The Doctor Who Has No Chance - Victoria Quinn Page 0,37

didn’t already know that? Dad wouldn’t kick anyone’s ass for me.”

Dad released a sarcastic chuckle. “If Catherine were a man, I might.”

Mom nudged him in the side. “Deacon…”

The door flew open, and Derek stepped inside, holding Little Deacon in one arm, while Lizzie came in behind him holding Cam. Emerson took up the rear, carrying the bag of supplies for the boys. He took a look at all of us on the couch, just sitting there like nothing significant just happened. “Just saw the news. What the hell is going on?”

Fourteen

Sicily

I was scrolling through social media on my phone when an article popped up.

World-Famous Oncologist Deacon Hamilton Arrested for Assault. “What the…?” I clicked on the article and quickly scanned through the two paragraphs, along with the photographs and the video. I watched the video, watched Deacon beat the shit out of Mason, who was less than half his age. “Oh my fucking god…” I immediately texted Dex. Uh…did you know your dad’s been arrested?!?

He texted back immediately. Yep. He’s out now. I just left their condo.

Why did your dad beat up Mason in a bar?

You saw the video, huh? Awesome, right?

I guess I’ve been more focused on your dad being in jail…

Look, I’m starving and haven’t had dinner. You know, because my dad was taken downtown, and Mom had to bail him out. I’ll grab something and swing by to tell you the tale.

I actually have leftovers if you want that. I’d signed up for one of those meal subscription services because I didn’t have time to shop, and I didn’t want to keep eating out all the time. Otherwise, my nice clothes wouldn’t fit anymore.

Even better. Be there soon.

He walked inside ten minutes later, in the same clothes he’d been wearing earlier that day.

I was in my sweatpants and a t-shirt, and I didn’t have time to change, so I chose to do my hair and makeup instead. His plate was already on the coffee table, warmed up and ready to go.

He must have been truly hungry because he immediately went to the couch and started to eat. “Damn, this looks good. You made this?”

I dropped into the seat beside him. “Yes, technically. But everything was sent to me, so all I do is piece it together and cook it, so I can’t take that much credit.”

“Oh, that’s cool.” He sat at the edge of the seat and scarfed it down, shoveling the food into his mouth.

He didn’t eat with many manners, but that didn’t bother me. It was kinda hot that he ate like a man, like he needed those calories and nutrients to keep up that strong body and brilliant mind.

He finished everything and left it on the table. “Maybe I should sign up for that.” He relaxed back into the couch, making himself at home, one arm propped up behind him, his knees apart, his shirt rising slightly to reveal a glimpse of chiseled abs and the band of his boxers.

I forced myself to look away. “So, your dad’s a felon now?”

“Not a felon,” he said with a chuckle. “Assault isn’t a felony. Well, in this scenario, it’s not.” He sat up again and righted himself, his back straight once again. His hand absent-mindedly went to his cheeks where he caressed the coarse hair on his jawline. “It all happened so fast.” He turned to look at me, to see me in my gray sweatpants that were cinched around my ankles, my loose black t-shirt without a bra underneath. “You look cute, by the way.”

“In this?” I asked incredulously. The guy had seen me in lingerie. There was even a stain on the shirt, but since it was kinda dark, he probably couldn’t see it. I was one of those people who would continue to wear something and not wash it, even if there was a bean stain on it from a burrito.

“Yeah.” His eyes lingered for a bit before he cleared his throat and changed the subject, as if he realized he was staring way too much. “Anyway, my dad had been low since Mason stood up my sister at dinner, so I asked him to get a beer after work today, just to get his mind off it. It seemed to be working…until Mason walked over to say hello.”

“Oh no…” I already knew how this story ended, but it was an intense climax, regardless. “And your dad just went for it?”

“No. Mason actually assumed my dad was Derek, so he said a couple