Chapter 531

"It matters," he said sharply.

I opened my mouth to say something, but no words came out.

What the hell does he mean by "It matters"?

"Where's Matt?" I asked, changing the subject. "It's Friday, we have tutoring today."

Taylor sighed and then nodded as he put the car in drive.

"Gavin said that you can start tutoring at the Villa again," he told me, much to my surprise. "In fact, he's even wanting to talk to you."

My heart started to beat rapidly in my chest at his words.

Gavin wanted to speak with me? About what?

Gavin's POV

I hadn't been able to face Judy in the last few days, though I've been wanting to speak with her for some time now. I wanted to ask her about the other night.

I was so sure I was with her; I could literally taste her on my tongue and though Rache's scent was strong in the room, I could still smell the lingering scent of Judy.

Though it wasn't Judy, I woke up next to that morning, it was Rachel.

Since that night, Rachel had been extra clingy. The only solitude I had was when I was at work, and even then, she still tried to interrupt me. I told my receptionist to tell her I'm busy on countless occasions, but she puts up a fight every time and causes a scene, which I can't have in my business.

My head was pounding when there was a knock on my office door, my home office. I didn't need to ask who it was because I could smell Taylor's scent approaching.

"Come in," I murmured, rubbing my temple with my fingers, trying to soothe away the dull ache.

Taylor entered, his face looking a bit downcast as he shut the door behind him. "Judy is with Matt in the parlor," he announced.

I nodded, pleased that she was back at the Villa. I've been wanting her back at the villa for quite some time. Both my wolf and I felt better with her nearby, so we can keep an eye on her, but with me trying to figure out my placement with Rachel, it was better if Judy kept her distance this past month.

Despite Rachel's betrayal and lies years ago, I couldn't dismiss the fact that she was still a friend to me and did help me out a lot when it came to my sister. Even if her actions weren't always genuine. She was back now, wanting to make amends for what she had done and I felt I owed it to her to give her that chance.

I looked at Taylor, who remained at the doorway, his eyes downcast.

I stared at him, my eyes narrowed.

"What is it?" I asked him after a moment of long silence.

Taylor finally looked up at me, and I could see the uncertainty in his eyes, like he didn't want to tell me. I let a low warning growl escape my tips as my wolf fought to surge forward and rip the information out of his throat.

"I saw her and Lukas Merriweather hugging earlier," he murmured. "It looked... intimate."

I didn't realize how hard I was clutching the pen in my hand until it shattered and ink spilled everywhere on my desk.

I cursed as I grabbed a paper towel to clean the mess, but the damage was done. The paperwork had been ruined, and now there was ink on my clothes and hands.

Taylor rushed to help me clean the mess, his face had gone pale because he knew what I was like when I got like this.

"I want him gone," I said through my teeth. "I want Lukas off my territory."

"The school is public domain," Taylor told him. "He's staying in the dorms, which means you have no say."

"Then reach out to Mica and order him to send Lukas home," I said, my eyes filled with a fiery vengeance. "I want him gone. I don't want him anywhere near her... understood?"

There was a moment of hesitation, and it pissed me off even more.

“What?” I asked, my temper rising as my wolf grew more restless and pissed off.

“It's just that..... Judy seems to like him,” Taylor murmured. "If you send him away, I don't think she'll ever forgive you."

My heart pinged at the thought. I knew he was right; Judy would never forgive me. Plus, what right did I

have to tell her she couldn't hang out with this guy when all I had been doing this past month was spending my time with Rachel? Trying to sort through my own goddarm feelings.

I stood to my feet.

"I need to speak with her," I said as I walked around my desk.

I didn't wait for Taylor to say anything else before I left my office. I could hear Judynoveldrama

and Matt giggling in the back parlor, and my heart started to beat faster the closer

I got.

Just as I reached the archway into the parlor, I felt a hand wrap around my bicep.

“Oh, Gavin baby, there you are,”

Rachel said, her body pressed close to mine, drawing Judy's attention to us, her eyes widening at the sight, and I saw hurt flash in her gaze. "I've been looking all over for you."