Page 104 of Devil's Tulip

“What a gentleman,” I murmur softly as he helps me out. “Thank you.”

“Always.” He winks, placing a possessive hand on the small of my back.

His men form a protective formation behind us, and as we approach the hospital entrance, all trace of playfulness vanishes from Michael’s face, his eyes scanning the perimeter with a sharp, hawkish intensity.

Inside, Pete Langhorne, the hospital director, is already waiting for us in the lobby. Alone. I exhale quietly in relief. I had expected a full staff introduction today and had been battling nerves all morning.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hart, welcome to Loretto Hospital.” Pete’s smile starts strained, then suddenly stretches unnaturally wide. A sidelong glance confirms my suspicion: Michael is impaling the poor man with his stare.

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

“It’s our pleasure to be here. You have a charming building.” I step forward, deliberately drawing his attention away from my intimidating husband towards me instead.

His shoulders relax a fraction. “I know it’s worse for the wear, but it’s our hospital. I hope you like it.”

“Oh, I do,” I assure him earnestly.

Michael doesn’t waste time. After a few pleasantries, he orders the man to give us a full tour.

The moment Pete's back is to us, I pinch Michael’s arm lightly. “Stop being mean to him,” I whisper.

He looks at me with genuine surprise. “I’m not being mean. This is how I interact with people.”

Now it’s my turn to be surprised. “Seriously?”

He nods, completely unbothered.

I frown, searching my memory. Was he ever like that with me?

…If he was, I can’t recall it now. But the realization that I experience a different Michael than the rest of the world sends a secret thrill through me.

The tour begins, and it doesn’t take long for Pete to figure out that I’m the nicer one. He directs most of his explanations to me, looking at me every now and then for approval. I nod accordingly, giving him appropriate responses as we navigate all four floors.

Each of the floors is shared by two separate departments.

The ground floor houses the Emergency Wing (right) and the Pediatrics Center (left).

The first floor has General Medicine on the one side and the Pharmacy Department on the other.

The second floor is split between OB/GYN and the Maternity Ward.

The third floor is reserved for the ICU and Cancer Department.

The top floor serves as the executive level, where non-medical staff offices are located, including the director’s.

Once we reach Pete’s office, he sort of just hovers behind us as we walk in. “What do you think ma’am?”

I turn to him with a warm smile. “I think it’s all wonderful. I can’t wait to start working here. And please, call me Gia.”It would be weird to have the medical director addressing me formally when he’ll technically be my superior.

Before he can respond, Michael waves him off. “Leave us alone, Peter.”

Pete visibly gulps, and I jump in quickly to soften the blow. “My husband and I need to have a private discussion, and we’d appreciate using your office for a moment—if you don’t mind.”

The man nods—probably grateful to escape—and hurries out.

As soon as the door clicks shut, I whirl on Michael, crossing my arms. “I know you know his name is Pete, Michael.”

He shrugs with magnificent indifference, settling into the director’s chair like a king on his throne. “I don’t care enough to call him his correct name.”

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