* 2023-01-22

So my daughter just posted her first fanfiction. I really hope you'll give it a read. Ties by . And thank you to those of you who already have.

Dear guest reviewer, hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I liked writing all the twists in it.

smoon4409 – I hope her answer won't disappoint you!

Thank you again for reading and letting me know what you think! Till next week!

I'm trying hard to keep this PG16 but be warned that my stories contain mature subjects. There is graphic violence, coarse language, sexual situations/scenes, and triggers as my characters deal with past or present emotional, physical, or mental traumas.

The Arrangement

Chapter 07

Darien

I drop my ass on the stool by the end of the bar for the second work weekday in a row. My medical assessment warns that this is the beginning stage of forming a bad habit. On top of swearing now thanks to a beautiful foul-mouth blond. But as much as I need a drink tonight, I know it's not going to be a long-term fix to my problem. Plus, other than an occasional drink, alcohol doesn't appeal to me. The rush of adrenaline from the ER is where my addiction and interest lie.

"Whiskey, three fingers." Keith pushes the other bartender out of the way and spreads his hands on the bar, his stoic expression on and all. I throw him my keys. Pocketing them, he gets my drink. His silence speaks volumes, the tick in his jaw the only display of concern for the strong liquor I ordered and our gathering.

Zack slides onto the stool next to me, a huge folder in his hands as he appraises me. "Beer," he calls to the other bartender as Keith's still too busy giving me the silent psych assessment. "I don't know what got you steaming, again, but I got a big case tomorrow. So move your ass to the corner booth. Move it! I don't have all night to hash out whatever crawled up your ass."

Even though he's the youngest out of us, he sure has a way with words. Makes you all warm and fuzzy inside. With his smart mouth, it's no surprise he became a lawyer. And yes, I'm being extremely bitter but Serena never got back to me, and the waiting game is killing me.

I follow Zack to the only secluded part of the open concept Keith has going in the pub. As he spreads files on the table, Jack and Max enter and beeline for the bar to order drinks and food. The waitress shakes her head amused as she takes three pages to write everything down.

"What!? We're growing boys," Max jokes at Zack's exasperated look.

"Maybe in width… Or egos…" he mumbles as he reviews his files.

As soon as Keith brings over the drinks and starts passing them, I can't wait anymore.

"The hospital got sued."

The guys freeze, except for Jack who chugs half his beer. "Yup. Serena through Luna, of all people," he offers his two cents, dropping the bottle loudly on the heavy oak table.

"Serious? Fucking great! I'm sorry I pulled you into this," Max shoves his hands into his hair, pulling it. "Fuck."

"No. This isn't on you. Not even close, brother. And… I'm sorry for what I said earlier."

"Forget it, Darien. We've all got shit we're dealing with. I get it."

"Maybe, but your hands are tied. I crossed the line. Call the favor when you need it." His hard look stays on me, but this is how we work. We do favors instead of apologies. Words only go so far. Especially since some of the guys, myself included, have a hard time with the apologizing part.

"Accepted. Now what the hell happened?" He sips his water, then crosses his arms as he waits for me to explain.

"Beryl." Her name out of my mouth sounds like a curse more than a name. Jack pushes my drink toward me as he fills the guys in. I take a long sip, fortifying my nerve for what I'm about to say next.

"I should have stepped in before it got to this point," Zack cusses as he throws his papers down.

"No. I should have been firmer with the governing board in my request to have Beryl removed. But the bigger problem is that her family is going to pull the funds from the kids' wing. And the hospital's reputation is going to be dragged through mud. Especially since we're getting sued by Luna and Associates…"

They're cursing, swearing, arguing about what to do, except for Keith. His appraising focus is still on me, damn perceptive fucker.

"There's more." That shuts everyone up and they turn to me. "You're not pissed. You're nervous. Worried. Why?"

"Damn." That has the guys waiting in silence, I don't curse that often. And I've done nothing but curse since meeting those girls. "I asked Serena to marry me."

