Page 113 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

“Yes.” His eyes roamed my body, lingering on my chest for much too long before he met my gaze once again. “If you and I were to spend more time together, I don’t see why I couldn’t forget your dad’s lapse in judgment, or that you lied to the university.”

My mouth dropped open. Was Gavin really blackmailing me for a date?

“Are you that hard up to get a girl, Gavin, that you have to coerce someone into dating you? You’re mental.” Cece taunted him.

Gavin ignored Cece. “It’s a simple decision to make, Lily. All you have to do is say yes.”

I thought about all the lying I’d done since Dad got sick. I was too tired to keep it up. “No, Gavin. I won’t let you blackmail me.”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! Any number of women would die to have the chance to date me and you’re saying no?” His expression was a mix of outrage and disbelief.

“I am.” There was no way my father would condone me selling myself to such an asshole just to save his job or to not deal with law enforcement.

Gavin shoved a finger at me, just shy of hitting my chest. “You will regret this, Lily LeBeau.”

My legs trembled as he stormed off.

I shut the door and leaned against it, until Cece looped her arm through mine and helped me back to the couch.

“Good for you. You can’t let bullies like him win.”

“I know. Dad wouldn’t have wanted me to agree to Gavin’s preposterous idea. He’s clearly off his rocker if he thinks that’s a legitimate way to get a date.”

Cece pulled me down to sit next to her on the couch. “What can I do to help?”

“Just sit here with me. I could use the company. The ball’s in Gavin’s court. I’m sure we’ll find out the repercussions of my decision soon enough.”

She nodded.

We sat in silence for a while, and I realized I should message Janice to tell her it was okay for her and Dad to come home when the house phone rang.

A chill slid down my spine as I reached for it on the table beside me.

“Hello?” I said, trying to control the slight tremor in my voice.

“Dr. LeBeau. I’ve just been informed that you and your father are in breach of your contracts.”

“Dr. Nivens I can—”

He interrupted me. “Can you produce your father in my office on Monday?”

I stayed silent. I could, but it wouldn’t be the version of my father he was asking to meet with.

“I’m guessing from your silence that’s a no.”

“Sir,” What could I say? I was done lying. “He’s ... ill.”

“No. Don’t bother trying to keep up this charade. I’m contacting our lawyers. This ruse you and your father cooked up has far-reaching consequences. I recommend you find yourself legal counsel.” The incessant beeping of the dial tone filled my ear.

I looked at Cece. “Know any good lawyers? Or even a bad one I could at least afford?”

I dropped my head into my hands. How was I going to fix all this?