Page 104 of Blackmail of a Billionaire

“I don’t like this either,” Grant said, “but maybe you should stay just in case.”

She popped her eyes open, her features pinching. She wanted desperately to go home and stretch out in her own bed. She longed for the quiet solitude of Harrington House, along with the security it offered. She trusted the security team there more than the uniformed officer posted outside her cubicle.

But she also didn’t want to experience any adverse events either. “Maybe.”

The curtain around her space shook as a new doctor hurried inside, followed by Kyle. He handed the man the tablet. “The patient’s chart and test results.”

The man scanned them before he flicked his gaze to Julia. “You had quite a cocktail in your system.”

“So I’ve heard,” she answered.

Grant waved a hand in the air. “Look, doctor, all we’d like to know is if there is enough concern that an overnight stay is warranted.”

“I’d say there is more than enough concern. The elevated heart rate alone is enough to warrant monitoring until the drugs leave her system. And she could benefit from more IV fluids.”

The corners of Kyle’s lips turned up at the man’s words. “Thank you, Dr. Crane.”

“Of course. Good luck to you.” He thrust the tablet back toward Kyle before he disappeared.

Kyle offered them a triumphant grin. “Well, is that enough to convince you?”

“Sadly, yes,” Julia said.

“Good. I’ll get you moved to a room.” Kyle disappeared from the room as Julia let her head thud against the uncomfortable pancake of a pillow.

She shifted her gaze to Grant who settled into the chair with a less-than-happy expression. “You should go home and get some rest. Spend time with Sierra.”

“I’m not leaving you here.”

“There’s nothing you can do here. And I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

Grant gave her a determined look. “I’m not leaving you. I don’t care if he’s my son, I still don’t trust him.”

“Well, I’m not going to complain. I don’t want to stay here alone.”

He pulled his phone from his pocket and typed a message. “I’m telling Sierra now. I’m sure she’ll–she’s coming back. So, I can spend plenty of time with her.”

Julia tugged her blanket up higher. “Are you going to tell her?”

Grant heaved a sigh. “I think I have to. I’m afraid he will, and I’d rather it came from me.”

Julia stared out through the slightly open curtain, her mind focusing on Kyle. “He is a wild card.”

“Yes, he is. I’m so sorry you got caught in the middle of this.”

“It’s okay,” she answered. “I just hope this works out for the better rather than the path it was heading down.”

“If it does, it’s because of you.”

The arrival of the transport team interrupted their conversation. Within ten minutes, they had her settled in a room for the night. Sierra stomped her way into the room twenty minutes later, looking much better than the last time Julia had seen her.

“Julia,” she chided as she perched on the edge of the bed, “I can’t believe you have to stay here.”

“Same,” Julia said with a sigh. “Let’s hope it’s only for the night.”

Silence stretched between them for a moment before Grant leaned forward in his chair, settling his elbows on his knees. “Sierra, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Julia pressed her lips together as her stomach twisted into a knot. She couldn’t imagine this was easy for him. And with an audience, it probably was all that much worse. “If you’d like to get some air, I’ll be fine.”

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