Page 1 of Stalked By the Doctor

CHAPTERONE

Paul

The fluorescent lightsflicker on as I stride through the emergency room doors. My white coat billows behind me, a symbol of the authority and duty I bear.

"Dr. Jameson, you're late again." Dr. Gerald Thomas fixes me with a stern look, his salt-and-pepper beard bristling.

I shoot him an apologetic glance and continue walking. "My apologies, Dr. Thomas. Traffic was a nightmare."

He huffs in disapproval but says nothing more. I breathe an inward sigh of relief. As head of the hospital, Dr. Thomas expects perfection from his staff. One misstep is all it takes to land in his bad graces.

My colleagues greet me with nods and smiles as I make my rounds. "Morning Dr. Jameson," Nurse Collins says. "We have a full house today."

"As always," I reply, scanning the bustling emergency room. My gaze settles on a young woman sitting alone in the corner, her pale, delicate features etched with a profound sadness. She glances up and our eyes meet, hers a striking grey that reflect a depth of experience belying her youth.

A fierce surge of protectiveness rises in my chest at the sight of her. Who is this girl who seems to have endured such hardship? I yearn to comfort her, to chase the shadows from those depthless eyes. To know what has wounded her so.

"Dr. Jameson?" Nurse Collins prompts, a knowing smile playing at the edge of her mouth. I drag my gaze from the girl, heat creeping up the back of my neck.

Clearing my throat, I turn to Nurse Collins. "What do we have this morning?"

As Nurse Collins briefs me on the day's cases, I steal another glance at the girl. She's watching me too, a faint blush staining her pale cheeks. I wonder if she feels this strange connection between us as intensely as I do. I ache to speak with her, to learn her name.

Who is she? And why has she captivated me so completely?

My cock stiffens as I think of her, desire pooling hot in my groin. I shift discreetly, trying to hide my arousal, but I can't tear my gaze from her.

Whoisshe? I have to know.

I make my way over to her as Nurse Collins calls the next patient. The girl shrinks back into her seat, clutching a worn backpack to her chest, eyes darting around the bustling room.

I stop a few feet away, offering what I hope is a reassuring smile. "Hello. I'm Dr. Jameson."

She blinks up at me, grey eyes wary. "Britney," she says softly. Her voice is like velvet, stroking along my skin.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Britney." I slide into the seat beside her, heart pounding. This close, I can see faint bruises mottling her pale throat. A flare of anger ignites in my chest at the sight. Who dared to hurt her? "How are you feeling today?"

She shrugs, gaze dropping to her hands. "I'm okay."

I frown, reaching to gently tilt her chin up. She flinches at my touch, and I drop my hand, cursing myself. I've frightened her. The thought of anyone frightening this slip of a girl makes my blood boil.

"You're safe here," I assure her, keeping my voice soft and calm. I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms, to shield her from whatever demons haunt her.

She searches my face, as though looking for any hint of deception. Finally, she nods.

Triumph surges through me. I've gained her trust, if only for a moment. I want more. I want everything she'll give me.

I clear my throat, struggling to focus. "Can you tell me about yourself, Britney? What brings you to the hospital today?"

She worries her lower lip between her teeth, gaze darting away. I resist the urge to reach out and still her restless hands.

"I haven't been feeling well lately," she says at last. "Dizzy spells, fatigue."

I nod, scribbling notes on her chart. "Your blood work shows you're quite anemic. Have you experienced nausea or vomiting as well?"

A faint blush stains her cheeks. She shakes her head.

"I see." I frown, piecing together the clues. Her bruised throat. Her malnourishment. The evasiveness in her gaze.

---