The Choice

by Shayla Black

  Did she, outside the hospital? He would have sworn Heavenly had good girl written all over her…but he sensed something between those two.

  The idea of this sweet thing bending to Beck’s will and begging for his pain made Seth surly. Ridiculous since he’d met this woman ten minutes ago, and they’d exchanged a handful of words. She didn’t mean anything. Hell, none of the girls he banged did. And he’d never want Beck’s leftovers. But neither logic nor the mental caution tape stopped the instant flare of Seth’s primal instincts.

  When Beck nodded his approval, Heavenly set the plastic cup on the nearby tray and smiled at her patient.

  “Thanks,” Raine murmured.

  “You’re welcome. Do you need anything else?”

  “I’m good for now.”

  Heavenly gave her hand a compassionate squeeze. “If you change your mind or want an ear, I’m here all day.”

  The angel had a kind streak. Most people he dealt with were criminals, cheaters, and dregs out for themselves. She was part of the good still left in this world. That made him not only want her but like her more.

  When Heavenly hurried past him, an indefinable feminine scent wafted in her wake. She shifted a quick glance his way before scurrying toward the door.

  She was leaving? Hell no. He might not have another opportunity to proposition her. And he wasn’t giving up until he got his hands—and mouth—on her. After all, that sweet face and banging body desperately needed corrupting. He’d do a damn good job of it, too—even better if he could get a bead on her.

  As a cop, then a PI, he could usually size people up in two minutes. But so far, Heavenly didn’t fit into any of his neat mental categories. She’d yielded to Beck like a natural submissive, but this girl had fortitude he could feel. Seth wanted to strip her down, learn her. The instinct jolted him as if he’d shoved his tongue into a light socket.

  What the hell? He’d done the relationship thing once—a lifetime ago. Now he stuck to flings, club sex, and one-night stands, giving zero fucks about anything except mutual pleasure.

  Why should Heavenly be different?

  Before she could leave, Beck cupped her elbow, staying her. Fury burst inside Seth at the sight of another man’s hands on her.

  Now he was jealous? What the fuck… Heavenly hardly belonged to him, and he’d bonded with the fair but firm Dom last week when Liam and Hammer had asked them to give a confused Raine guidance. So why the urge to break every one of the sadistic surgeon’s fingers?

  “Thank you for your help,” Beck praised her.

  That tender voice had come from Dr. Sarcasm-and-Pain?

  “My pleasure. I told you I enjoy helping others.” Heavenly sent him a warm smile. “Do you believe me yet?”

  Heavenly was flirting with Beck? Did she have any fucking idea who—and what—he was? She couldn’t. Unless he was reading her totally wrong, she was the kind of submissive who would unravel for whispered commands, not the lash of a whip.

  When Beck released her with a grin, Heavenly headed out of the room. Hungry for one last glance, Seth watched, fixated on the sway of her hips. God, the things he’d like to do to that ass…

  Damn, he’d told himself to shelve thoughts of sex. Epic fail on that.

  “Whatever you’re thinking about her, don’t,” the doctor growled. “And stop staring.”

  “You were gawking at her,” he challenged with a raised brow. “Is she your sub?”

  Beck glanced around furiously, then glared his way. “Don’t mention that shit here.”

  Seth understood. The power exchange and the workplace didn’t mix well. “Fine. Is she?”

  Beck’s jaw clenched. “I look out for her welfare around here. I mentor her.”

  In other words, no. Seth smiled. His day was looking up…

  “But obviously not in the sack, and you’re dying to. Dream on, buddy.”

  Raine groaned. “Not you, too?”

  “I didn’t do a thing.” Yet.

  “Make sure you keep it that way,” Beck snarled.

  “Fuck you.” Seth would have said more, but they shouldn’t be pounding their chests when his friends needed him.

  He eased next to the bed, pausing beside Liam, and caressed Raine’s inky hair. “You doing okay, little one?”

  “Yeah. Thanks for being here.”

  Before he could ask if she was up to answering questions, the ER doctor arrived and glanced at the overabundance of visitors with a censuring scowl.

