Page 32 of Jaxon

Her supervisor, Janine, stood up so fast her chair tumbled backwards. "Rachel, did you really think you could get away with this?"

Rachel froze, her heart pounding. She struggled to keep her expression neutral even as panic rose in her chest. "I don't know what you mean."

"Don't play dumb!" Another nurse, Mel, jabbed a finger at her. "How could you get mixed up with those criminals?"

"They're not criminals," Rachel said through gritted teeth. She balled her hands into fists, digging her nails into her palms. Stay calm. Don't lash out.

Janine strode over until she loomed over Rachel, fury etched into the lines on her face. "You've jeopardized everything we've worked for. The reputation of this hospital, the trust of our patients, all for what? Some two-bit biker?" She shook her head. "I expected better of you."

The words struck deep, reawakening Rachel's old insecurities. But beneath the hurt, anger sparked. She lifted her chin and met Janine's gaze squarely. "You don't understand. Jaxon isn't a criminal and who I choose to date in my personal life has no bearing on my work or my ethics."

"Perception is reality," the chief of staff said. "Your involvement with that man reflects poorly on this hospital. We're asking you to end the relationship, for the good of your career and this institution."

Rachel stared at the three of them, anger burning in her chest. They thought they could control her personal life, dictate who she could and couldn't care for. She wouldn't let them.

"I will not end my relationship with Jaxon," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "And any judgment you make about my character or abilities as a nurse based on that relationship would be unfair and unjustified. Now, if there's nothing else, I have patients to attend to."

She turned on her heel and strode from the room, holding her head high. They could disapprove all they wanted, but she would stay true to herself. And to Jaxon.

Rachel walked onto the floor of the emergency room, her heart pounding. She knew her colleagues were watching, judging. Whispers and sideways glances followed her as she moved between patients.

"I heard she's dating the president of the Green Devils," someone said not-so-quietly. "How can she work here, with criminals and thugs crawling all over the place?"

Rachel bit her tongue until she tasted blood, refusing to give them the satisfaction of a reaction.

As she checked a young boy's blood pressure, her mentor, Dr. Singh, approached her. "Ignore the gossip and judgment, Rachel. You're a fine nurse, and you know where your loyalties lie."

Rachel offered her a shaky smile. "Thank you. I appreciate your support."

Dr. Singh squeezed her shoulder. "You're welcome. And if anyone gives you trouble over this, you let me know."

Despite the condemnation from her supervisors and colleagues, Dr. Singh's faith in her lifted her spirits. Not everyone had turned against her. She still had an ally here, and she was grateful for that.

Rachel continued her rounds, holding tight to her resolve. She would weather this storm, just as she had so many others in her life. And when she was with Jaxon again, in the comfort and solidarity of his arms, she would know that she had made the right choice. She always had.

22

This was for Rachel. No matter what shit went down, he’d do this for her.

Jaxon rapped sharply on the scarred wooden door, the sound echoing in the musty hallway. His pulse thrummed in his veins, a mix of anticipation and dread.

When the door creaked open, he came face to face with a ghost from Rachel’s past. Her father’s bloodshot eyes widened in surprise and dismay.

“You’ve got some damn nerve showing up here after everything on the news… and dragging my daughter into the middle of it,” the man growled.

Jaxon curled his lip, fists clenching. “And you’ve got some making up to do.”

“What do you want?” he demanded, scratching at the gray stubble lining his jaw.

Jaxon crossed his arms over his chest, refusing to be baited. “To talk some sense into you. You need to go see Rachel.”

“I don’t need to do shit,” Rachel’s dad spat. “Especially not for that ungrateful bitch.”

A flare of anger ignited in Jaxon’s gut, but he tamped it down. Losing his temper wouldn’t do Rachel any favors.

“She’s been through hell,” he said. “The least you can do is show up for her, if only for a day. Be a man and take some responsibility.”

Rachel’s dad scowled, sinking into a ratty armchair that let out a puff of dust. “You don’t know anything about responsibility. Or about me and Rachel.” His lips twisted. “Always sticking your nose in other people’s business. Just like your old man.”

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