AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ollie locks eyes with the doctor. "Fine. Continue," he says.
"This is what you’re concerned about?" she asks, jerking her chin at my bandaged arm. "Who did the bandage?"
"Ollie did," I say, giving her a wary look because I don't think I like her either. "You did a good job," she says without meeting his eyes. She removes the bandage easily and inspects my arm.
Mikhail and Ollie have a hushed conversation, something to do with competency and trust and respect. I’m not sure who they’re talking about. Maybe all of us.
"Fine," Ollie says to Mikhail.
The doctor looks over my arm. "There's nothing concerning here," she says quietly. "It looks like it was properly disinfected. You can use this pain-relieving cream and take an oral pain reliever as well if you need to. Is there anything else you need from me?"
“No, you may leave,” instructs Mikhail.
I wait until Mikhail leaves us alone, and then it's just me and Ollie. I'm exhausted and so hungry. I feel like I've been to hell and back.
He's going to be my husband, so I might as well pretend that I can trust him, even though I still need some time.
"Ollie?” He brushes a hand through his hair and releases a breath. God, he’s stressed as fuck.
“Yeah?”
“She lied to you."
He turns to unpack our bags. His muscles flex with masculine perfection.
God.
I love watching his body move. I lick my lips and swallow.
Focus.
"What are you talking about, Renata?" he asks.
"She said she was hired to check to see if you were a threat. I can tell she was lying."
He turns around fully to look at me and anchors his hands on his hips. "I know. My brother wouldn’t do that. Seems the doctor has her own agenda. We’ll note that. How do you know somebody's lying?"
"It's a good instinct, an intuition," I tell him. "Sixth sense, you could call it. And if I had to really explain it, it has more to do with expressions. The way people look at you. I just know.”
He frowns. “Are you saying she’s not a doctor?”
I shake my head. “Her lying was very subtle. She probably is a doctor.” I swallow hard, staring at my arm. "It’s when she inspected me that she lied. First, she expressed concern about my safety and played it off like that was her job. It wasn’t. Second, she lied about my arm. My arm is not okay."
"Fuck," Ollie says. This time, when he runs his hand through his hair, it sticks up on end. "Jesus." He shakes his head, disbelieving. "Alright, I’ll look into it," he says. "You're safe. Do you believe that she's a threat to you?"
"No, I didn't get that vibe at all." I look away, my voice betraying my emotions. "You're the one who tells other people they're insincere, aren't you? You’re the one who thinks everyone else is lying.”
Like me.
"The fuck, Renata?" he snaps. "You know that's not true."
He sits on the edge of the bed, his large frame causing it to sink. "You're safe here. I'd bet my life on it. No one's going to hurt you. Take the pain relievers she gave you.” I nod, my throat tight. I’m not going to fight him this time. I’m too tired, too weary.
“Then strip. I'm going to run a bath for you, and I'm going to bring you some food. You're going to be my wife, Renata. We might as well pretend that you and I like that idea."
Maybe I do. Maybe I fucking do. Why would he know?
I've never been on this floor before. From here, out the window, I can see houses beyond us, but the Romanov family home and headquarters are firmly established right here in The Cove. I know we're going to get married soon, probably tomorrow. Does it matter? Does anything matter? I feel as if I want to throw everything to the wind and just forget about it.
