Page 118 of The Professor's Possession (Crystal River Billionaire Brothers)

For the briefest of moments, I swear I see Spencer Penmayne’s cheeks blush with shame.

Wow, I’ve really got to him. Mission accomplished.

“There’s more to it than that, Olivia. If you could only...”

“I was so stupid,” I continue. I’m on a roll here and I’m not going to stop. “I had thought you were more than just some college boy out to get into my panties. I thought you were smart. Mature. Wise. Turns out you are nothing more than just a little frat boy like all the rest. Nothing remarkable at all, and certainly no gentleman.”

The professor shakes his head. “I will tell you everything, Olivia. Just not here. Not in front of my daughter.”

He says that, and I agree. I glance at his little girl. She shouldn’t have to hear all this, even if her father really is the kind of man I say he is. I’m not going to let an innocent child get caught up in the mistakes of her father.

“Okay,” I say. “Not in front of her.”

As if sensing we’re talking about her, Spencer’s little girl comes sprinting back toward us from the playground.

“Daddy!”

As if nothing at all has just happened, a big smile crosses Spencer’s face and he envelopes her in a big hug.

“Hello, sweetheart.”

“Who’s that girl?” she asks, pointing at me. She’s got blue eyes - the same piercing eyes as her father. A bob of Penmayne inky black hair.

I can see the flicker behind Spencer’s own eyes as he looks back at me. He doesn’t want to be doing this. Spencer is a man who thinks he can keep every part of his meticulously planned life separated from each other with non-disclosure agreements and money and power. That trick isn’t going to work on me anymore.

But I’m going to remain civil for the sake of his little girl.

“I’m Olivia,” I reply. “And what’s your name?”

“Daisy.”

“That’s a lovely name. I like your dress.”

She smiles at my compliment. It’s just like Spencer’s smile. She takes after her daddy so well. My heart melts despite the anger boiling away. “It’s my favorite,” she says, lisping on the wordfavorite. “I’m usually not allowed to play wearing it, though. Mommy doesn’t let me, even though I like it.”

“I will call you, Olivia. I’ll arrange a time and place to speak.”

The professor is standing up straight again. He has one arm around his girl protectively. No matter what I can say about him, it’s clear he has nothing but love for his daughter.

“I’m waiting for answers,” I reply. “I’m not going to wait around for your call. I’ll speak to you when I’m next free.”

And then Daisy Penmayne lights up. She opens her mouth toward something – or someone – behind me in the park.

I don’t even get a chance to turn and see before she’s screaming in joy.

“Mommy!”

I see Spencer’s face drop for the second time today. This time there’s more than just simply surprise.

There’s apprehension.

And there’s anger.

I spin around to see the object of Daisy’s delight.

Another woman is approaching from across the park, in the same direction I’ve just come from.

I recognize her from the photos.

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