Page 14 of Stalked By the Doctor

His words shatter my control. I come apart with a cry, clinging to him as waves of pleasure engulf my senses.

Paul follows soon after, his warmth filling me, our hearts beating as one.

We lie in silence, drifting in the peaceful aftermath of our passion. A single thought surfaces in my mind, crystal clear and undeniable.

I'm in love with Paul Jameson.

I think I always have been.

CHAPTERSEVEN

Paul

The cold linoleumfloor echoes under my shoes as I stride through the hospital doors. My pulse quickens—whether from the bitter chill outside or the confrontation ahead, I can't tell.

Should I avoid him? No, that will only make things worse. I have to face this head-on.

But if he knows the truth...my career, my reputation—everything I've worked for—will be ruined.

I round the corner and there he is, clipboard in hand, brow creased in concentration. Our eyes meet for a split second before he looks away, jaw clenching.

Shit. He knows.

My mouth goes dry as he approaches, footsteps echoing ominously. I brace myself, clutching my coffee cup like a shield.

"Dr. Jameson." Dr. Thomas's tone is clipped, harsh. "A word, please."

I nod, following him into an empty examination room. The door clicks shut behind us.

He tosses a stack of photos onto his desk. "Explain."

I glance at the top photo: Britney and I walking down the street, arms linked, gazing at each other. The sight fills me with warmth even now.

I meet Thomas's eyes steadily. "I don't owe you any explanations about my personal life."

"You do when it threatens the reputation of my hospital!" He slams a fist onto the desk, eyes blazing. "How dare you carry on with a patient? A vulnerable young girl, no less. Have you no shame?"

"Our relationship is between consenting adults," I say. "Britney is perfectly capable of making her own decisions. I will not apologize for caring about her, nor will I allow you to pass judgment on our relationship."

"Then you leave me no choice." He picks up the phone, punching in numbers with more force than necessary. "The medical board will hear about your unethical behavior. Your career will be over before you can blink."

My blood pounds in my ears, rage and defiance rising in equal measure. Anger flares in my chest, burning away my fear. "My behavior? My private life has nothing to do with my work here."

"It has everything to do with it!" He's nearly shouting now, face beet red. "Your little... dalliance...could cost us our reputation. Our funding. Everything." He takes a menacing step closer. "End it.Now. Or I will make sure you never work in this field again."

I stare him down, unflinching. "I will not choose between the woman I love and my career. Do what you have to do."

His lips press into a thin line. "You'll regret this."

The door slams behind me as I stalk away down the hall, pulse pounding in my ears. He can threaten me all he wants. He will not control me.

I storm out of the hospital, pulse racing as I climb into my car. How dare Thomas threaten me like that? As if he has any right to dictate who I can and can't care for. My relationship with Britney is no one's business but our own.

Still, anxiety gnaws at my gut as I drive to Britney's house. Thomas wasn't bluffing about contacting the medical board, and if they decide to investigate, it could mean the end of my career. But I can't give Britney up. I won't. There has to be a way around this, some loophole that will allow us to be together without sacrificing everything I've worked for.

Britney answers the door in a pink bathrobe, hair damp and skin flushed from a shower. Just the sight of her calms my frayed nerves. "You look stressed," she says, forehead creasing with concern. "Did something happen at the hospital?"

I pull her into my arms, breathing in the sweet scent of her shampoo.

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