Page 104 of Royal

“I can give you the name of my doctor if you need to talk to someone,” Declan added, placing his hand on Kyler’s shoulder.

“I don’t need a shrink.” I suppressed a sigh. “But if I realize Idoneed one, I’ll let you know.”

Thankfully, the pity party dispersed, and I was able to actually talk with my friends without them watching me like they were waiting for me to crack like an egg. Grayson stayed by the door for a while, listening but not interacting, before he got a call and left the room.

“How’s Detective Grumpy Pants holding up?” Brysen asked.

“He blames himself,” I answered. “But I think he’ll come around. I’m just glad it’s over.”

Grayson came back into the room. “Your mom just called me in a panic.”

I froze. “What? Is she okay?”

“Well, she said she tried calling you, but your phone is in pieces right now. So, she got my number. She asked if she could come see you.” Before I could respond, he added, “Your dad is with her and wants to tag along.”

My smile faded.

“I don’t know if I want to see him.” My good mood sunk like the Titanic.

“It’s your choice,” Grayson said. “He sounded upset. You know how much he hates my guts, but he was practically crying in my ear.”

“I’ll think about it.”

That’s all I could do. For years, I’d humored the idea of mending my broken relationship with Jack Henderson. I believed in forgiveness. Holding grudges did nothing but hurtyou. But...there was a difference between holding a grudge and cutting off ties with someone who damaged your mental health.

And Jack had done a lot of damage.

When they arrived, the tension in the room grew thick. Brysen, Kyler, and Declan excused themselves and went into the living room where Gideon, Declan’s bodyguard, had been sitting. Grayson, however, crossed his arms and stood beside me, glaring at Jack.

“Oh, honey,” Mom said, rushing over to me. She was careful when she hugged me. “Are you all right?”

I nodded. “Nothing major.”

Jack stood in the doorway before slowly approaching the bed. He took off his baseball cap and squeezed the bill in his hands as he raked a gaze over me. Seeing him nervous was…strange. Maybe the death glare from Grayson played a part in that.

“Hey, son,” he said. “Glad to see you’re okay.”

“Where’s your fiancé?” I asked, not even trying to play nice. I couldn’t believe Mom had come there with him. He was lower than dirt in my book.

“She couldn’t make it,” he answered. “But she sends her best.”

Mom pressed her lips into a line and brushed aside my bangs. I knew that look. It was taking all she had not to start an argument with Jack. Their last living son being kidnapped by a psychopath might’ve made them start talking again, but I was glad to see she was learning to move on. She deserved better than him anyway.

“Thank you for bringing him home safe,” Jack said to Grayson.

“I didn’t do it for you,” Grayson retorted, his nostrils flaring.

I reached over and placed a hand on Gray’s arm. Instantly, he relaxed. He regarded me, and I offered him a smile. His lips twitched before spreading into a smile, as well.

With a soft sigh, he looked back at Jack. “But you’re welcome.”

Healing and moving forward would take time, but it was a start.