Chapter 3

Alex froze, but then followed me into the kitchen. I served him a bowl of porridge and some pasta. He sat stiffly, a little uncomfortable. I glanced at him. “Relax. I made it for both of us, and it’s not *that* bad.”

Alex ate slowly. I watched him finish, then cleaned up. I couldn’t resist asking him, “Where did those injuries come from? If you don’t want to talk about it, then…”

Dr. Reed cut me off, his voice flat. “Thank you for your hospitality. I know what you’re trying to do, but please, stop bothering me. You’re… a nuisance.”

I froze, disbelief washing over me. Alex turned and left. I watched his retreating back, lost in thought. The next morning, I went to the hospital as usual, but instead of seeking out Dr. Reed, I headed straight for my father’s room.

The door opened, and I looked up, surprised to see Dr. Miller, not Alex.

Dr. Miller seemed to read my mind, offering casually, “Oh, Alex was transferred back to internal medicine. I’ll be handling your father’s case from now on.”

I nodded absently, then, as if drawn by an unseen force, found myself at the bar. The moment I walked in, I saw Dr. Reed, his arm around another man. My gaze sharpened, my eyes darkening as I fixed on them.

I didn’t know why, but a wave of irritation washed over me. I went to drink alone, getting a little buzzed. Then a hand snatched the glass from mine.

I spun around, my gaze locking on Caleb Hayes. My irritation flared. “What are *you* doing here? What, aren’t you going to go find your ‘friend’ anymore?”

Caleb seemed slightly embarrassed by my words. Then, without a word, he slid his hand beneath my shirt, his fingers trailing across my skin. I’d just been drinking, and his touch instantly set me on edge, a low hum of arousal stirring deep inside me.