My statement pulls all the sound in the room into an explosive tension around us. Until Max smacks the back of my head. "Have you finally lost it!?"

"What the hell's wrong with you? I know she's hot, but how will that fix anything," Jack talks right over Max as Zack jumps up onto the bench, fist raised in the air in victory.

"Yes! In-laws with Luna! You're fucking brilliant Darien," he exclaims as he jumps over the bench and runs to the bar calling for a bottle of Scotch to celebrate. Only he could be happy about this situation, in his own twisted way.

Keith practically drops on Jack as he sits on the bench. "What are you thinking."

"That I'm fucked beyond saving. That I'll do anything to get out of the noose around my neck." I take a long sip as I slouch back. "My only option according to my father is to marry Beryl to get her family to not pull the funds for the kids' wing…"

"And?!" Keith snaps, stupefied.

"And I refuse to get married to someone I can't stand! But I can't drop this project, the hospital, and this town! You guys know what this wing means to me."

"It's brilliant, that's what it is! You get Serena to keep your father off your back and give Beryl the finger. Not the one she was hoping for! Then, you use Serena's connections to get new funding. And while you're working, together, you coax her into dropping the lawsuit to save the hospital's reputation! Brilliant! Damn, I knew I liked you're cunning ways for a reason! When's the wedding?" Zack exuberates as he pours everyone a shot, lifting it up, tomorrow's case completely forgotten.

"Has she agreed?" Of course, Jack has to pop Zack's happy bubble, cousin rivalry, and all. This forces Zack to lower his drink slowly, frowning.

"She agreed, right?"

"She's going to give me an answer tomorrow. Which is why I called you guys… In case I need a plan B."

"What does she want in return?" Of course, Jack has to point out the obvious pitfall in my plan.

"Fuck! What did you offer in return, Darien!?" Max snaps when I don't answer right away.

"I told her to name her price…"

And that has the guys cursing again.

"You know what kind of work she's in… Serena and the girls seem like good people, but we don't know them enough to know if it's true or an act… For all you know, it could be something illegal."

I'm feeling nauseous thanks to Keith's answer. Alcohol on an empty stomach wasn't one of my brightest ideas. Among others. Pushing the drink away, I focus on the guys because I need one of their strategies to get me out of this situation. "That's why I need a plan B. Any ideas?"

Serena

Rei kicks me literally out of Tina's room as dawn breaks. One more visit and I'll strangle the nurses and doctors. While I get they're only doing their job and making sure she's recuperating, the kid's been through enough and needs some uninterrupted sleep.

I guess I have no one else to blame but myself. My lawsuit is pushing them to prove me wrong and I can't help but feel bad about it. Because I've got to walk the halls and spy as they treat patients. I hate to admit that the damn Doctor Shields is right. They really do offer exceptional service. The staff supports each other. The hospital runs smoothly. The damn homey feeling pervading this town and the pub bleed into these walls.

Reminding me of the shelter… And all this does is reinforce my jaded feelings to see there still are decent places and kind people left in the world. Stupidly, I miss Doc, even if she's just a phone call away. Even my crazy aunts. And the kids and staff.

I'm refused entry into the OB floor and other places, which has me grinning. I come up with the same conclusion as Mina did earlier, they even have good security. I can understand why Darien cares now.

Returning to Tina's room, Rei snaps at the kid before stumping out muttering about the obliviousness of youth or something. When I put my hands on my hips and glare, she gives me a sheepish look and shrugs.

"What!? I just wanted to finish watching the movie… It's not like I asked for her kidney."

"Kid. You've got to learn something. There are buttons you should push. And others, not. Hers aren't buttons you want to push. Even on trivial matters. Understood?" Tina wraps her arms protectively around herself and I want to kick my own ass for scaring her. "Rei will be cool with you as long as you don't annoy her. You've got nothing to worry about, remember. We're here to protect you."

"Can we finish?" she deviates from the conversation, still unsure.

"You curious now?" I can't help but tease.

