Page 172 of Serving the Mogul

Closing my hand around his wrist, I squeezed gently, his pulse rapid under my fingers. “I’m okay. I’m here.”

His lashes dropped low over his eyes, a breath shuddering out of him.

A knock on the door behind us made me jump and his arm tightened. “James…”

He let go reluctantly, and I slid off his lap onto the spare chair next to him just as the door opened.

The nurse entered the room with the doctor at her back.

She smiled as the doctor sank down onto the wheeled stool. “I hear you’re not a fan of the residents popping in with their penlights.”

“The penlights wouldn’t be a problem if they’d keep them in their pockets.” I laced my fingers with James. “I haven’t been hit in the head. If I didn’t show any neurological signs the first two or three times, I will not show any now.”

The doctor, a woman who seemed willing to take a joke, smiled in amusement. She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Ms. Siegler. I’ll be honest. I think a few of them stopped in here just to get a look at you. Escaping from kidnappers is very impressive.”

“Great.” With a weak smile, I dropped my head onto James’ shoulder. “Well, impressive or not, I’d rather not listthatexperience on my resume.”

She nodded at James before rolling closer to me. “Open your mouth, Ms. Siegler.”

With a sigh, I straightened and allowed her to do the examination.

A few minutes later, as she made notes, I accepted a fresh cup of ice water from the nurse, and the doctor told me I was ready to leave.

“You need to make sure you rest for a day or two and drink plenty of fluids.” She glanced at the bandage covering the fragile skin in the crook of my elbow. “The IV was a good start, but you need to make sure you stay hydrated.”

“I’ll make sure of it,” James said, skimming a hand along my back.

The doctor led the way and showed us to the patient's exit.

My legs were wobbly, but James’ sturdy arm was around my waist.

Outside, a black town car waited at the curb, the driver climbing out the minute we came through the doors. I didn’t recognize this driver, a middle-aged man, but James waved at him. “I’ve got it, George.” And he opened the door for me.

Once he was settled next to me, I leaned into him. “I was getting ready to call you when you showed up. I didn’t have my phone, but the nurse let me borrow hers. I was sitting there, staring at it. The numbers were getting blurry…”

My voice shook.

“You’re safe now.” James tugged me closer.

“I know.” Closing my eyes, I snuggled into the curve of his arm. “It’s just a reaction.”

James pressed his lips to mine, the kiss gentle at first. Then the heat from earlier began to rise.

He slid a hand to my thigh and squeezed.

“We have to stop,” he muttered against my lips.

I ended the kiss, splaying my fingers against his chest “I don’t want to.”

“Neither do I.” He traced a finger along my cheek and cupped my face. “Tina, I need to tell you something.”

His gaze searched mine.

I pulled out from under his arm a little to get a better look at the expression on his face. “What is it?”

“I love you.”

I nearly choked. Staring at him, I opened my mouth, but no words came.

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