Page 3 of Stalked By the Doctor

For now, I return to my rounds, hiding my rage behind a mask of cool professionalism. But my mind is churning, thoughts of Britney and retribution swirling in a relentless loop.

She is mine now. I will keep her safe.

And her tormentor will pay the price in blood.

CHAPTERTWO

Paul

I'm drawnto her room like a moth to flame. My footsteps quicken as I walk down the sterile hallway, eager to see her pale face and wispy blonde hair splayed across the stark white pillow.

"Dr. Jameson." The nurse smiles knowingly, her gaze flickering between me and Room 312.

"Nurse Chen. How is our patient today?" I keep my tone casual, professional. But inside, my heart hammers with anticipation.

"Her condition remains stable. She's awake if you'd like to check on her."

"Thank you, I will."

I knock softly and push open the door. Britney looks up, her gray eyes lighting up when she sees me. A smile teases the corners of her soft lips.

"Dr. Jameson." Her voice is barely above a whisper, but it thrills through me like a shot of morphine.

"Ms. Bailey. How are you feeling today?" I perch on the edge of her bed, reaching to clasp her delicate hand in mine. She doesn't pull away.

"Better, now that you're here." A becoming blush stains her pale cheeks. I find myself stroking the back of her hand with my thumb, unable to stop.

"I'm glad to hear you're improving." The words sound strangled. I clear my throat, shifting in my seat. "Your test results look good. If you continue to heal at this rate, you should be discharged in a few days."

Panic flares in her eyes, and her fingers tighten around mine. "A few days? But...where will I go?"

"Don't worry," I murmur, still stroking my hand across her knuckles. "I'll take care of you."

She searches my face, looking for affirmation. And she'll find it. I won't let her go. Not now, not ever.

She'smine.

"Promise?" Her lips tremble.

"Promise." I give her my most reassuring smile. "You can trust me."

And she does.

A smile teases the corners of her soft lips.

"Tell me about yourself," I say gently. "I want to know everything."

Her eyes widen, then drop to our joined hands. "There's not much to tell. My life hasn't been...easy."

"You can tell me anything." I squeeze her hand encouragingly. "Your past is safe with me."

She takes a deep, shuddering breath. "My mother left when I was little. My stepdad..." Her voice trails off, eyes glistening with tears. "He always told me I was lucky he kept me around, that he should throw me out on the street, that I was so pathetic my own mother left me. He hit me," she whispers.

Rage ignites in my chest, white-hot and searing. The urge to hunt down this bastard and end him is nearly overwhelming. I force myself to stay calm, to focus on Britney. She needs me.

"I'm so sorry you went through that," I say softly. "You deserved so much better."

A tear slips down her cheek. I have to figh the urge to brush it away.

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