"Well, yea! Like, they're completely misunderstanding each other. Darcy's super shy and oblivious! And Elizabeth's completely fooled by that prick and it sucks! And we stopped after that rain scene! I was so sure they'd jump each other!"

"See! Told you, classic! And no, there's no jumping. Unfortunately. Different era, different standard. At least for those who uphold morals." The last hour of the movie takes over three hours to finish as I have to pause every couple of minutes to answer her questions. I'm surprised by how much I'm enjoying the kid's company. Tina's got a depth to her that reminds me of Lita. It's right there under the tough exterior if you care to look.

She's mocking the last scene, calling out Mrs. Darcy over and over just as Darien walks in. Her face turns beet red and she hides under the covers as I chortle at her embarrassment. Priceless!

"Well, I see someone's feeling better!" he teases as he checks her charts.

"Yup. Serena's better than chocolate."

And damn, I think my heart just melted. Now it's my turn to get embarrassed as Darien bumps my mouth closed as I'm still gaping at the huddled figure under the covers. Stunned, I snap at him. "Did they really need to wake her five times to check her vitals?"

"After all the blood loss, transfusion, and still possible concussion, yes. We rather be safe than sorry. By tonight, she should be able to rest uninterrupted," he answers indifferently except the smirk is still plastered on his face. And since when does he get to touch me so familiarly? But then I did tap his face yesterday… "Can I check your stitches, kiddo?"

"I'm not a kid! How come you two keep calling me that!" Tina snaps in a huff as she throws the cover off.

We both shrug. "We'll stop when you stop snapping like one," I answer before I think. She gasps, a horrified exclamation on her tongue, but I cut her off. "Now, now. Manners." Tina huffs in anger, clenches her jaw, and shoves her wrists in Darien's direction.

She fumes silently at both of us as he examines her until Mina storms into the room with a huge container filled with Lita's homemade chocolate chip pancakes and cut fruits and shopping bags. Lita follows in with a tray of milkshakes which has me jumping to my feet. Probably a little too fast for my stitch's liking. I grab the strawberry one and moan in contentment. Lita's breakfasts are the best! I grab a pancake and shove it right in my mouth as soon as Rei, Tina, and I are handed forks.

Darien laughs as we devour the meal. The two assisting nurses get to sample the food as Mina won't take no for an answer. And Tina just won the jackpot as Lita's cooking guarantees dedicated fans for life. That'll do anything for another taste. I often wondered if she puts drugs into the food or just missed her calling…

Before I can finish my last bite, Mr. Assholeness thinks it's a good idea to pull me away from my food. Doesn't he realize that I'd maim him for such an offense if it weren't for the witnesses? My glare speaks volumes because he releases my arm as soon as we're outside.

"I just wanted to make sure that Christina is all right. Did she say anything else? Did anyone visit?"

"Yes. No. No. We done? I want some more food before it's all gone."

He laughs, deciding he's in no danger, and pushes me toward the steps. I didn't think he was the reckless type. "Come on, I'll buy you a triple chocolate muffin in the caf."

I eye him skeptically, but as he swears the hospital cafeteria serves awesome food, I huff out exasperatedly before following him. It's probably the bags under his eyes, or that his shoulders are a little slouched, or the bend in his back that is making me soft. I hate that I care. I don't like that just walking around the hospital and meeting the staff and patients was enough to convince me to help him. To do the right thing.

This town is seriously softening me. To the point I've already contacted Luna and pulled the lawsuit. On the condition that that fucking narcissistic woman doesn't show up here unless it's as a patient. Because, yes, even I'm not that heartless. And even if Beryl's a bitch and has serious issues and a boatload of insecurities, she's still someone's child and she's not part of the underworld.

While the restraining order will piss off and embarrass her family, if they're smart and want to save face, they'll keep funding the kids' wing. Especially if they want it named after them. There's more prestige in that than in their proposed arranged marriage anyway. But then again, most humans are stupid. Run by their lowest desires than their morals. So it can go either way.

