break. You need to focus, and I need to find a new job—”
“Whoa, whoa…” I shook my head. “What do you mean you have to find a new job?”
Julia sniffled. “That was my boss on the phone. I’ve been terminated. The libel lawsuit LHL slapped me with was headache enough for her. Now with all this going on? It was the final straw.”
Rage burned straight through me. “No, this… She can’t do that. This isn’t right.”
“She doesn’t want to deal with the scandal,” Julia said, her voice scratchy and tight. “And getting involved with my interviewees isn’t exactly considered professional.”
“But all of your hard work—”
“It’s been transferred to another journalist at the office. I’ve gathered enough source material for them to finish the spread, though I have a feeling they’re going to want to focus more on our relationship since it’ll probably sell more copies.”
“Julia, please just—”
“I’m going to stay so I can watch your fight,” she assured, chewing on the inside of her cheek. “But after that…”
“Say you’ll stay,” I whispered. “It doesn’t have to be like this. I know it’s scary, but we’ll protect you. The guys and I will make sure nothing else will happen to you.”
“It’s only going to get worse before it gets better. If I stay, they’re going to drag all our names through the mud. Believe me, Cash, I know. That’s just how the media works.” She stepped back and gathered up her bag. “We just need some distance. Hopefully things will calm down soon.”
“Julia, come on. Baby, don’t go—”
She left without another word, blowing right past me.
Dylan tried to cut her off, grasping her by the shoulder. “Sweetheart, just listen to us. This isn’t the end of the world. We’ll bounce back.”
“I have to go, Dyl. This is just too much.”
She broke free from his hold only to be blocked by Red at the door. He refused to budge, a giant obstacle in her way.
“Stay,” he said softly.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “Please move, Red. I won’t ask again.”
“No.”
“You’re going to make me cry.”
“Then I’ll hold you until you stop.”
“Jo nathan.Move.”
After a few seconds, Red eventually relented. He stepped aside and Julia was gone.