Page 9 of Stalked By the Doctor

Each word strikes like a blow. He's not wrong. I've betrayed the oath I took to do no harm. All for the sake of desire.

"I'm prepared to overlook this incident," Dr. Thomas says, "if you agree to end your relationship with Miss Bailey immediately and refocus your efforts on your work. But if I catch you fraternizing with patients again, I will have no choice but to take disciplinary action. Do you understand?"

His ultimatum rings in my ears, echoing the death knell of my hopes and dreams. I know what I should do, what any reasonable person would do. Walk away from Britney before I cause her—or myself—any more harm.

But how can I give her up? After everything we've shared, the thought of losing her is unbearable. I'm torn between my duty as a doctor and the longing of my heart, trapped between an impossible choice.

Dr. Thomas's eyes narrow, waiting for my response. The silence stretches, tension crackling in the air as I grapple for an answer.

Finally, I meet his gaze, jaw clenched. "I understand."

The words taste bitter on my tongue, but they're enough to satisfy him. He nods, leaning back in his chair once more.

"Very good. I trust this unpleasantness will be behind us, then." His tone brokers no argument. "You're dismissed."

I stand stiffly and make my way to the door, anger and despair churning inside me. I

I stalk down the hospital corridor, fists clenched at my sides. How dare he interfere in my personal life? What business is it of his who I see outside of work?

Yet try as I might, I can't ignore the voice of reason in my head. He's right—my relationship with Britney is completely unethical. As her doctor, I have a responsibility to put her wellbeing first. If our secret relationship came to light, it could destroy her already fragile trust.

Guilt washes over me in a sickening wave. What was I thinking, preying on her vulnerability like that? She's barely more than a child, struggling to find her way in the world, and I took advantage of her in a moment of weakness.

The memory of her soft skin against mine fills me with equal parts shame and desire. I'm disgusted with myself, but I can't stop craving her with an intensity that steals my breath away.

By the time I reach the staff parking lot, my hands have stopped shaking, but my mind is still in turmoil. I know what I have to do, however much it may pain me. As soon as I get home, I'll call Britney and end this once and for all before it spirals even further out of control.

It's the only way to absolve my conscience and protect her from any more harm.

* * *

I pace the length of my apartment, fingers combing through my hair as I struggle for the right words.

With a heavy sigh, I pick up the phone and dial Britney's number before I can change my mind. She answers on the second ring, her voice soft and breathless. "Dr. Jameson?"

A bolt of longing spears through me at the sound of her voice. I squeeze my eyes shut, gripping the phone hard enough to ache. "Britney, we need to talk."

Silence.

I swallow against the lump in my throat. I can't do it. God help me, but I can't do it. The words stick in my throat, choking me. I can't do this. I can't give her up, not for Dr. Thomas or anyone else. There has to be another way, some way to throw him off the scent and keep her safe. "I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me tonight."

I can hear the smile in her voice as she answers back enthusiastically, "I'd love that!"

My heart warms. "I'll come right over to pick you up. You mind if I bring you back to my place and we eat in?"

"That sounds great," she adds with an adorable little girl quality to her voice that has my hands flexing. This is dangerous. Oh, so dangerous. I shouldn't bring her here to my place.

But it's like I'm on a fast-traveling train, and there's no brakes. I can't stop this—no matter how hard I try.

Dr. Thomas be damned. No one will ever take her from me.

CHAPTERFIVE

Paul

"You ready?"I ask Britney, my mouth dry as I extend the invitation. She looks up at me with those wide, gray eyes, a blush crossing her delicate features.

"Yes," she says softly. My heart leaps at her words.

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