I've already contacted Luna, Artemis, and Molly about funding the wing. It's surprising how their shared love of fine clothing and jewelry has bonded the three over a day. Tina's case will not take long to sort through with their crafty heads put together.

But I'm not going to reveal all this to him yet! It's fun to watch him sweat. I barely know the guy but pushing his buttons is my newest pastime. Blame it on the lack of life-threatening, adrenaline-induced missions.

The way his jaw clenches, the throbbing vein that pops in his forehead, the way he looms over me about to snap. See! I should know better than to poke a stick at a rattlesnake, but life is too short to play safe. And he's no rattlesnake. Nope. He's this adorable cuddly bear.

'Adorable!?'

Not something most people would associate with him. No. He's hot, for one. Nurses and patients alike check him out as we pass. If it wasn't for his constant glowering and Mr. Brightside's personality, he'd probably be hit on mercilessly. Except, everyone's scared of him for a reason I can't fathom. He's a nice guy all the way down to his bone marrow. Sure, he's got a bad temper. But so do coaches, CEOs, and half of the human population.

Maybe I poke at him because it's fun to watch him break out of his serious character. He seriously has a stick up his ass sometimes. Or maybe it's retribution for all the curveballs he's sending my way…

Like the curveball of thinking about the one thing I wanted as a kid and never believed I could obtain as an adult.

Marriage… A possible real family…

As an orphan, tossed from one home to another, to youth centers, I used to watch movies and hope that one day, I'd find someone who loved me enough to want to build a future together. Someone with whom I'd learn to believe, count on, and depend. Someone who wouldn't turn their back on me because of how I am. Of who I am. Of my past. Someone who'd want to fall asleep next to me, and wake each morning with a smile. Someone I could trust enough to adopt kids with and raise them in the way I only dreamed I could have been. Someone to build new dreams and grow old with. Someone worth fighting for and not giving up on when times got hard.

When I was kidnapped as I turned fourteen, all those hopes died.

Until he proposed.

I get he's looking only for a fake fiancé to get the heat off his back. But it's the closest thing to my dream that will ever come my way. And I don't know if I should curse Setsuna or thank her now for this unexpected vacation.

All I've done this night is think over his engagement proposal. That's why I roamed the halls instead of resting, even if Rei tried several times to make me.

All I've thought about is what-ifs.

Except my rational side knows better. I will never put a person in that kind of danger. Because of my past, my work, and my choices. It's just too dangerous to involve someone seriously in my life.

As we settle at a table, him with a healthy breakfast and black coffee, me with chocolate and strawberry muffins, and Lita's milkshake, I try to keep up with the conversation. But at my blank look, he pushes his food away to study me.

"Is your wound acting up?" he leans forward and checks my forehead for the low fever we both know I'm still running.

"I'm fine." Which has him frowning, unconvinced. Ignoring his concern, I chow down on the surprisingly good deserts. That's when he decides it's a good time to ask what our chat is leading to.

"So did you think about my proposal."

For the second time since meeting this guy, I'm choking in front of him. Before he can get up, I grab my milkshake and swallow the painful piece stuck down until I can breathe again.

"You won't get any benefits if you kill me before I agree," I jest but he stays serious.

"Well?"

Just then I watch the couple that was celebrating their anniversary at Keith's bar walk by us, waving to Darien. They even remind him of the check-up they have with him in half an hour. He reassures them he'll be on time good-naturedly as I watch the elder lady help her husband along, a cane in his hand today.

"His hip must be acting up again. You can't tell by how those two behave, can you? Young at heart is their motto," Darien shakes his head amused as we watch them leave. Except my focus is stuck on her arm supporting his elbow and how fondly he's looking back at her. I can feel tears coming. Fucking stupid hormones! My period must be coming for my emotions to get the best of me. Or maybe it's the lack of sleep. Or the roller coasters that's been my past seventy-two hours.

I get up, ready to discard my meal. "Gotta go check on my team." He grabs my hand before I can leave. He sees right through me. And I hate it! I hate that he keeps seeing my insecurities. That he just saw me watching that couple like that. I hate it!

