Page 53 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

“This is the only thing I lied about, and it’s not what you’re thinking. My father is a good man. The best.” Her voice cracked.

“So good he sent you here to lie to me?” How could I have been so blind to her deception?

She let out a groan. “He didn’t send me you idiot. We didn’t have a choice.”

“Are you working for Nivens?” I bit out, my voice hardening with each word.

“Working for Nivens?” she hesitated. “Well, I guess so.”

“At least you’re not denying it. I knew that rat bastard would try something.” I clenched my hands so I wasn’t tempted to put a fist through the nearest wall.

“Why would I deny it? He called us and contracted Dad for this job.” She rubbed at her furrowed brow.

“So he knew your father would not be here. I need to find my fucking contract. I bet he threw in a clause I missed.”

She reached out and touched my arm. “What are you talking about, what clause?”

“You’re helping him. That fucking bastard wants my money and to find a loophole to get the book. Well, fuck that, Lily!” I shook her arm off so hard she stumbled.

“You’re not making sense. What is it you think we’ve done?”

“You’re through here. I’m calling Nivens in the morning to tell him that his little ruse didn’t work.”

She paled. “No, you can’t call him.”

“Why? Afraid you won’t get your money? Well, too fucking bad.”

“It’s not about the money, you asshole!” she yelled back at me. Good, this way it evened things out a bit.

“It’s always about the money. Get your things together. I want you out of here by morning!” My voice bounced off the walls, echoing around us.

“You can’t do this,” she pleaded as she blinked back the tears filling her eyes.

There was no way I’d let her tears sway me. It was most likely part of her deception to make me trust her. “Watch me. Make sure you’re gone before I get back.”

She swiped at the tears running down her cheeks. “I hate you.”

“Good, and Lily—” I waited until her tear-filled gaze met mine. “I can destroy you and your father. No one fucks with me. Tell Nivens I don’t appreciate being double-crossed.” I stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind me.