Page 133 of Immoral

"Yes."

He touches my neck, and I wince. Silvio pulls his hand away. "I want to get X-rays and an MRI. It's better to find out if anything is pulled now versus later. You have a bruise forming."

I don't disagree. "All right."

Silvio glances at the door. "Whatever I ask you is between us, okay? If you want to tell Gianni or the others, I'll leave that up to you."

"You will?" I ask, doubtful.

"Yes. They may be the Marinos, but I still value patient-doctor confidentiality."

"Thank you," I reply, not sure what I wouldn't want Gianni or the others to know, but grateful I have the option.

Silvio's eyes turn softer. He asks, "Did he force himself on you?"

My gut flips. I twist my hands in my lap. "No. It didn't get to that. I did throw up all over him."

Silvio's eyes widen. "What made you throw up?"

"I'm unsure. I got nauseous and dizzy."

"Has it happened before?"

I think about it for a moment and then meet his eye. "Yes. It's been going on for a few weeks, maybe."

"You've thrown up previously?"

"No. Just today."

He puts on his stethoscope and takes out his light. He gives me a thorough exam, and when he finishes, he pulls a urine cup out of his bag. "Do me a favor and go pee in this."

"Why?"

"Just routine. Make an old man happy and do as you're told," he orders.

I laugh. "Okay. You're the boss."

"Just leave it on the counter when you finish," he instructs.

I get out of bed, take the cup, then go into the bathroom. I can't pee, so I turn on the water and finally fill the cup. I place it on the counter then leave. I announce, "All done."

"Good girl. You get an A-plus on your patient record," he teases.

I snort. "Well, now I can die a happy woman."

"No. No death," Silvio states and takes his bag into the bathroom.

I step into my closet, put a sweatshirt and yoga pants on, then sit on the couch, waiting for Silvio.

A few minutes pass. He sits on the couch next to me, his eyes gleaming.

My butterflies spread their wings. "What's going on? Why are you looking at me like that?"

He takes my hand. "Were you and Gianni trying to have a baby?"

My mouth turns dry. I gape at him.

He chuckles. "I'll take that as a no. Were you using any protection?"

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