by Piper Stone
Sighing, I glanced at the clock, the ugly fluorescent lights of the cafeteria forcing me to wince. It was almost eight at night. Darkness had settled in, appearing ominous through the dingy windows. I hated this place, almost never buying anything more than a bottle of water on the go. My stomach churned and I pushed the Styrofoam away. “I need to check on him one more time.”
“So, what happened to our patient? He seemed in good health for a gunshot victim.”
“His heart had a reaction, possibly to the medication that I had no clue he was on. Found traces in his system. I doubt I can ring whatever Chicago hospital he was admitted to and ask the attending doctor any questions.” I snorted after making the statement, the ridiculousness of being forced to provide medical care to some mob boss like a bad B-rated movie. Unfortunately, I had the leading female role. “He almost died twice.”
“See? You’re a fabulous doctor. You saved him, but that’s not what I meant.”
“As I should have and what are you talking about?”
She patted my hand. “You know that the news exaggerates everything. I can see right through you, no matter how closed off you can be to people who care about you.”
“I’m not closed off!” I knew my exasperated voice gave me away. I hadn’t let anyone in except Anna and Jimmy, the last being a ridiculous decision.
Anna leaned further over the table. “You weren’t hunkering down watching Lucifer, were you?”
I opened my mouth and for the life of me couldn’t think of anything to say. I was a terrible liar and had always been. “I was home.”
“But you weren’t alone, were you? A little kinky play time?”
Guilt rushed through me and the heat flew up from my neck.
“Honey, I think that’s cool. You’re not as straight-laced as we all thought,” she teased.
Grimacing, I heard the groan slither up from my throat. I was sick to my stomach with embarrassment. “How do you see right through me?” I tried to keep the tone chiding, but I failed miserably.
“Because you’re a pane of glass, my dear friend,” she said, chuckling. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that you’d met our Mr. John Doe before. He seems like the dominating type.”
I was horrified hearing the happiness in her voice, as if playing house with a criminal was a good thing. “I, um...” Fuck. This wasn’t good at all.
“He is one sexy man. I wouldn’t mind be tied up by him for a few hours.”
“He’s a monster. A killer,” I hissed between clenched teeth.
“As I said, the news is certainly going to portray him that way. Everyone has two sides. And I was just kidding.”
“Anna,” I said, making certain the few cafeteria dwellers couldn’t possibly hear our conversation. “John Doe is a known mob family member of one of the most dangerous crime syndicates in the country. I might not dwell on the news, but that much is pretty damn clear.”
“And you like him.”
“I’m afraid of him.”
She shook her head. “Then why didn’t you refuse our dangerous patient from minute one?”
“I should have. Just hearing the way in which he and his friends talked gave me shivers. He was just so different than...” I almost blurted out an admittance that I knew him far better than I’d let on.
Anna narrowed her eyes. “Hmmm... Are you hiding some secret, like you didn’t just meet him?”
“No. I mean...” Everything was befuddled.
“I don’t care if you slept with the guy, but I can tell you obviously care about him.”
“He was in a bar where I was meeting Jimmy and since Jimmy acted like an asshole, John Doe kind of came to my rescue. Nothing more.”
“Uh-huh.” Her eyes sparkled as she shoved her fist under her chin, far too interested in my personal life.
“Look, I’m just really tired. On top of everything, I haven’t had that chance to talk with Walter.” The truth was that I had no real desire to talk with the medical director any longer. I didn’t want to draw any more attention to the situation than I had to. If anyone found out that I’d... My stomach was in knots.
“Are you going to tell him about your relationship?” she asked in a sly manner.
I gave her the most hateful look I could come up with. “There’s no relationship!”
“What is that proverb about protesting too much?”
“Very funny.”
“All right. I’ll leave you alone about this. Walter is still in his office. I noticed on the way here. I don’t think the man ever sleeps.” She laughed. “Sweetie, you’re just doing your job. You met John Doe and that’s that. So what? Talk to Walter, yell at him then go home. The two other nurses are taking night shifts. They’ll call you if anything happens.”
“I suppose.” For some crazy reason, I was concerned about leaving Gio with only the nurses. He’d been so strong one minute then gasping for air the next. If I hadn’t had an inkling he was on medication, the man would have had a heart attack. I pressed two fingers across my lips, remembering the kiss. Jerking back, I almost knocked the rest of my coffee over.
“You are exhausted. Come on. Get out of here. I’ll walk with you into the corridor and be here bright and early in the morning.”
I rose to my feet, my legs quivering, but the decreasing adrenaline was only partly responsible for my condition. “I don’t like this, Anna. I have a really bad feeling something terrible is going to happen.”
“You’ve been watching too many spy thrillers. You heal him and kick him out. That’s it. Unless there’s already more going on.” Even her eyes gave her away. Anna was just as terrified as I was.
“There’s nothing going on.”
“Okay, if you say so. Now, come on.”
I tossed the coffee and wiped my hands on my jacket. I certainly didn’t have the fire in my belly as I had before, but the illustrious medical director was going to hear a piece of my mind.
