Page 98 of Undeniable
I debated what to say. I didn’t know if Olivia had ever told her dad about us. About me. The idea that she might not have stung more than it should’ve.
So I settled on, “I work for Hudson Security, and we specialize in executive protection. One of our former clients attacked Olivia, and—” I swayed, remembering just how close I’d come to losing her. “And…”
“Dad!” Olivia called down the hall, a smile overtaking her face as the nurse wheeled her closer.
“Livie. Are you okay?” He bent down and gave her a gentle hug before checking her over.
She waved away his concern. “I’ll be fine. What are you doing here?”
“I dropped by your house to see if you wanted to get brunch, but the police were there, as well as some guys from Hudson Security. This man—” He turned to me. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Connor,” I said, holding out my hand. “My name is Connor James, sir.” We shook hands.
“Right.” He released my hand, keeping one eye on his daughter. “He was telling me about an attack? What happened?”
The nurse cleared her throat. “Let’s get you back to your room,” she said to Olivia. “You need to rest.”
“I, um, I think it’s best if Connor tells you what happened.” Olivia held out her hand for me. I took her hand in mine and gave it a squeeze, my heart clenching along with the movement. “Please?”
Harrison’s attention whipped between us, and I could feel the questions building. But he said nothing as he held open the door for the nurse to wheel Olivia in.
“Are you sure?” I asked Olivia, not wanting to upset her by discussing what had happened.
“Yes,” she sighed. “I have a few questions.”
I nodded, her hand slipping through mine as she was wheeled away. Harrison turned to me with an expression that was stern and fucking intimidating. “So do I.”
Fuck.
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
“Here,” Dad said, holding back the covers. “Let’s get you settled in.” I climbed into the hospital bed, and he folded the covers over me. “Good?” he asked, fussing over me like a mother hen. I was grateful he was here, even if he was going to drive me insane.
I nodded, pressing the remote to lift the back of the bed so I was sitting upright. “I’m good. Thanks, Dad.”
“Now, then. Connor can tell us what happened, if you feel up to it, Livie.”
“I’m fine,” I said. Maybe if I said it enough, I’d actually believe it.
Dad stood at my side, placing his hand on mine. Connor’s gaze flashed to me, and I knew he was debating what to say. Wondering how much my dad knew about us.
“I, um—” I toyed with the edge of the blanket. “Before you start,” I said to Connor. “I want you to know, Dad, that Connor saved my life.”
My dad’s opinion was important to me. I didn’t want this situation to give my dad a bad impression of the man I loved. Even if I had no idea what the future held for Connor and me.
“Is this true?” Dad asked, glancing at Connor.
Connor shook his head. “Olivia shouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place. That’s on me. And for that, I’m truly sorry.” His eyes met mine, full of remorse.
“Connor.” My heart ached at the pain I saw reflected back at me. “I don’t blame you for what happened.”
“That’s because you don’t understand,” he rasped.
“So, help us understand,” Dad said. “Earlier, you told me that your former client attacked my daughter. Why?”
“Revenge,” Connor said, the one word sending a shiver through me.
“I see. And he thought he’d achieve that by hurting someone you…” Dad hesitated then settled on, “…care about.”