  Beck gestured toward the door. “Let’s give them some privacy, Captain America.”

  Yeah, Beck was a doctor and had the authority to toss him out. But his attitude rubbed Seth wrong. He shelved his annoyance because Raine didn’t need their shit. Instead, he followed the doctor out with a glare.

  Beck seemed oblivious as he addressed the trio around the bed. “We’ll be back shortly.”

  Hammer’s nod was somewhere between grim and grateful. “Thank you, guys. For everything.”

  Seth filed into the hall. He’d come back later and question Raine. Until then, he’d get his hands on the preliminary police report.

  Beck followed him, closing the door. “I meant what I said. Don’t pursue Heavenly. She doesn’t need a player with Vaseline on his fly.”

  “Vaseline? Why the hell would I do that?”

  “You fuck so many chicks, I can’t imagine how else you get your zipper down that fast.”

  Since he’d come to LA, people had told him the doctor could be an asshole. Until today, he’d never seen Beck’s puckered, bleeding side. Now he understood.

  “And you’re a monk?” Seth scoffed.

  When he opened his mouth to point out more reasons Beck wouldn’t suit Heavenly, local cop and Shadows member Dean Gorman sent him a text. Got the prelim report. Still at the hospital? I’ll drop it by.

  Seth tapped out a quick reply. Thanks. See you soon.

  “Gotta go. Fuck off,” he tossed to Beck, then headed down the hall.

  Twenty minutes later, Dean had come and gone. Sipping coffee, Seth flipped through the report in the half-empty cafeteria. Only cursory information since the investigation was only hours old. No reason the scene could be interpreted as anything other than self-defense…so far. He’d see what the next iteration held.

  Without a crime scene to decipher, his thoughts strayed to Heavenly. After barely half an hour without the angel, he felt an inexplicable desire that still rubbed him raw. Why should he want a woman so seemingly innocent? She wasn’t built for a quick fuck, and he didn’t do more. Beck might be all wrong for her…but Seth was, too. He would return to New York, to his life, his business, and his family. No way was he spending the rest of his time in LA fighting with Beck over a female the way Liam and Hammer had squabbled over Raine.

  All perfectly logical reasons to back off. But his dick was vetoing his brain.

  What a dumb fuck.

  Resting his elbows on the table, he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

  “If you have a headache, cutting a lime in half and rubbing it across your forehead might help.”

  Seth snapped to attention at the sound of Heavenly’s soft voice. He looked up to find her holding a paper cup and smiling.

  “Really?” he drawled. “What other sage medical advice do you have?”

  The light trill of her laughter roused every male part of him again. “I don’t know about sage, but it’s a remedy my grandmother used when I was little.”

  “Since I don’t have a lime to make my headache go away, maybe you’ll sit with me until I feel better?”

  Heavenly hesitated, then slowly slid into the chair opposite him. He restrained a celebratory fist pump.

  “What other cures did your grandmother have?”

  “Quite a few, though none most doctors would approve of. For instance, if you’re having a coughing spell, take a washcloth and dip it in icy water…”

  As she explained, he drank in Heavenly’s guileless appeal. He cataloged her smile, t
he halo of her hair, her lightly flushed cheeks, the fidgeting clasp of her hands. He made her nervous, huh? Seth grinned and filed away that handy tidbit as he listened and let himself be charmed.

  “And as unbelievable as it sounds, that helps, too.” Heavenly smiled ruefully. “I probably shouldn’t tout the natural remedies since I’m studying to be a nurse, but sometimes the old ways work.”

  “Sounds like you have a few tricks up your sleeve.”

  “I like to think so.”

  I have some, too.

  He bent and ducked his head, forcing her to meet his gaze. The connection hit him like a gut punch.

  She blinked his way. For an instant, the windows to her soul opened wide. He could almost taste her uncertainty, her tentative thrill. He saw it in the thready, thumping pulse at her neck. Every artless, delicious detail about her utterly reinforced his urge to drag her beneath him.

