Victoria didn’t like the woman’s tone, but chose to keep her mouth shut. She’d already overstepped her welcome as it was. Apparently there was upheaval in the Donovan Clan that she wasn’t aware of. “Yes, they have,” John said.

“And could this contribute to Becca’s aggressive attitude?”

Victoria bit her tongue, close to excusing herself from the room altogether. This scene reminded her of the two years she’d been stuck in Beaufort, South Carolina. She’d been, yet again, the new kid in a sea of white faces who were more or less indifferent about her sudden appearance. Those who weren’t indifferent had made her tenure at Pinewood Elementary a nightmare. Defending herself against their taunts had earned her a couple trips to the principal’s office. As small as Victoria had been, she’d still understood what aggressive really meant and how grossly inaccurate it was.

“There’s no evidence of my niece having an aggressive attitude,” John said with thin-lipped irritation. “What we’re dealing with is a bunch of pre-adolescent girls acting out their insecurities in petty ways. Sometimes that takes the form of a cafeteria brawl or name calling in the classroom. As I said, Becca will be present in every detention session next week. Is there anything else?”

Victoria’s gaze flew to his face when he was finished, thoroughly impressed by his swift and just response. He accepted Becca’s punishment because he had to, but he wasn’t going to let this woman brow beat him or speak ill of his niece. If only my parents had done the same for me... His sense of fairness was just as attractive as his sexy swagger.

The principal arched a brow and paused for a beat before shaking her head. “No, Mr. Donovan, that will be all. Thank you for coming.”

“Of course.” John snatched his coat up and exited the office. Victoria quickly followed. Once in the hallway, they met with a sullen Becca who dragged her backpack on the floor. Her uncle overtook her and strode towards the front entrance. “Pick up the pace, Becca.”

Victoria trailed behind the girl, recognizing the slump in her shoulders. She remembered feeling that resignation after coming home from a long hard day of school. When they eventually made it to the parking lot. He opened the door for them to get in. Becca slid inside, acting as the small bit of real world separating John and Victoria.

“Becca, when I said I’d move mountains to get to you, I didn’t mean this,” John said as he started the ignition.

“I didn’t mean to get into a fight,” she said.

“If you’re not looking to get into a fight, you certainly don’t throw the first punch.”

“I didn’t punch her,” Becca protested. “I don’t even know how.”