“Go home and get a huge glass of wine then soak in the tub before you crawl under the covers. Doctor’s orders.” She winked and tugged on her coat.
“Except you’re not a doctor.” I finally offered a grin even though I honestly felt like crying.
“Very funny. Tomorrow, chickee.”
I watched her walking away, feeling defeated. Gio had been dead on about the desire raging through my blood. I hated him but at the same time, my hunger was overwhelming. The hours we’d shared had been exhilarating, more exciting that I could have ever imagined.
But he was a monster in every sense of the word.
The elevator ride was yet another reminder of our depraved tryst, my skin itching as if he was right beside me, his fingers brushing up and down my arms. I scratched at my skin, digging my nails to the point I drew a drop of blood. What the hell was wrong with me?
Walter’s door was open, and he was packing his briefcase. Maybe the jerk had a home life after all. I knocked but walked in, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Walter, what in the hell is going on? Why did you accept that particular patient and why without informing me first?”
He glanced at the door, still continuing to fill his leather satchel. “I tried to contact you, Dr. Mason, but you weren’t available. I make certain decisions in this hospital and my employees are required to follow them.”
“Even if it involves a brutal killer?”
Exhaling, he took long strides toward the door, slamming it. “You aren’t a stupid woman, Veridi. You can’t mention the patient in any regard or you will destroy his anonymity.”
“Uh-huh. I understand. I am curious about something. Why this hospital? Why would you allow this to happen? There are two others in close proximity who are probably better equipped to handle this kind of a patient.”
Walter moved back to his desk, grapping his jacket and briefcase. “Perhaps, but I was doing a favor.”
“A favor? Are you fucking kidding me?” This surprised the hell out of me.
“Don’t take that tone with m
e, Dr. Mason. I’m still your boss.”
What did the Calduchi organization have on this man? I realized I hadn’t been in his office more than twice and mainly in the doorway. From where I stood, I could see a single photograph. The man did have a family after all, including two small children. “Were you threatened, forced to do this? Is that what this is about?”
He huffed, but a hint of redness crept up along his collar. “We all do things that we don’t necessarily agree with. John Doe will be out of our hair within a week.”
“He almost died today because I didn’t have proper medical records. Is there anything else I should know about him or is his treatment simply a round of throwing darts?”
Sighing, he headed for the door, stopping long enough to answer. “I’ll see what I can find out for you. Do what you can. I have total faith in your abilities.”
He was out the door before I could stop him, his feet thudding on the floor the same rapid beat that my heart was giving. What was Walter mixed up in?
I headed for my office to grab my things, but I had to see Gio one last time. Antonio was startled as I walked down the empty hallway, jerking up from a sitting position.
“Doctor,” he said, trying to stifle a yawn.
“You might as well grab one of the empty beds and take a nap, Antonio, before you fall.”
He grinned. “Naw. Can’t do that. Got someone coming to relieve me in a few. Time for a thick, juicy steak and maybe the company of a beautiful woman.”
Great. There was another one of them. I nodded, moving to open the door.
“Take care of him, Doc. Gio, I mean John is really a good man. He’s exactly what the family needs right now.”
“A good man. Someone is going to have to redefine ‘good’ for me, Antonio.” I’d heard the bodyguard’s tone, full of concern. Even killers had fans.
I checked the monitors as well as Gio’s file then moved to closer. He simply seemed like he was sleeping, gorgeous waves of hair framing his face and his long, thick eyelashes maintaining his boyish look. There was nothing frail about this man, even in his condition. He reeked of the same power he had the minute I’d noticed him in the bar.
Reaching out, I almost stroked his arm but curled my fingers instead, shoving my fist into my pocket. He was nothing more than a patient and I shouldn’t give a damn.
But I did.
He would only hurt and use me, tossing me away when he’d had his fill, but there was a part of me that didn’t care.
I rubbed my eyes, the burn in them remaining, much like the stinging sensations on my ass every time I walked. A laugh bubbled to the surface. This was ridiculous. I couldn’t get out of the room fast enough, but just before I opened the door, I took one last look.
The most incredible set of eyes stared back at me.
Watching me.
Studying me.
Devouring me.
I managed to make it to my car without breaking down but once inside, I took gulping breaths. A chill covered every inch of my body, the cold making my fingers stiff. The entire experience was overwhelming. I turned up the heat to full blast after starting the engine but after a few seconds I realized that the heater wouldn’t be able to provide enough warmth.
And so, I shivered, my teeth chattering.
The drive seemed to take longer than normal, and I glanced in the rearview mirror for the sixth time, anticipating seeing headlights following closely behind. Seconds later, when lights from a larger vehicle crowded my bumper, I almost panicked, jerking the wheel and heading down an unknown road.
Please. Please.
Hunkering down, I was able to see in my side mirror. The oversized passenger truck whizzed by without slowing down. Laughing nervously, I slapped my hand on the steering wheel, chastising my ridiculous behavior. There was no one following me.
Still, I exceeded the speed limit in my effort to get home.
