Covert Affairs // Lloyd Hansen

Chapter 22

Ryan pulled into the long gated driveway and my dad looked out the window. "He lives here? Jesus. At least you're safe." My dad mumbled. We pulled up to the home and I think my dad's eyes bugged out of his head.

There was Lloyd, standing at the front, waiting. The car came to a stop and Lloyd walked up to my door, opening it for me and extending his hand. He held onto my hand tightly as my dad exited the car. My dad looked him up and down and I knew he was judging Lloyd's mustache. I should've made him shave it off. "So you're this 'Luke' guy." My dad said. "I am. Nice to meet you." I can't say I've ever heard him talk like this, so he must actually be trying. Lloyd held out his hand and my dad shook it. "Likewise." My dad said. "So! Dad, Llo- Luke and I would be happy to show you around the home. Right, baby." "Sounds great." Lloyd pressed a quick kiss to my lips and turned around, walking towards the door.

"You're not serious, Aurora. He has the mustache of a 90's pornstar." My dad whispered as we followed Lloyd into the house. "Just give him a chance." I said, glaring at him.

"So, Luke, my daughter tells me you went to Harvard as well." Lloyd led us into the kitchen. "I did."

"And your major?" "Business." Lloyd gave him a curt nod. They're about to have a pissing contest, I can feel it. "You know I too went to Harvard. Law degree." Please don't be a dick. Please don't be a dick.

"Aurora told me. Impressive." Not what I was expecting from him, but I'll take it.

"Well she's told me absolutely nothing about you, in fact I only found out you existed today. So Luke, tell me about yourself." Lloyd sighed and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Well, I grew up in Boston. I have two older step brothers. I went to Harvard, majoring in Business. Graduated, started out working at some local tech companies, made my way up the ladder, and now I'm the CEO of Hexagon Industries."

Oh thank god, I told my dad the right thing.

"And why do you live in Morocco?" "I like the people and the food." Lloyd shrugged. I knew exactly what my dad was doing. "And my daughter is safe here? You know, considering many criminals come here seeking refuge. No extradition laws and all that."

"Dad! Let me show you the rest of the house. I'm sure Ll- Luke has to get back to work. Right?"

They both ignored me. "I assure you, she's perfectly safe." Lloyd said, standing up straighter.

"And your tech company, it's in good standing with the law I assume." "Dad!" I snapped and he turned his head to look at me. "It's a valid question. What CEO of a billion dollar tech corporation lives in Morocco unless he's trying not to get caught doing shady shit." Lloyd narrowed his eyes in my dad's direction. "Big house, completely gated, armed guards at the entrance. Not to mention you grew up in Boston. Drastic weather changes between here and there. Wouldn't you say?"

"What are you implying Mr. Rivers." Oh no.

"I'm implying that your name is not Luke Henry and you are not the CEO of a company called Hex Industries. Luke Henry likely doesn't exist. Sure I found you but I'm not convinced. Hex Industries is real, but it's a front for money laundering. The only reason I'm even entertaining this elaborate ruse is because for whatever reason my daughter claims to be in love with you. So, 'Luke', I suggest you tell me what's really going on here." My dad was staring daggers at Lloyd.

Lloyd's entire body went rigid as he glared at my father. "Dad-" "Aurora May Rivers. You have 5 seconds to tell me what the fuck is going on here." He cut me off, his voice low and angry.

"Okay fine! You're right. His name isn't Luke Henry. It's Lloyd Hansen. He did grow up in Boston and he did go to Harvard. But he didn't major in business, he was the starting quarterback and majored in International Relations. He is not the CEO of a tech company,"

"Technically I am-" Lloyd cut me off and I glared at him. "Shut up, Lloyd." I growled. He closed his mouth and I continued.

"He owns Hansen Government Services. He's a contracted hit-man, dad. Happy??" I yelled, staring deep into my father's eyes. "And I do love him."

My dad was staring daggers at me now as Lloyd now kept a firm grip on my waist. He wasn't letting go. In fact, I knew there was a gun within reach and he wouldn't hesitate to use it. "You've gotta be fucking kidding me, Aurora. HIM?! He got kicked out of the CIA four months in for unsanctioned torture! He's a criminal!" My dad yelled. "You don't think I know all of that?! I just don't care, dad!"

"Your mother and I didn't raise you like this. She'd be so disappointed in you." He shook his head in disappointment. I was livid. "Don't ever fucking say that to me again." I growled. "You think she wanted you to date a murderer?" My dad's eye was twitching. "Don't be a fucking hypocrite. You and I have both done things for the CIA that we shouldn't have. I think she'd want me to be happy! And that's with Lloyd. I don't care what he does. So, if you don't approve...then you can get the hell out of my home."

Our eyes were locked in a heated glaring contest for about two minutes before my dad backed down. "If this is what you want, Aurora. Fine. Ruin your own life." He shook his head and looked down at his feet.

"Mr. Rivers. I love your daughter. She's the best part of me. I understand how I choose to make money is unacceptable to you but I couldn't care less. I loved her the moment I saw her studying in the Harvard library. I loved her when she rejected me countless times. I loved her when she broke up with me and ripped my heart out by moving across the world. No one is going to love her more than me. So you can either get out and lose a relationship with your daughter because you can't stand me and what I do, or you can just accept the fact that she's happy. You don't have to like me."

I stared at Lloyd with wide eyes as he spoke to my father. I was genuinely expecting a gun or a knife to be pulled.

"You know I'll never support this relationship." My dad sighed and looked back at me. "But I am glad you're happy, Aurora." He gave me a nod and I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you for not walking out." I whispered. "I'm not ever going to walk out on you, Rory. You're my only child, my only daughter and I will always love you." I pulled away from Lloyd's tight grip and wrapped my arms around my dad's neck. "You're right. Your mom would be happy for you. She always did see the best in people, just like you." He whispered and tears welled in my eyes.

"Will you stay for a few days? Please?" My dad sighed but nodded. "Thank you."