Yanking out of his hold, I storm away but he maneuvers me toward the staircase we came from. I don't want to be alone with him. Not when I'm stupidly feeling vulnerable and open. Where are the masks that Luna taught me? The disassociation Amara instilled in me? I thought I was done being run by my emotions!

"Talk to me," Darien says as soon as we're behind closed doors.

Oh hell no! I'm not going there with him. With a complete stranger.

"I pulled back the lawsuit on the condition that the hospital gets a restraining order against Beryl. She can only enter as a patient but otherwise, she's barred access. Her family's been informed that if she tries to practice in the medical field, the files of malpractice already in Luna's possession will be used accordingly. As for the children's wing, I've already made calls and you'll be getting new benefactors. Amy will provide you the details at nine-o-hundred. Now I've got a job to do. Good day to you, Doctor Shields."

I move toward the stairs but he yanks on my uninjured hand, not letting me flee.

"Serena… What the hell? Thank you. But I'm missing something. What just happen?"

"You can't be that oblivious!?"

"It seems so because I'm not sure what I just said for you to snap at me."

"For you, marriage is an option! And because of that, you throw it around liberally. To someone like me. It's not. You figure it out."

Now on top of the tears, I feel my blood boiling. I pull out his grasp and jog all the way up to the tenth floor. It's easy. It helps clear my head. He's not in any condition to keep up with me. Or at least I assumed until he grabs me again as I reach the top floor, slightly out of breath.

"Explain," he huffs out.

"Why?!"

"Oh, I don't know! Maybe because you've saved my ass with Beryl. Maybe because you've made the kids' wing possible. And maybe because even though I've been a prick, you've helped me and I want to return the favor."

"It's fine. You're a good doctor, and the people here deserve this. It's the right call. Shields." I try to leave but he stops me.

"Stop doing that."

"What!?"

"Shutting me out." That shuts me up. "I get that I'm a stranger to you. And that you don't owe me any explanation. And I'm indebted to you, not the other way around. But explain to me what you meant downstairs." A door opens a couple of floors down, and as much as I don't do witnesses, he seems past the point of caring. "What is it that's got you angry? Why can't you accept my marriage proposal?"

"There's no settling down for people in my line of work."

"Is that the only reason you are set against marrying me?"

I hear a gasp and then a door closes.

"Fuck." I glare at him as he's oblivious to what just happened. I don't need another complication! Yanking the door open hard enough to pull on my stitches, I storm into the hall but he pulls me into the room he treated me in yesterday and closes the door behind us.

"Do you want a bullet in the head? Whomever I get involved with, that's exactly what they'll get the moment my cover is blown. Don't you get it? I'm not involving myself with anyone because I'm not that selfish and I don't take people's lives for granted." I grind my teeth as the bitter words come out.

"No, I don't want a target on my forehead but what's the point of life if you can't have what you want?" he asks just as frustrated.

"You were in the system. How many of those kids you crossed got what they wanted? Found dream jobs, love, happiness, fulfillment, and family at the end of the day. Did you?" my resentment and insecurities are bleeding out. Fucking hell! I need food again and twelve hours of sleep. This is ridiculous! How come every time I'm around this guy I blurt out the stupidest thoughts right out of my head?

I'm not this! I'm no longer the difficult child given away by alcoholic parents. I'm no longer the insecure little orphan, sold out by her foster parents into the black market. I'm no longer the kid who dreams of what ifs and why not.

I'm a self-made woman, whose been to the doors of hell and brought everyone out! I'm not a victim, I'm not a survivor, I'm a fucking Warrior! And the sooner he realizes this and learns not to push my buttons, the better we'll both be. He stays in his world. I get back in mine. Maybe. That's still up for discussion according to my forced vacation. But that's beside the point.

"I fixed your problems. End of story. As soon as Tina's situation is resolved, I'll be out of your hair." I growl in his face, slamming the door as I leave which has two nurses popping their heads out of rooms and right back in, scared shitless by my glare. Rei exits Tina's room with Jack but she's smart enough not to open her mouth. She even covers Jack's as she throws me the keys. I school my expression and pop my head in the room as the kid's doing a conference call with Luna on Amy's labtop.

