Page 17 of My Grumpy Billionaire Protector

For too long, his name has been associated with drug cartels, warlords, and a slew of others. Even years later, it never fails to take me by surprise, and I can’t seem to understand why. My grandfather is far from perfect, and there are times when his flaws overshadow his virtues, but he isn’t a criminal.

Or at least, I want to believe he isn’t.

He is, after all, still my grandfather.

“What about the human trafficking case?”

Three pairs of eyes turn to Dinah, who sits up straighter and finishes chewing. “What? I listen to the news. I am studying to be a journalist, remember?”

“I hope you’re not planning on becoming one of those journalists who chases after every ghost and conspiracy theory,” Mitchel snaps, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “They’re still investigating the claims.”

Dinah shakes her head. “Not anymore. I’ve got a friend who works at the DA’s office, and she just told me that they found a way to make the charges stick. It’s going to be a long and messy trial.”

“I see.”

“You do realize that your name is associated with this scandal too, right?” Dinah folds her arms over her chest and stares at him. “Why does this keep happening?”

Mitchel sets down his fork and tosses his napkin on the table. “I did not invite you over for dinner so that the two of you could sit there and make accusations.”

“They’re not making accusations,” Alba interrupts, in a loud voice. “They’re just concerned for their grandfather. Aren’t you?”

Abruptly, I stand and push my chair back. “I’ve pretty much lost my appetite, and I’ve got a lot of work in the morning.”

“I’m supposed to work on this assignment,” Dinah adds, pushing herself up to her feet. “I’ll give you a ride back.”

Alba shoots us both an exasperated look and turns to her father. Mitchel has already risen to his feet and is now by the fireplace. I stare at his back before giving a slight shake of my head and turning to Dinah.

Together, the two of us walk out into the quiet street outside. In the car, I press my face to the cool glass.

“Do you want me to drop you off at your place?”

“I can’t.” I twist to face her with a grimace. “The apartment is being fumigated, so I’m staying at Mom’s for a while.”

Dinah raises an eyebrow. “Mom is going to be thrilled.”

“She doesn’t know yet. I was trying to find somewhere else to stay, but Sienna’s got relatives visiting, and things are kind of weird with TJ right now.”

“Has he confessed his undying love for you yet?”

“Shut up.”

“Seriously, though, you should see if they’re free to hang out. I don’t think you want to be alone tonight.”

I nod. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll give them a call right now.”

SHANE

“Asshole,” I mutter with a smile. “All those women are getting to your head, and I don’t even know what they see in you.”

“It’s the bald head and scruffy look,” Pierce replies with a straight face. “I don’t know what it is, but chicks go crazy for that shit.”

“There’s no accounting for poor taste.”

Pierce shoves me, and I burst into laughter. Together, the two of us walk back to the car. He opens the door to the back and sits facing our captives, his expression giving nothing away. I give a slight shake of my head and go around to the passenger side, letting the door slam shut behind me.

“It took you two princesses long enough. What happened? Did a spider scare you on the way out or something?” Cory snorted.

I scowl. “I don’t care how good of a driver you are. If you don’t stop, I’m going to drag you out of the car and kick your ass.”

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