Page 33 of The Beast

“Is there more you need me to take point on? Some other trouble you can’t sort out and need my help with?” I balance that zinger on my most innocent smile. Out of the corner of my eye, I swear I see Chris gulp.

Father’s eyes narrow. For a moment, I think he’s going to hit me—right here, in front of Chris, in the middle of the gallery.

But he doesn’t. He just leans in, his voice dropping to something cold and dangerous.

“Those investigations didn’t just spring up out of the ether. Someone is coming after us, Isabella. I don’t know who yet, but I will find out. And when I do...”

He doesn’t finish the threat. He doesn’t need to.

“Get your house in order,” he says. “And answer your damn phone when I call.”

He turns and strides toward the door, nearly colliding with someone as he steps out. I hear a muttered curse, a sharp “Watch it”—and then David appears in the doorway, rubbing his shoulder.

“Your father almost knocked me over.”

“That’s his favorite pastime. I was looking for you earlier,” I add. “I’d hoped we could talk over coffee.” Our eyes meet, and he nods. Yeah. He knows what I want to discuss. “Chris, can you give us a few minutes?”

Chris is already grabbing a bakery box. “I’ll be in the back. Yell if you need me,” he says, then whoosh, he’s gone. Smart guy, Chris.

David sighs, then shoves his hands into his pockets.

I have no idea where to start, so I just dive in. “Listen, about last night. I⁠—”

He holds up a hand, interrupting me. “No. Not that. Not now. There’s something going down.”

I shake my head, as if I’m resetting the system. “Um, okay. What’s going on?”

He drags his fingers through his hair. “I’ve been hearing things all morning. Rumors about employees getting poached. Big offers, way above market rate. Offers started going out early Friday and just kept flying over the weekend. Some folks were buzzing about it during our party, but I guess they all agreed to keep you behind a firewall. Me, too, because of our impending nuptials. Why throw shade at the happy couple?”

“Well, hell.” The words are barely out of my mouth when my phone buzzes. I pull it out and see a text from Maria Chen, our Front Desk Manager.

Hey, boss-to-be. Thought you should know—five of us got crazy job offers over the weekend. Nobody on the desk’s taking them—so far. Figured you’d want an FYI.

“It’s not just rumors,” I say, showing David the screen.

“Jesus.” He takes a breath. “There’s more.”

I rub my temples. “Of course there is. What else?”

David sucks in a deep breath. “My dad. He got a call last night. From Gabriel Grimm.”

I go still. “He—what?”

“I know, right?” He swallows, then takes my hand. “Bella, it’s crazy. But I think Gabe’s alive.”

“I know,” I whisper, tugging my hand free.

David jolts like he’s been hit. “You do?”

“Harper’s with him right now, I think.” I can’t keep the edge out of my voice. Somewhere across town, my best friend is probably curled up on Gabriel’s couch, catching up over coffee, laughing about old times. And here I am, wondering if the man I love will ever look at me with anything other than hatred. “It’s been a hell of a weekend,” I add.

David rocks on his heels, his eyes wide. “Yeah. I guess so.” He studies my face. “You want to tell me what’s going on?”

“I do,” I say. “I really do.” And so I start talking, telling him all of it. Leo’s text. Racing to find Gabe. The accusations. The woman with mismatched eyes like mine. The money trail that leads back to my father. By the time I finish, David’s face has gone pale.

“Christ, Bella.” David stands, paces to the window, then back. “The Grimms are dangerous. Ruthless. Cold. And Gabe had a rep as the kind of man who obliterates his enemies.” He looks at me hard. “He’s a powder keg, Bella. And I’m fucking terrified you’re going to get caught in the blast.”

“I know,” I whisper. “Me, too.”