"Kiddo, you tell the cop anything the lawyer gives you the green light on. And you don't give anyone a hard time. Nod if you understand." As if she knows I'm on edge, she nods right away. "Good. You better keep to that promise or I'll deal with you later. Be good."

"Sere…" she hesitates. When I pause, she whispers a thank you. Those two words are filled with more weight than I can handle at the moment. I nod and hit the elevator. No one gets on when they see my death glare. Yup, Doc. Shields, you're not the only human who can make people skitter with a frown.

Damn the man! Damn my thoughts! And this stupid forced holiday!

Darien

I watch her leave. Everything in me screams to go after her. It's a foreign reaction. I don't go after people, I don't run after women, I seriously don't bother to care other than medically. My pager beeps and I curse as I head for my first appointment. I opt for the stairs to give myself a chance to cool down. That ends up giving me too much time to think. About everything she said. About why I'm angry.

As I enter my first patient room, I'm greeted by the lovely Smiths again. I can't help but remember the longing on Serena's face as she looked at them earlier. The pain in her voice as she said marriage wasn't an option for her.

I've never given marriage much thought. Or relationships for that matter.

But it seems she has. Though she's set on not getting involved with anyone.

Jack had someone while he was deployed. A couple of his squad members are married and still serving. What makes her situation different?

More importantly, why is she angry I asked. Angry enough to bring both of our foster pasts up.

The half-hour I spend with the Smiths puts my own beliefs on marriage in question. Their union looks to be a very happy one. As Mrs. Smith helps her husband up, I can't help asking.

"What's your secret?"

"To what dear?" she asks smiling back at me.

"To your happy marriage?"

"It's not always happy or easy. Don't fool yourself into believing that, child. They'll be times when you'll break each other's hearts or trust, they'll be times you'll be so fed up you'll want to leave, or you'll think the love is gone. But, if you meet someone whom you can't imagine losing, whom you see yourself growing old with, who can stand and accepts you completely and you them, then you've found gold. But the only way to keep that love and relationship going is to put the work in. Once you get home at the end of the day, you're not off the clock. If anything, it's where you put in the overtime that pays off in long term. You work on yourself and your marriage. Because once the kids leave, there has to be something between you that keeps you coming back. Keeps you looking forward to spending another day with them. Even when they drive you crazy!" She explains as Mr. Smith advances toward the door. Only the old man goes and pinches her butt before adding his two cents.

"And always keep them on their toes!" He chuckles as she smacks his shoulders shaking her head exasperatedly at him.

"You old fool! Act your age." But there's a fond smirk on her lips and a twinkle in her eyes reserved just for him.

Now that has me shaking my head. You never know what to expect with those two. Like them dancing at the pub the other night even though they should know better with his bad hip. The lengths they go to for each other has me frowning. It's nothing like my parent's relationship.

"What's got you scowling this early?" Jack quips as he heads in my direction, dressed in his officer uniform for once, which has me instantly smirking.

"Not a word," he points at my face. I know how much he hates putting it on as it gets the nurses fanning their faces as he passes. I'd laugh if I didn't suffer the same treatment sometimes. Most of these people have known him since he was little as his mom is a nurse and do it to rile him up. Got to love small towns.

"Looking fabulous Jadeite!" calls an older nurse whose best friends with his mom. Yes, they've also never stopped calling us by our stage names since we did that high school fundraising production. "Just got my statement from the kid."

I nod, heading toward my next patient. "How did it go?"

"Smooth. Once Serena drilled her. Anyway, what's up with Serena this morning? Rei muffled me like a fucking dog so I wouldn't talk to her?" He watches me too closely as he asks that, catching my clenched jaw. "What'd you do? You push her about your proposal?"

"No… It doesn't matter. She didn't agree. Instead, she's pulled the lawsuit with the condition Beryl stays away from the medical field. And she found new benefactors."