  And instinct told him he’d better be fast. Beck might be reluctant to do more than lick his chops while eyeing the tempting morsel—something Seth found fucking hilarious—but the big Dom wouldn’t wait long.

  Before he could roll out a smooth line, Heavenly pushed her chair away from the table. “I should get back to work.”

  Without thinking, he stood and grabbed her hand. Desire zapped him, sending him reeling.

  Holy shit. How much stronger would the sensation be when he touched her everywhere?

  “Hey,” he crooned. “I’m just making conversation. No need to be nervous.”

  “O-of course. I…um, just don’t want to be late. The patients might need me and I’d like to be there for Raine. Excuse me.”

  He needed to say something—and speak her language. “Thanks for all you’ve done to help her. She needs the kindness you’ve shown her. I know Hammer and Liam appreciate your effort. I certainly do.”

  That made a little smile flit across her face. “It really is my pleasure. I can’t wrap my head around what she’s been through. It’s none of my business, but her own father doing such terrible—”

  “He was an abusive alcoholic who’d terrorized Raine for years. No one should have to endure what she has, but I’m glad she’ll finally be able to live in peace.”

  “She seems very sweet.” Heavenly cleared her throat and eased her hand from his grip. “You all appear to be very close. Have you been friends a long time?”

  “With Liam and Hammer, yes. They’re some of my oldest and dearest friends. I only met Raine a week ago, but she’s a great girl who’s perfect for my buddies.”

  The curiosity playing across Heavenly’s face said she wanted to know more about their unconventional relationship…but was too polite to ask. “So…how do you know Dr. Beckman?”

  Fuck me. Was she chatting with him to grill him for information about Dr. Dipshit?

  “He’s been a friend of Hammer’s for years. They, um…have some common interests.” If that’s what one called restraining and whipping subs.

  “Oh. Like golf?”

  “Not exactly.” And it was time to change the subject. “I’m guessing Raine will be staying here overnight?”

  Heavenly nodded. “I peeked at her chart. I think they’re worried about infection setting in, and since she’s pregnant, they’ll—”

  “What?” Without thinking, he tucked a finger under her chin and lifted it. “Raine is pregnant?”

  Apology tightened her face as she slipped free. “I-I thought everyone knew. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be. Your secret is safe with me. Besides, Liam and Hammer will be thrilled.” If they could process that motherfucking bombshell after everything else that had happened today. “I only mentioned Raine staying overnight because I planned to visit her tomorrow. Would you have time to have coffee with me on your break?”

  She gave him a furtive shake of her head. “I’ve got to study for finals. But it was nice to meet you, Mr. Cooper.”

  When she would have passed him, he sidestepped, blocking her path. “Call me Seth. How about after your tests?”

  Heavenly pressed her lips together before she gave him another negative jerk of her head. “I shouldn’t. Good-bye.”

  And then she was scurrying across the clinical white tile toward an employee-only area as if her very fine ass were on fire.

  A smart man would accept her refusal. But Seth already knew he wasn’t remotely intelligent when it came to that woman. Nope. He was already making plans to regroup and try again, because giving up on Heavenly Young simply wasn’t an option.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The following day was Friday, and all the crazies flooded the ER. It wasn’t even a full moon, but she’d already seen a near-fatal drug overdose, a weekend warrior who’d done stupid things with a nail gun, two car accidents, an expectant mom in labor, and a party girl who’d been mugged while walking home from a rave. It was barely noon, and Heavenly was already exhausted.

  As she passed the nurses’ station, Jennifer stopped her. “Hey, you’ve got a visitor in the lobby.”

  Who? Her father couldn’t make his way here without help. She didn’t know her neighbors and hadn’t made any friends, except maybe Dr. Beckman. But if he wanted to see her, he’d simply come to the unit.

  “You’re sure?”

  “He asked for you by name.”

  Bemused, Heavenly headed to the lobby. Maybe a former patient had come. It was possible, but she really hoped—

  Yes, there he was. Seth. She couldn’t stop thinking about the man. He blinded her with his handsomeness, tongue-tied her with his charm, and overheated her with his smoldering stare.

