The Tiger Inside

by Nasu Hasami

Orthopaedic surgeon Mulan Hua is dedicated to her career and determined to rise above the statistics of her profession. But that shouldn't mean she has to compromise on the things she wants. Surely, in the 21st Century, a girl can have everything. (Flash fiction series. Companion story to The Nightingale's Song.)

34. Transgress

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"If I could turn back time."

~Cher~

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34. Transgress

'I could make you toast, every day, whenever you wanted.'

Mulan looks confused. Su Sun looks amused. Shang tries to remember the words that just fell out of his mouth, but they're gone. His train of thought has derailed without survivors.

'对不起,' says Shang. There's a nagging thought trying to say something but Mulan's too beautiful. She smells like soap and bergamot and honey. Shang wonders what she'd taste like if he kissed her. Her mouth looks perfect for kissing.

Then Mulan's hands are on his cheeks. Those perfect, clever hands. Brilliant, amazing hands. Hands that know how to mend bones and drive stick shift.

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Notes

1. 对不起. Duì bùqî. Translation: 'Sorry'.