Page 24 of Sebastian

John laughed. “Good luck with that. I think she’ll probably fight you harder than a bobcat in a snowsuit would.”

“I have no idea what that means, but I’m sure I can pour on the charm and win her over.”

“Well, I for one am rooting for you, man.” John clapped his hand over Sebastian’s shoulder and nodded as he walked out of the apartment.

Nine

“Who would send someone after you?”

“I d-don’t know. I only know what he said. And that was that he wanted to have a little fun with me before he had to take me back to his boss. He started undoing his pants and I just freaked out. I c-couldn’t let him…”

“You did so good, Sprinkles. So good.” Sebastian was back on the floor, sitting next to Emma, who still refused to move to his couch. He couldn’t stop himself from pulling her into his side, needing to hold her to remind himself that she was going to be alright. He waited for her to fight the possessive move, but when she settled herself deeper into his chest, his heart clenched tightly. Damn, the beautiful brunette baker had already stolen his heart.

The elevator chimed and the doctor Sebastian had contacted walked out.

“Hi there, I’m Dr. Jacob Rahni.” He extended his hand out to Sebastian, who returned the gesture.

“Jake? What are you doing here?” Emma didn’t open her eyes, but clearly she already knew the doctor.

“Hey, Em. I saw John out front and he filled me in on what happened. You feeling okay?”

The doctor took one look at Emma and turned to stone, and Sebastian could see he was equally as angry about the whole situation. He placed his hand on her ankle, and Seb saw him squeeze down gently, as if trying to provide her with emotional support.

What was their history together? They were clearly friends, but had they ever been more? The possessive caveman in Sebastian’s chest was making him want to ask right then and there, to kiss Emma in front of the doctor so he knew she was his, but Seb knew it wasn’t the right time. So instead, he made a mental note to ask Jackson about it the next time they were together.

“Aside from having my leg cut open by a guy who attacked me in my apartment, yeah, I’m okay.” Seb tightened his hold on her. “But I’m a little confused why you’re here and we aren’t at the ER to see you. The EMTs said I needed to go in to get stitched up.”

“It’s technically my first day of my own traveling practice. You’re officially my first patient, Emma, although under the circumstances I guess I wish that weren’t the case.” He bent down and began removing the bandage the EMTs had tied around Emma’s leg.

“I didn’t know you were leaving the hospital.”

“Yeah, I kept it all hush-hush until the paperwork went through. I loved being in the emergency room, but I know I can better serve our community this way. Too many people refusing to see a doctor because of the time it takes to travel in to Bell Ridge. This way, I can make house calls and see people where they are most comfortable.”

“I would have gone in to get the stitches, Seb. You didn’t need to get Jake out of bed.”

“It’s a service he offers, Sprinkles. I’m going to use it when someone I care about is hurt.” He watched her whole body go still, even her chest stopped moving as if she was holding her breath.

“Em? You okay?” Jake asked.

“Yep. Can we start sewing me up so I can maybe open my eyes without feeling like I’m going to hurl all over the place?”

He raised a questioning eyebrow at Seb, but continued to talk to Emma.

“Tell me about your injuries. Did you get knocked on the head?”

“Yeah, the jerk slammed my head into the wall, but that’s not why I’m queasy. I can’t stand the sight of blood.”

“Okay, well, we need to get your leg taken care of and then I’ll need to run a concussion evaluation on you. We might end up taking a trip to the ER anyways.”

“I’m totally going to be a big wimp and keep my eyes closed while you stitch me up, which is a real shame because you are the most handsome doc in all of Clarence County,” she sucked in a large breath. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

“Ahhh, now there’s the Emma I know and love,” Jake laughed. “It would be easier if you were up off the floor, unless you’re still woozy, then I don’t want you trying to move.” Turning to Sebastian, he asked, “Is there a bed you could carry her to so I can properly suture her leg while she’s more comfortable?”

“Of course,” he responded at the same time Emma tried to sit up.

“No, that’s okay, Jake. I’m okay.”

“Sprinkles.” Sebastian couldn’t hold in the growl as he scooped her up into his arms and marched towards his bedroom. Yes, there were two guest rooms available in his apartment, but there was no way he was taking her into one of those rooms. “You can follow me,” he called over his shoulder to Jake.

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