Page 6 of Stalked By the Doctor

Her eyes shine with tears as she looks up at me. "What would I do without you?"

A fierce possessiveness rises in my chest, and I have to fight the urge to crush her in my arms. Instead, I school my features into a mask of professional concern.

"You don't have to worry about that," I say. "I will always be here for you."

She doesn't realize the truth in my words. I will never leave her side now. She belongs to me, just as I belong to her, and not even death will keep us apart.

She gazes up at me with tears glistening in her eyes. "You've been here for me when no one else was. You're the only one I can trust." Her fingers tighten around mine, clinging to me like I'm her only lifeline in a churning sea.

A fierce surge of possessiveness rises in my chest, and I squeeze her hand in return. "You can always trust me," I say, staring into her eyes. "I will never leave you, Britney.Never."

She smiles then, soft and serene, leaning back against the couch. The tension seems to seep from her body as she relaxes into sleep, still holding fast to my hand.

I remain seated beside her, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest.

I don't know how long I watch her. I could sit here forever watching my angel sleep.

Britney's eyes flutter open and she smiles up at me, sleepy and unguarded. "You're still here," she murmurs.

"Where else would I be?" I ask, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead.

She catches my hand, pressing a soft kiss to my palm. My heart clenches at the simple gesture, heat pooling low in my belly. I want nothing more than to crush her to me, feel the warmth of her body against mine as I claim what is rightfully mine.

But I restrain myself, keeping my touches light and professional. There will be time enough for intimacy. For now, I am content simply being by her side, watching over her as she sleeps.

CHAPTERTHREE

Britney

The marble floorsshine under my bare feet as I pad into the kitchen, the chill seeping into my bones. I run my fingers along the sleek countertops, still not quite believing this luxury apartment is mine.

After years of living in squalor, Dr. Jameson rescued me. He swept in like my savior and rescued me from the monster who made my life a living hell. Now I live here, safe within these walls of wealth, my body and mind finally at peace.

I owe him everything. My life, my freedom, my safety. He is the reason I can breathe without fear, sleep without nightmares, and walk without watching over my shoulder.

The intercom buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. I rush to answer, heart pounding. "Dr. Jameson, you're early."

His chuckle comes through, deep and throaty. "I couldn't wait to see you. Are you ready for your checkup?"

Heat floods my cheeks at the thought of his hands on my body. "Yes, come on up."

I pace the foyer, smoothing my clothes and hair until the knock sounds. When I open the door, his scent of sandalwood and antiseptic washes over me.

Dr. Jameson steps inside, tall and broad shouldered in his white coat. His eyes gleam behind wire-rimmed glasses as he looks me over. "You're looking well. How have you been settling in?"

"Wonderfully, thanks to you." I grasp his hands, pulse racing at the warmth and strength in them. "You've given me a new life, and I'll never be able to repay you."

He squeezes my hands, the gesture somehow both comforting and stirring. "Seeing you safe and happy is repayment enough." His gaze turns molten, and a shiver runs through me. "Now, let's get started with your checkup, shall we?"

Heat pools low in my belly at the promise in his words.

I lead him to the bedroom, heart pounding. He closes the door behind us with a soft click, and I perch on the edge of the bed.

Dr. Jameson washes his hands in the en suite bathroom. "Remove your shirt and bra, please, so I can listen to your heart and lungs."

My fingers tremble as I obey, baring my chest to his gaze. He turns, eyes darkening at the sight of me, and strides over with his stethoscope.

"Deep breaths," he murmurs, and places the cold metal disc against my skin. His touch ignites my nerves, and I struggle to inhale and exhale steadily.

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