The bedroom door opened, drawing their attention. Ray looked at Grace, then at Zain. "I thought I heard your voice." He glared at Zain. "What are you doing in here? Why are you half naked?" He stomped up to Zain. "What did you do to her?"

Zain stood toe-to-toe with him. "I didn't do anything to her."

Ray poked him in the chest. "Then why is your shirt off?"

"Well..." He scratched the back of his head. "Since I... uh... saw her naked when I saved her from passing out in the bath. I thought I'd even it out so she wouldn't be embarrassed every time she saw me."

Ray's eye twitched. Zain had already told him what had happened, but he didn't expect that. "Does that mean you were going to flash my granddaughter?"

"I... Uh..."

"Can still never lie to me, can you? Good," Ray growled.

"He didn't have a chance to, by the way," Grace chimed in.

"Zain, get out of here before I lose my cool and beat you."

"Right." Zain dipped his head down and headed for the door. "Ah, I dropped my shirt." He started to head back, but the look in Ray's eyes stopped him in his tracks. "I don't need it. I can find another." He backed away, staring at the ground. "Excuse me." He closed the door behind him.

Geez... Grandpa really has him on a short leash.

"Was he telling the truth?" Ray asked as he sat on the end of her bed.

"Yes; that's exactly what happened." Grace sighed and hugged her pillow again.

"Are you feeling alright now?" Ray's arm twitched as he resisted the urge to check her forehead for a fever.

"Yes, I'm okay now. I'm sorry to scare everyone like that. I just stayed in the hot water for too long."

"I see. Well, I would've thanked that brat more, but I can't believe I found him half-naked in your room."

It's not like I'm a child. "Isn't he a candidate, though?"

"Still inexcusable, unless you've made your decision."

"No."

"I didn't think so." Ray sighed and rubbed his neck. "Are you well enough for our dinner?"

"Yes; as I said, I'm okay now. We can still go out for dinner."

"Good." He nodded. "I wanted to take you to your father's favourite place growing up. He's always loved their pasta and pizza. We can order whatever you want, though. More than enough, even, and we can bring what we don't eat home."

"Is it going to be just the two of us?"

"I didn't rent the place out, so I can't say how many people will be at the restaurant, but if you're talking about my men, I plan to have a few of them nearby. Don't worry; we'll still have enough privacy to talk between us."

"So Zain is coming to?"

Ray raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you haven't taken a shine to him?"

"I-I was just wondering, since he's basically my personal bodyguard or babysitter."

He nodded. "Of course, he'll be there. I trust Zain, but if he gets out of line and tries something, don't be afraid to come to me. I'll deal with him swiftly, and he won't even think about doing something you don't want again."

Even though Zain is like his son, it feels like he'd trust my word over anyone else's. Maybe blood does mean that much to him.

"I think I can deal with him." Grace chuckled. "But I'll keep it in mind. Thank you, grandfather."

His brows furrowed as he frowned.

"What's wrong?" Grace asked.

"Grandfather feels too stiff and formal. Call me grandpa."

That was on purpose... Her heart ached as she thought about her other grandparents. "O-okay, grandpa."

"Feels so much better." He patted her on the top of her head and sighed. "How I wish I got to be there while you were growing up." He shook it off before his thoughts spiralled again. "Anyway, you're sure you're okay to go to dinner?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"I look forward to seeing you, then." Ray stood and kissed her on the cheek. "Please don't make me worry more than I already do."

"Sadly, I can't make any promises."

He laughed and shook his head. "Just like your parents." He sighed as he left.

He must really miss them... I do, too.

Grace sighed as she laid back and looked out the window. I should probably be getting ready for dinner, anyway. Good thing Mary chose out my clothes; I'd have no idea what to wear.