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"I’m not in a good mood."
"What else is new?" he mocks, but then his tone turns serious. "Wait, you just left Brooklyn’s room. Is she okay?"
"Yes. She’s recovering very well."
"Then what’s the problem?"
"Not here. Let’s go to my office."
Once we’re inside, I lock the door and sit in my chair. "Do you remember the conversation we had about a wife of convenience at New Year’s?"
"Of course."
"I’ve decided to make her a candidate."
"I already knew that. I’ve known you too long not to notice that your interest in her goes beyond that of a doctor and patient. So?"
"I can’t do this—try to seduce her—while she’s not fully recovered. I also have to discharge her first. I’ve never been involved with a patient."
"Jesus, you’re so methodical."
"It’s not about being methodical. I want her on equal footing. When I seduce her—and I have no doubt that I will—she needs to be strong enough to try to resist."
He smiles. "And you want her to resist?"
I shrug. "I said ‘try.’ In the end, it won’t make a difference. I’ll have her. But that’s not the point. The point is that she’s not ready yet. She feels vulnerable because of everything she’s been through, and I don’t want her gratitude."
"And since when do you consider a woman’s feelings before your own?"
"First, I don’t have feelings to put ahead of anyone else’s. So it’s not about that."
"Then what is it about?"
"She’s fragile. I’ve never taken advantage of a woman in my life. It’s not going to happen now. Brooklyn will come to me of her own free will."
"What? So you’re just going to sit and wait?"
"I didn’t say that. The game has already started. I’ll just make sure she has enough cards in her hand too."
Brooklyn
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The Next Day
"Did he really say that?In those exact words?" Madison asks.
I nod in agreement.
"And how did that make you feel?"
"How do you think? My knees are still weak. Have you even looked at that man?"
"No. I don't admire any man other than my Greek."
I roll my eyes. "All that sweetness is going to give me diabetes, sister," I mock.
She laughs. "Seriously though, I already knew," she says.