Page 14 of Break Me

“That’s not going to happen. I’m fine.” She was already pulling at her oxygen cord, trying to swing her legs off the bed. She was as hardheaded as I was.

“You probably should allow her to go, Doctor. She’s a feisty one and won’t take no for an answer.” My words inflamed the moment. She snapped her head in my direction, fire coming from her eyes. My God, the woman could pin me to the ground with her hard glare.

And I loved it.

Almost no women challenged me. For her to do so was far more tempting that it should be. Yet my cock was doing all the thinking, vivid and very filthy images floating through my mind.

The doctor sighed, grabbing the iPad from the small table and fervently punching his fingers on the screen. “Fine. But you do so with your own recognizance.” He eyed me carefully as he headed out, avoiding getting too close.

She sighed and immediately looked away and I could tell she was grumbling under her breath.

I stood where I was, able to tell I was getting under her skin. Just like she’d done with mine.

“I thought I’d take a minute to say thank you for saving my life.”

“No thanks needed.” She managed to stand and as soon as she did, she swayed, which caused me to react instantly. I moved forward, taking her into my arms. The moment I did, the same electric connection bolted through us both.

There was no doubt she felt the same strong current by the look of surprise on her face. I pulled her even closer until my body was firmly pressed against hers.

Her entire body stiffened and she placed her hands on my chest, pushing to try to break free. My instinct was to tell her that she wasn’t going anywhere, but that wouldn’t go over very well.

Still, I refused to back away until she shoved her hands against me.

“I’m fine,” she retorted.

“Are you sure? You’re a little unsteady on your feet.”

“Just a little lightheaded.”

I backed away, but only by a few inches. Of course I was amused and she sensed it, raking her hand through the few strands of loose hair, displaying irritation and a hint of nervousness. Ah. She was anxious around me.

She definitely felt the same intense connection I was feeling.

“I’m sorry about your house. We did our best.” Her voice was still edged with agitation, but she was softening to me. Slightly.

“It’s just a house full of things that can be replaced. You gave me a second chance at life.”

For my honesty, I was given a slight smile. “Well, your thank you is accepted. Now, try and remember the next time you see a fire hydrant that you could be endangering someone else’s life.”

There was the lecture, just as I’d expected. Ordinarily, I’d be furious someone dared to continue crucifying me when I already felt bad enough. But with her, I almost relished the criticism.

The moment became awkward and I don’t know why, but I also had the strong need to thank her more appropriately. “Have dinner with me.”

She looked at me as if I’d just grown two heads, laughing softly almost instantly. “I don’t think so.” She tried to sidestep me, but I refused to allow her. Even with the stench of smoke andgasoline, I also gathered a sweet scent of strawberries. Maybe her shower gel. The fragrance suited her.

“Why is that? Can’t a man whose life was saved offer thanks by way of a good meal?”

Her laugh was more forced. “Because I have a strong feeling that strings are attached.”

I pressed my hand against my chest, acting shocked. “Me? You don’t know me very well.”

“I don’t know you at all.”

“Why don’t we change that. Alexsey Dmitriyev.”

The way she eyed me curiously meant she’d recognized the family name. “Ah, yes. I thought I caught a hint of a Russian accent.”

“I’m not certain if that’s good or bad.”