Page 113 of The Professor's Possession (Crystal River Billionaire Brothers)

It’s the first words he says since I started my rant, and they’re the most unexpected words I would ever expect to hear from my dad.

“I’m such an idiot, Dad. I screwed up big time.”

“No, you’re not. I’m proud of you, Olivia, for taking a stand. For finding your boundaries.”

“But I let him trample all over me,” I whisper.

“And you knew when enough was enough. You’ve left him. At the first sign of trouble.”

“I don’t know, Dad. It certainly doesn’t feel like some sort of brave stand. I just feel used, and there’s nothing I can do to restore whatever dignity I had.”

He takes a long pause. That’s very trademark of him. “I know I’ve not been the best or most active dad in your life, Olivia...”

“Dad...”

“But I love you,” he says quietly. “And I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

In the back of the rideshare, I wipe the tears from my eyes as my father’s words dig deep. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Should I come over there and sort this man out?” he asks, semi-joking and semi-serious.

I laugh. “No, please don’t.”

“Okay.”

“I’m going to sort him out myself,” I say.

I can practically hear my dad smiling on the other end of the phone.

“Don’t let him get away with it. Go get him, girl.”

52

SPENCER

Forget about the darkness within:today I am finally happy.

Last night with Olivia was just amazing. You know, being with her has actually finally melted my cold heart. I wouldn’t have believed it if you’d told me that six months ago. Despite everything wrong going on in my life, she has brought out something within me that I have never experienced before.

And it’s actually kind of terrifying, in the best kind of way.

I am starting to come around to the idea that things might begoodwith her. She’s the real deal.

Maybe she ismorethan just some contract that I made her sign. Maybe she is more than something casual. Maybe she truly is the dream girl I so need.

I stand before my English Lit class and look around the room at all the students eagerly waiting for my lecture.

But my heart drops.

I can’t find her in my class.

Where is she?

* * *

She’s not answeringmy messages. A girl of mine shouldn’t go radio silent, and now my heart is beating fast. This is not a typical occurrence in my life. I don't usually find myself preoccupied with someone else's actions. I don't usually become entangled in deciphering another person's intentions and actions. Desperation, as a concept, is something I've encountered in literature, yet I've never truly felt it. Until this moment.

Dare I say it? She’s not messaging me back, and it is making medesperate.

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