"Damn! She works fast. I guess you're off the noose."

Before he can leave, I ask something I know I'll regret and will get hazed on. "Have you ever thought of marriage?"

That has him smirking, and I wish I kept my mouth shut.

"Are you disappointed she turned you down? Or missing out on the honeymoon under the sheets with her?"

I don't bother answering, not ready to analyze any of those angles. Instead, I ask what really has me perplexed. "Is it that dangerous for someone in her line of work to get into a relationship?"

That sobers him up, and he motions for me to follow him to the stairs. Cheese, I've been in the staircase more often in the past two days than in the last five years.

"She say something along those lines?" When I nod, he folds his arms and takes a deep long breath. Listening for a beat, he makes sure we're alone. "I don't think they are just a special ops team. They don't move or act like any military personnel I've encountered. But don't mistake it; they are lethal. That much I'm sure of. Max recounted exactly what he saw on the security feed. The way they infiltrated and took down that group speaks of years of training. Of experience. Of more than just being down range." He pauses, and I can tell he's analyzing this from every single angle.

"It's hard to trust people who don't exist. Other than their company website, Zack can't find anything individually on any of them. Nothing! They're fucking ghosts. Which suggests they're probably guns for hire. But then there's their link and association with Luna & Associates. Usually, I'm a skeptic when it comes to lawyers. Blame my cousin for that. But with their stellar reputation and the people they've protected, I can't help but think Serena's team is not all bad. Might just be more than hired mercenaries," he shrugs, shaking his head.

"But if she's firm about not doing relationships… Fuck. Serena probably deals with people you wouldn't want to know anything about. Dangerous people, Darien. Let's just say when they leave, I'll be happy because if those people show up here, I'll have body bags to deal with."

"You really think she takes those kinds of jobs?"

His voice drops as he gets serious. "You saw the scars on those girls. Those aren't from accidents or fights. And remember what she said when you treated her the other night? The list of people she's taken down." Grabbing my shoulder for emphasis, he drives his point home. "Count yourself lucky. You dodged a bullet. She did you a favor by not agreeing."

I watch him leave. My feet cemented to the spot. I'm torn between what he just said and the look of longing mixed with frustration on Serena's face.

I continue my rounds and deal with emergency cases as they come in. I go into surgery twice. Check on the construction progress. All while ignoring the rising whispers as I walk the halls. What the hell is going on?

I'd be worried if I hadn't already calmed the board and the administration that I'd taken care of the lawsuit and assured them I had new benefactors lined up. My day should run smoothly except for what is running at hand.

Except. It isn't. My assisting nurse in my third surgery keeps giving me weird looks and then she giggles with the anesthesiologist at my expense. Then an OG Doctor smacks my back when I go to the caf for dinner. "You sly dog you! It's about time! At least from what I hear, she'll keep you on your toes!" he jokes.

Stupefied, it takes me a moment to regain my composure but by then a nurse rushes over to whisper something to him and they hurry off. Has the whole world gone mad? What the hell am I missing?

Shit. Did Beryl set something up behind my back with my father? This is the last straw!

I pull up the search engine on my phone and scroll through every social media I can think of or news outlet. Nothing. I can't find anything online or on the hospital message board.

By the end of the day, I'm irritated to the point of summoning the head ER nurse for answers when Serena barges in. She doesn't bother to close the door before she snaps at me. As if my day wasn't screwed up enough.

"What the fucking hell did you do?"

I sit down behind my desk trying to figure out what she's talking about but she's not having it. Stacking right around my desk, Serena gets in my face. "I Asked What The Fuck Did You DO?" Every word is punctuated and growled low, menacingly. And for the first time, I take what Jack says seriously. This time, her anger doesn't excite me. Instead, a shiver runs down my back, the kind you'd feel with a gun pointed at your head. And maybe I did miss a bullet. As fun as it'd be to get tangled in the sheets with her, I'm not sure I want a bullseye painted on my forehead. From any of her enemies. Or from her. Definitely not her. Because right now, she looks ready and at ease with pulling it.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't act innocent! I've been here not five minutes only to be met with coos and awws! What the hell did you do?"

