Chapter 6 – Patient Doctor Confidentiality
Barnabas's eyes went wide as Doctor Hoffman slowly went down to her knees and undid his trousers. Though he knew fully well this was a bad idea… not to mention completely inappropriate… he couldn't seem to bring himself to stop her.
Then her soft lips brushed him and all his doubts seemed to drift away. He couldn't help a soft groan as she took him in her mouth. His eyes slid closed as he gave himself over to pleasure.
He was so engrossed in the delicious sensation that he didn't hear footsteps in the hallway or the door opening.
It wasn't till he heard a horrified gasp that his eyes flew open. Someone was standing in the doorway, mouth open in shock.
Elizabeth.
Somehow he managed to get out of the chair and his pants pulled back into place.
Julia looked rather annoyed that they had been interrupted but he hardly noticed. All he could think about was Elizabeth's horrified face.
As soon as Elizabeth had recovered from her shock she had bolted. He had to find her and try to fix this mess.
"Forgive me Julia…" he said quickly as he left the room. He had no idea which way she had gone but he guessed she was probably in the library or her office.
When he poked his head in the library she was nowhere to be seen but when he looked in her office she was there, sitting at her desk with some papers.
She looked up briefly but gave no other indication she had seen him.
He sighed softly and slowly walked into the room. "Elizabeth… what you saw with Doctor Hoffman…"
"Is really none of my business…" she said quickly, cutting him off. She didn't look up from the papers on the desk.
"I swear… I never encouraged her…" he said truthfully, feeling rather guilty. Why had he not said no? Elizabeth's eyes flicked up to him briefly. She got up and walked over to a nearby bookcase.
"You didn't look like you were putting up much of a fight…" she pointed out, a trace of hurt creeping into her tone
He walked up behind and put his hands on her upper arms. He felt her tense slightly as he touched her. "I… have always had a weakness… for beautiful women…" he admitted.
She felt a shiver go down her spine at his tone and his closeness. Why was he so very tempted.
After a few moments she pulled away, turning to look at him. "Well anyway… it's none of my business. You can do whatever… or whoever… you want…" she said, her tone deliberately casual.
He raised an eyebrow. "Forgive me madam… but are you… jealous?" he asked, surprise in his voice.
"Of course not Barnabas. Don't be ridiculous…" she said quickly, not meeting his eyes.
"If it bothers you Elizabeth… I won't allow it to happen again…" he said softly, sincerity in his voice.
She slowly raised her eyes to meet his. "You…" she in a soft, rather surprised voice. "You would do that?" she said, looking like she didn't quite believe it.
He smiled reassuringly and took her hands in his.
"Elizabeth… you have allowed me to stay in this house, knowing what I am. And you gave me hope again when I was lost in despair. I could hardly repay your kindness by hurting your feelings" he said, voice and expression soft.
She couldn't help looking into his eyes. There was something there that scared her… but at the same time drew her in.
"Barnabas I…" she said, voice trailing off.
"Yes?" he asked, voice silky and persuasive. His eyes were still fixed on hers.
"Nothing… it's nothing…" she said, breaking the eye contact with some effort and turning away from him.
He caught her wrist as she pulled away. "Elizabeth…" he said, a gently pleading note in his voice.
She slowly turned back towards him.
He pulled her to him, arms sliding around her waist. "Barnabas…" she whispered softly as he bent his head towards hers.
Barnabas kissed her softly, firmly on the lips. For a moment she didn't kiss back but then he felt her lips part, felt her return the kiss.
Her arms wound themselves tightly around his neck as he pressed her more firmly against him.
He kissed her harder as the kiss grew deeper and more passionate. It was hard to even think clearly with her soft lips on his but he had to remember to be careful not to accidentally bite her.
Eventually he felt her pull away to take a breath. She looked rather surprised at herself.
She looked at him as she got her breath back. "We… shouldn't have done that…" she said quietly.
"Why not?" he asked softly, eyes on her.
"Several reasons. Firstly… because we're related, however distantly. Secondly… because I know how you are with women. And thirdly… because it would be dangerous… if you were to loose control…" she said, clearly tempted despite those reasons.
He took a step towards her, wanting to kiss her again… but she pulled away.
"I can't…" she said. Before he could reply she turned and left the room.
'Always one step forward… two steps back…' he thought with a sigh.