  “Hi.” She tried to be professional, smile like a normal person. After all, he was just a man, and she’d known those all her life.

  But none affected her the way Seth did. Well, except Dr. Beckman, but he merely helped her when she didn’t understand something medical. Seth seemed determined to flirt.

  “Hey, angel.”

  That grin of his was powered by megawatts of charisma. His low voice rumbled the growled endearment, exciting all her distinctly female parts. She resisted the urge to sigh at him like a girl over her favorite teen idol.

  “Hi.”

  You already said that, dummy.

  He grinned even wider. Gosh, he must be used to females bumbling and throwing themselves at him. What woman wouldn’t turn into a puddle at the sight of him? Piercing green eyes, chiseled jaw, hard, wide shoulders… A dreamy sigh escaped her lips.

  Get it together, girl. “Are you hoping to see Raine before they discharge her?”

  “Actually, I came to bring you something.” He turned and lifted a cellophane-wrapped basket from the chair beside him. “You said you were busy studying, so I thought I’d help in whatever small way I can.”

  He’d brought her a gift? Yes, and it wasn’t small at all.

  Heavenly took it, spotting so many thrilling goodies through the clear wrap she almost squealed. “This is for me?”

  “Of course. You’ve helped Raine so much, I wanted to spoil you.”

  “I, um… Wow.” She sank into the nearest chair. Tears stung her eyes. Blinking wasn’t making them go away. He’d done something thoughtful, and she was blubbering? “Thank you. You didn’t have to get me anything.”

  He sat beside her. “I wanted to. Open it.”

  Excitement bubbled up. What a thrill!

  Heavenly plucked at the bow and tore away the cellophane. Chocolates spilled into her hands and made her mouth water. A few cans of Red Bull and some Emergen-C lined the front rim. Behind that, she saw ibuprofen, lip balm, and hand sanitizer. Oh, pens, pencils, and notebooks to make studying easier, which she needed and could never afford.

  After she pulled those out, she found flavored coffee—an indulgence she never had funds for—and a coffee mug that read: THE MOTTO OF EVERY NURSING STUDENT—SORRY. CAN’T. GOTTA STUDY. She laughed, even as more tears gathered. Rolled up inside was a white T-shirt with a big red heart bisected by an EKG li
ne. Above, it read: CUTE ENOUGH TO STOP YOUR HEART. Under the drawing were the words: SKILLED ENOUGH TO RESTART IT.

  Heavenly gave Seth a sniffling smile as she met his gaze, then dug deeper. Wine! She squealed. She’d always wanted to try it, and he had seemingly read her mind.

  Buried at the back was a purple clipboard with a built-in calculator she’d eyed for months.

  “Oh, my goodness. Thank you! It’s…everything. No one has given me a gift since high school graduation. But this is…”

  When she blinked Seth’s way, shock and horror crossed his face. The expression punched her in the chest. She knew that look. She’d seen it on others in Wisconsin after she and her dad had been forced to sell their farm and move to a cramped apartment.

  Pity.

  The gift that had made her feel so special now made her feel like a charity case.

  Heavenly jerked her stare to the floor, her face burning with humiliation. She’d hoped that maybe he like-liked her. But no. He felt sorry for her. Gosh, that hurt.

  She gathered the contents of the basket and pasted on the brightest smile she could manage. “This was very thoughtful. I appreciate it.”

  When Heavenly stood to escape, he gently pulled her closer. “Tell me what upset you. I only wanted to make you happy, angel.”

  “It’s not you.”

  “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I wanted to give you something because you’ve been on my mind.”

  Heavenly bit her lip. Of course he was going to say nice things. So had the people who’d knocked on their door last Christmas to give them a holiday dinner because they’d guessed she and Dad didn’t have the money for a turkey and the trimmings. The gesture had been both welcome and crushing.

  “I know you put a lot of thought into this basket. I appreciate each and every one of these items. Really.”

  Seth frowned, staring at her as if she was a puzzle he was determined to solve. Ugh, why wasn’t she better at hiding her reactions? The last thing she wanted to do was guilt him. “Thank you so much.”