Page 80 of My Grumpy Billionaire Protector

“Try and get some sleep,” Shane repeats carefully. “I don’t think it’s something either of us want to think about.”

* * *

When bright sunlightpours in through the open curtains, I wince and sit up. Gingerly, I rub my eyes and stretch my arms over my head. Then I reach for the space next to me, only to come up empty-handed. I turn my head and see that the other side of the bed is rumpled, and it feels warm.

Shane hasn’t been gone for long.

But I have no way of knowing whether he’s left to avoid my questions or to find out what happened after yesterday’s incident. Luckily, I’d been able to fend the guy off, having splurged on a few self-defense classes when I left for college. Over the years, I’ve had little reason to use the skills I’ve learned, but I am glad to see it has come in handy, even though they haven’t been enough to protect me from Isaiah. Although it was three against one then, I didn’t make it easy on them.

On shaky legs, I walk to the bathroom and grip either side of the sink.

What would’ve happened if my assailant had taken me away?

Was this all part of a bigger plan?

When the back of my head starts to hurt, I splash cold water on my face and shiver. After I pat my face dry, I make my way back into the room and see the rose taped to the back of the door with a signed S.

Fuck.

What now, genius? He’s not giving you any answers, and you’re still pining over him like an idiot.

I know I shouldn’t have feelings for Shane, not under the present circumstances — or any circumstances. Sequestered in the compound, it is a little too easy to let myself forget who he is, who he is in business with, and the reason we are both living under the same roof. With nothing but my own guilt and uncertainty for company, I force my way down the stairs and into the study.

Hayes and Felix stand outside the door while I wait for the laptop to start. Dinah’s familiar face makes me break out into tears.

“Whoa. Fuck. What the hell happened? Did they hurt you? Because if they did, I swear to God, I will hunt them down one by one.”

I sniff. “No, they didn’t hurt me. I’m just so happy to see you.”

Dinah looks away. “I know I haven’t been around. I’ve been trying to help by chasing down leads, but I’m not having any luck.”

“Di, what’s going on?”

Dinah shifts from one side to the other. “What do you mean?”

“I know something’s happening, but no one will tell me what it is, and it’s not like Grandpa to drag his feet like this. Did they change the terms of the negotiation?”

I’ve seen him do a lot more with a lot less time and worse odds, so none of this makes sense.

“Not as far as I know,” Dinah replies, shoving her hair out of her eyes. “I can try and find out for you, but you know how secretive Mom and Grandpa are.”

“We both need to get to the bottom of this.”

SHANE

“What, no moonlight walks on the beach?”

I roll my eyes. “No.”

“No romantic dinner on the porch?”

“Dick.”

Cory chuckles. “I’m just messing with you, man. Seriously, though, what are you doing in here? You’re usually with Evie by now.”

I run a hand over my face. “I haven’t been to see her today.”

For the first time in weeks, I’ve made it a point to wake up long before she did so I wouldn’t even run into her in the hallway. I know I am going to extreme lengths to avoid our paths crossing, but I also know I can’t keep it up forever. Not if I want to focus on getting us all out of here…

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