Page 11 of Heartbeat

I agreed with a nod and left the office in a much better mood. If I would’ve just been more assertive in the beginning, I wouldn’t have had to put up with his crap. However, my natural inclination was to please. I don’t like confrontations although I’ve been having more and more of them lately.

I frowned at the thought, maybe I needed to take a vacation so that I could get back to my normal self. I’ve been feeling more and more tense lately. I can’t shake the feeling that something is looming over me.

I pulled into the parking garage and took the private elevator up to the office suites at the hospital. It was time for me to pick up my sister, and I knew she didn’t have any patients scheduled for the afternoon.

When I arrived at her office, she wasn’t there, so I headed to my father’s office. Felicity, my father’s personal assistant, wasn’t at her desk, and my father’s door was slightly ajar. When I heard raised voices, I tipped quietly forward to listen to who was arguing. Normally, I wouldn’t eavesdrop. I would just leave and text Robin that I was waiting, but the distress in my sister’s voice worried me.

“Daddy, I can’t marry some stranger! What were you thinking?” Robin’s panicked voice rang out.

“Robin, sweetheart, I had no choice. I’m only telling you this because I trust you.” My father’s voice pleaded with such sincerity. It made me frown and move closer so I could see through the crack.

“I can’t believe the money is gone. How could an investment tank so horribly? Why can’t you get the money from Uncle Andres, he can bail you out?” Robin sounded desperate. Andres’ wasn’t actually our Uncle; he was our father’s cousin, but we called most elders auntie or uncle.

What the hell was happening? Money problems? Marriage? The fuck was going on?

“No.” My father’s voice was sharp. “I have a way to get the money, and you must get married for me to get it. After everything I’ve done for you, you can do this.”

“But Daddy, I can’t.” There were tears in my sister’s eyes, and that’s when I decided to make my presence known. Robin never cried. I had to do something.

“Robin, Daddy? What’s going on?” I cautiously walked into the office, softly shutting the door behind me.

“Raven, this is none of your concern,” my father stated dismissively, but his words didn’t have the usual bite.

“Daddy wants me to get married so that the hospital doesn’t go under from lack of funds,” Robin blurts out. My eyes go round, and I gasp.

“Go under how? I can give you money, Daddy,” I offered. I had hardly touched the trust fund and I was worth millions of dollars. I may have struggled in college, but when I turned twenty-five I received some of my trust.

“Raven, I said stay out of this!” My father shouted, and I winced. He never lost his cool, especially in his office. There were too many eyes and ears.

“Robin, you will get married, and that’s the end of it!”

“I can’t, Daddy. Quinton and I are already married,” Robin responded with a broken sob.

Holy shit!I thought at the murderous look on my father’s face. I had to do something to save my sister. Robin always saved me.

“I’ll do it, Daddy. I’ll marry whoever you want me to.” I said quickly to the shock of both my sister and my father. Hell! I shocked my damned self.

CHAPTER 6

LENNOX

Icontacted Jagger as soon as the contract was signed to secure a new apartment. The Elite Suites was one of Jagger’s high-end apartment buildings. He was able to get me one of the penthouse apartments that overlooked the island.

The floor to ceiling windows gave me an immaculate view of the water and port of Founder’s. The sunrise from the balcony was beautiful. The whole apartment was beautiful.

The open floor plan was exactly my style. Dark wood floors ran seamlessly throughout. The extravagant chef’s kitchen with granite countertops and island opened to a large dining room with a glass table that sat ten. I was able to view both from the large sofa at the opposite end of the living room.

A wood-burning fireplace sat against the wall that led into a hall that housed the bedrooms. All three bedrooms had an ensuite, but the master bedroom was like a spa. It even had a built-in sauna in the bathroom.

I loved my new home already, even though I wasn’t completely moved in yet. The movers were scheduled for later in the week, and it was suggested that I use an interior decorating service that was offered to all of the penthouse owners.

I made sure to set up an appointment with Timeless Designs for later in the week. Although I wouldn’t start work until the next day, I had a meeting with Dr. Bishops today. It was all fascinating, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that all of this was entirely too easy. Probably because of my father’s involvement.

It felt like the calm before the storm, and I couldn’t help but feel a little apprehensive about the meeting today. Instead of focusing on the foreboding feelings, I took a deep breath and got my shit together.

I took the private elevators up to the office suites at BHM, and I couldn’t help but admire the architecture and sophisticated décor of the building. Everything in this hospital was top-notch, and I was thoroughly impressed.

When I made it to Dr. Bishops’ office, the flirty blond from before was primly typing at her desk. When she noticed I was there, she smiled seductively at me before giving me an obvious once over from head to toe. I cocked a brow at her boldness but didn’t encourage her by flirting back. I kept my face placid to exude a level of professionalism.

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