Page 24 of Split

“It’s all standard, ma’am,” he replies blandly, the tip of his pen scratching against the paper as he records my response. Then he shifts the clipboard over to rest on one knee, reaching down into his bag to pull out a long object and handing it over.

I take it from him, staring down at the branding on the wrapper.First Response.It’s a damn pregnancy test.

“I assume you know how those work,” he says, gesturing toward it. “Go ahead to the restroom, hold the tip under your urine stream for a few seconds, and…”

“Seriously?” I interrupt, teeth clenching as I tighten my fist around the test stick.

His blue eyes meet mine, rounded in sincerity. If I didn’t know better, I’d think this guy might feel sorry for me right now. “I can’t place your birth control implant until I confirm you’re not currently pregnant.”

I flinch back, furrowing my brow. “I don’t need birth control, I’m not-”

I snap my mouth closed, my blood running cold as a chilling realization sinks into my bones.

Roman intends to fuck me.

That’sthe real reason the doctor is here.

I’m not sure why I deluded myself into thinking he wouldn’t make me his wife in every sense of the word; that he’d spareme from the physical act of consummating our marriage. Roman Volkov is a man who’s used to getting what he wants. Hewillfuck me if that’s what he desires, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.

“I… fine,” I concede with a resigned sigh, feeling a little lightheaded from the stress of the situation as I push up from the edge of the bed, clutching the pregnancy test tighter in my fist as I force myself to walk to the bathroom. I close the door for privacy, pee on the damn thing, then wash my hands and bring it back to the doctor, not even bothering to look at the result. I already know what it’s going to say.

I hand over the stick to Dr. Hargrove pee side first– though he doesn’t seem particularly bothered, as he’s now donning a pair of blue latex gloves. He reaches out to take it, lowering the test in front of him to read the result on the window.

“Not pregnant,” he confirms.

“Obviously,” I mutter.

“We can place the implant, then.” He rises from his seat, peeling off the latex gloves to replace them with a new pair and gesturing to the bed. “Go ahead and sit back down. It’ll go in your left upper arm, so just slip off that sleeve for me.”

I shuffle past him, sinking down onto the edge of the bed and slipping off my cardigan. Dr. Hargrove bends over to rummage in his bag, then straightens, turning back toward me.

“I’ll be placing it in your inner bicep,” he says, pausing as his gaze drops to my arm. His eyes widen slightly as he takes in the grotesque scar, but he quickly schools his expression, continuing. “It goes between the muscle, so there’s some mild discomfort when placing it, but in a day or two, you’ll forget it’s even there.”

Dr. Hargrove has me lie down on the bed, arranging my arm so it’s up beside my head with the underside of my bicep exposed to him. Then he uses the applicator to place the implant,draws three vials of blood from my inner elbow, and moves back, peeling off his latex gloves.

“Now I’ll step out for a moment,” he says, slipping his supplies back into his medical bag. “Undress from the waist down and cover yourself with the sheet, then call for me when you’re ready.”

“What?” I screech, jerking upright with a start.

“I need to swab your cervix.”

“No!”

Doctor or not, I refuse to willingly spread my legs for any man in this house.

He frowns. “Ma’am…”

“I’ve had sex withoneperson,onetime,” I say, folding my arms over my chest protectively and pinning Dr. Hargrove with a glare. “We used a condom. If my husband is so concerned about catching something from me, then he can keep his dick to himself.”

He sighs, shaking his head. “I’m not trying to upset you, Mrs. Volkov. I’m just following your husband’s orders. If you don’t let me complete my exam…”

“No!” I repeat, raising my voice louder. “I’m not doing it! So, unless you plan on holding me down and forcing me to submit to yourexamination, we’re finished here.” I lift my chin with a scowl. “You can go,Doctor.”

He heaves another sigh, but must realize that there’s no talking me into it, because he doesn’t make another attempt to try to convince me. Dr. Hargrove just shakes his head, casting me a resentful glance as he stuffs the rest of his things into his medical bag and closes it, lifting it off the floor.

“I’ll go, but I’m sure I’ll be back,” he comments bitterly as he turns away and strides toward the door, his movements stiff as the tension returns to his muscles.

I bite back my retort, still fuming over the entire ordeal as I watch him leave.

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