Confusion and dread are vying for the upper hand in my head. God, I hate hospital melodrama.

"Look, I really don't get what's going on any more than you do. I cleared everything with management and passed them the papers Amy gave me. All that's cleared. Again, thanks for that. As for what's going on. I'm just as lost as you! I've had nothing but whispers all day too. I swear if Beryl or my father have something to do with this, I'll deal with them once and for all."

She watches me closely, menace radiating out of every pore, until she huffs, dismissing me with her eyes. That threatening aura is all but gone, as if it wasn't there a moment ago. The way she can channel it should keep me on my toes instead of intrigued. "Forget it. Just clean up your messes next time before they spill into other people's lives. Make the fucking hard calls in every aspect of your life and not just the ER. That way, you won't get fucked with the fallout."

Damn, I'm getting schooled by her again. But as Serena looms over me, that angry flush painting her skin, those piercing eyes laser-focused on me, I can't help but wonder what it'd be like to be with her. To taste her. To sink inside her. She's freaking hot usually. When she's angry, she's something else entirely.

I can feel the moment she registers that the tension between us has changed. And damn Jack for warning me away. A forbidden fruit never stopped any of us. If anything, it usually cements the conviction we'd go for it. And while a relationship with her is impossible, I wonder if I can coax her into at least considering testing what this is between us. We might fight like cats and dogs, but I know she has to feel the attraction between us. I've seen her check me out and I've not hidden it either when I do it.

Our sparing keeps me on my toes. It's the same as the emergency rush, except without the weight of people's lives hanging over your head. It's frustrating but fun.

Before I can get up and do something she'll probably break a couple of my bones for, the head ER nurse knocks on the door interrupting us.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to burst your bubble," she grins, looking anything but apologetic. "There's a situation with Christina and I think both of you should come."

Serena rushes toward the door and I follow her out only to be met with a tone of staff. That's when the confetti and banner pop open and hit us. It's also at that moment everyone starts congratulations us, applauding and whistling. Is this about the kids' wing or that the case was dropped?

I look at Serena, completely dumbfounded, only her face is drained of blood. She's staring at the banner that I've ignored as people shake my hand and says congrats. Confused, I read it only to gasp as if I got sucker punched…

'Congratulation on your engagement!'

"I heard you guys earlier," a nurse calls, the one best friends with Jack's mom. "It's about time one of you boys is off the market! Hip Hip! Hurray!" The crowd joins her to the point patients and locals peak out of their rooms to see what the commotion is about.

I'm fucked.

I don't dare look back. I don't need to. Again, I feel that murderous aura directed at me.

Thinking fast, I'm left with two options. I can either explain to everyone that we aren't engaged. And have them ask questions I'm not sure how to answer.

Or I can give Serena what she never thought was possible. I really think I'm losing it but she's only here for a short period… Against my better judgment, and I know I'm thinking with my dick and not my head, I really do want a taste of her.

Turning around before I can really think it through, I grab her around her waist and smile at her furious expression. "I guess there's no point in hiding it, sweetheart."

She gasps, outraged, I see murder in her eyes. That's when I go for it. I pull her flush against me, stifling a groan at the contact as I kiss her before she can say anything. Bending her backward, I give the performance of a lifetime. I keep telling myself it's for the staff's benefit or my father who just appeared. I pour everything into the kiss because I want to give her something to remember me by. As a thank you for all she's done for me, Tina, and the town.

It's stupid and I'm lying to myself because the way she tastes, melts against me, and kisses me back has me hooked and not caring where we are. All that's filling my mind is carrying her into my office, slamming the door, and doing her on my desk.

Sinking her fingers into my hair, she digs her nails until she's practically drawing blood. That has me breaking out of the lust haze. Sliding her lips to my ear, away from everyone's view, she whispers exactly what her look promised seconds ago.

"You're a dead man, Shields."