Page 112 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

“It’s going to be okay,” she whispered.

I nodded.

“Where’s your dad?”

“Janice took him for a ride. They’ll come back once Gavin’s gone. Come in. I don’t want to be at the door when he gets here.”

Cece scowled.

We sat down on the couch as I filled her in. When I got home, Dad was already asleep, and Janice dozed lightly on the couch. His poor caregiver had been so distraught. She felt awful that it had even happened. She said she only opened the door because she thought it was a package being delivered.

“Poor Janice,” Cece commiserated, echoing my thoughts.

“I know. It’s not her fault.”

“What do you think Gavin’s going to do?”

“I have no idea. I’m not even sure how badly he’s hurt. Dad has a crazy amount of strength when he gets that way, so anything’s possible. Janice said Dad thought Gavin was there to take him away and was trying to stop him.”

Cece giggled. “I know this is serious, but I wish I could’ve been there to see it. Gavin must have been shocked.”

I laughed too. “Right? I’m sure no one dares to challenge him.”

“Except you. You’re strong. You can get through anything, Lil.”

I squeezed her arm. I didn’t feel that way right now, but I appreciated the thought. “Thank you.”

The doorbell chimed.

I made a face at Cece. “Here goes nothing.”

The door seemed so far away from where we were. As I walked closer to it, fear clenched my stomach tight, like a hungry shark circling its prey. I needed to hold it together for Dad.

I counted to three, then opened the door. Gavin stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, a smirk on his lips, and a faint bruise gracing his cheek. I knew it was wrong of Dad to hit someone, but if he was going to do it, I was happy it was Gavin. He sure deserved it after all the crap I had had to put up with.

“Lily,” Gavin said, his voice already grating on my nerves. “Won’t you invite me in?”

“No, no, she won’t.” Cece spoke up behind me.

“Cece, this has nothing to do with you. Shouldn’t you be manning your bookstore?” he responded in a bored tone. Cece glared at him.

“What do you want, Gavin? You said you needed to speak to me.” I was tired and wanted this over with. If I let him have his way, we’d be standing here for hours.

“Your father assaulted me last night.” He pointed to his cheek and frowned. There was barely a bruise.

“He wasn’t in his right mind,” I reminded him.

“Regardless, I doubt the police would see it that way. Or the university.” He narrowed his eyes on me with a slight smirk.

Gavin is such an asshole.

“But I was thinking that I might change my mind for the right price.” He leaned against the doorframe, coming way too close to me.

“Gavin, I don’t have any money.”

His smirk turned into a grin that stretched across his face, making me think of a psychotic Cheshire cat. “I’m not talking about money. I’m only talking about your time.”

“My time?” This conversation was quickly moving in a weird direction.