After locking every door and checking every window, I poured the glass of wine Anna had suggested. Instead of running a sudsy bath, I moved onto the couch, dragging my laptop with me. I was no fool nor would I be treated liked one. Time to find out everything I could about one crime syndicate and a man named Giovanni Calduchi.
* * *
Two days had gone by, two incredibly long days. I remained tired, unable to sleep more than a couple of hours a night. Gio’s face haunted me, dreams turning into nightmares. While his condition had improved, he remained weak, running a fever, which meant infection. I’d performed every test, poring over the results and adjusting the medication. At least he was responding favorably even if the fever had yet to break.
I’d tried to stay away from him as much as possible, but I found myself sitting by his bedside, expecting some sharp-tongued comment. He’d been deathly quiet, a reminder that he’d almost died in my care. Whether he knew I was there or not, it was difficult to tell. He’d mumbled in his sleep, words about suffering and repent almost constant. At least there’d been only limited disruption from the staff, and no questions from outside sources.
I’d even talked to him, sharing innocuous stories about my life. Jabbering wasn’t like me, but I had the distinct feeling that he needed to be reeled back into this world.
I stood inside his room, concerned he was sleeping so much. If his fever didn’t break soon, I’d been forced to perform another surgery and I honestly wasn’t certain he could handle being cut open again. His complexion was sallow, his breathing raspy. Walter hadn’t come through in finding out any additional details and twice I’d almost called every freaking hospital in Chicago, scouring for details. The infection could be from the original bullet wound or whatever had occurred while under the knife. While I’d refrained from making the calls, a nagging had solidified in my gut. Everything about this was wrong. The man definitely had a target on his back.
I’d read everything I could find, surfed every news source and what I’d learned was damning, bringing up memories from the past that I couldn’t make any sense of. Even as I stood in front of him, I felt lost, something that hadn’t occurred since graduating from medical school. “How are you doing today, Gio?”
No response.
“I’m going to open the blinds. The moon is already out.”
What crap was I telling him? He certainly wouldn’t care about the freaking weather.
“You need to wake up, Gio.”
A single blip on the heart monitor made me jump. I waited, hoping there’d be another. There wasn’t. At least he was completely stable, his vitals much improved, but he should be alert and ready to take on the world. Stimulus. That’s what he needed. Then I had an idea. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out my phone, hovering my finger over the screen. I was a doctor with concerns about my patient. I’d allowed beloved animals into hospital rooms on the sly, distant members of families and even looked away when favorite meals were brought in. How was this any different?
I’d downloaded a few songs after our adventure on Saturday night. Why? Maybe only a psychiatrist could tell me, but I was glad that I did. When I hit play, I placed the device on his bedside table and moved toward the window.
Chills surfaced as I heard the opening strains of the music and with every crescendo, every base note and chord flowing from the device, I remembered the night of soaring passion we’d shared as well as the day spent in bed exploring. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to dream, longing that we were in a different time and place.
His intense kisses.
His sweeping tongue.
His powerful arms.
As the song neared an end, I leaned my head against the glass, staring out at nothing. So long ago I’d heard the song, played on what seemed like the largest grand piano in the world. I’d been so much younger, terrified of my own shadow and the concerto was bold, almost protective in nature. I’d loved the piece ever since but had forgotten the power it had over me, much like I’d shoved aside much of my childhood. When the last chords were played, I held my breath, trying to ke
ep from tearing up. There was no sense in crying for what I’d lost, either so long ago or at this moment in time.
“The song has a rich intensity. Such feeling as if the darkness was ready to consume your soul. I always wondered whether the composer was angry or simply proud of his heritage.”
While his voice was hoarse, every syllable was pronounced, even sultry in nature. My nipples hardened from the tone alone. Snapping my head in Gio’s direction, I was relieved, heat rising on my face. I had difficulty finding my voice as his eyes penetrated mine. I forced myself to look away in order to say a few coherent words. Even the shadow of his mustache and beard were sexy as hell. “You’re awake.”
“I thought I was in a dream.”
Always the seducer. Shaking it off, I took tentative steps closer and when he immediately reached out, grabbing my hand, I didn’t pull it away. The tough was enigmatic, sending electric pulses into every cell. The tips of his fingers brushed over mine and I was aware I shuddered visibly. I finally managed to look him directly in the eyes. The same feeling of shame washed over me. Maybe it was nothing more than guilt for actually caring about my patient.
No, not a patient but a man.
“You’ve been here the majority of the time caring for me.” He gazed at me with the same soulful eyes of his and a slight smile, gentle and caring and not what I was used to.
“You had a high fever at first, an infection.” I felt his head even though I had hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment to tell me that his temperature was almost normal.
He shifted his head, as if longing for my caress.
And I gave it to him, dancing my fingers across his skin.
“I’m fine.” He surveyed the room, his gaze settling on the nightstand. “My gun and phone?”
“You’re very weak, Gio.”
“Are they here?” he insisted.
Nodding, I opened the drawer slowly. “I turned your phone off so you wouldn’t be disturbed.” My answer pissed him the hell off, but he exhaled instead of saying anything.
