Page 34

Donovan

Frowning at the computer screen in front of me, I click on the slide I’m currently editing for my presentation in New York next week. Something isn’t quite right, but my assistant is currently down with the flu, leaving me to fend for myself with this infernal program.

I need a break. Five minutes to close my eyes and let my brain rest, and maybe then I’ll be able to focus.

Just as I lean back in my chair, there’s a tentative knock on my office door.

“Come in, Camilla.”

I don’t even have to look up to know it’s her. There are only a handful of people on the island who would dare interrupt me while I’m working, and the others who would be so bold wouldn’t knock so lightly.

“Doctor D, I need to talk to—Oh. Sorry, I didn’t realize… never mind.”

There was a confidence in her tone when she first opened the door, but now it gives way to uncertainty. Consider my curiosity piqued.

Sitting up, I pin her with a stern glare and gesture for her to step further into the office. “What do you need to talk to me about, Camilla?”

Without meeting my eyes, she shifts from foot to foot, her fingers tightening on the piece of paper in her hand.

What is she up to?

“I can come back when you’re not so… busy.”

Nervous. She sounds nervous, even more than she usually does around me. Though lately she’s been far bolder, even bordering on snippy some days. Which never ends well for her, but I can’t help but admire her backbone.

“What’s in your hand, Camilla?”

The color drains from her face as she clutches the paper even closer to her chest. “It’s… It’s my notice,” she says, her voice barely a squeak.

It isn’t often someone is able to surprise me. Especially not my sweet little nurse. But surprise me, she has, and it takes me a moment to fully process what she’s saying.

“You’re quitting? Why?”

She rolls her eyes at the question, and my palm positively itches to connect with her bottom at the disrespect.

“ Why ? Because you treat me like shit, Donovan. You’re mean and rude and I’m over it.

I came to this island because I thought it would give me the opportunity to live the life I’ve always dreamed of but it’s not worth putting up with your bullshit.

I’d rather give up on ever finding a Daddy than spend one more minute working for you . ”

The sheer venom in her tone surprises me even more than the words. “I didn’t realize you felt that way.”

“Yeah. Well, I do. So here.” She thrusts the paper at me, which is just a couple sentences declaring her intention to leave at the end of two weeks.

Mind racing, I read those sentences over and over before setting the paper aside.

“I’m sorry to see you go. I do have a conference in New York next week and my usual assistant will be unable to attend.

Come with me to the conference and once it’s over, you may return home.

I will, of course, provide you with the severance package laid out in your contract so you have enough money to get yourself set back up in the city. ”

“Oh.” Blinking twice, she frowns before slowly nodding. “Next week? But…”

“I know it’s sooner than the notice you’d planned on, but I don't see any reason to put it off. Especially since we have to travel, anyway.”

“Right.” Something that almost looks like hurt flickers in her pale gaze. “Okay. One week. I’ll, um, go finish my paperwork I guess. See you in the morning, Doctor D.”

“Good evening, Camilla.”

Turning, she marches out of my office, pulling the door shut behind her.

When she’s gone, I reach for the bottom drawer of my desk and pull out the thick company handbook I had created for my practice here on the island.

Flipping to the page I’ve kept dogeared for this exact purpose, a smile curves my lips as I read a passage I’ve read so many times I have it memorized.

Doctors and nurses will not engage in any romantic or sexual relationships. Other than the discipline agreed to in their contracts, there will be no sexual contact between any employees of this practice. Violations of this rule will be grounds for immediate termination.

I put this clause in the handbook specifically for Camilla.

From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I wanted her as my own.

But mixing work with pleasure can be messy under the best of circumstances, and when it comes to the medical field, romantic relationships have been known to be more than just messy.

This was my way of keeping myself in check around sweet, pretty Little Camilla.

But a week from now, she will no longer be my nurse. And she doesn't know it yet, but she just gave me everything I’ve been waiting for on a silver platter.

One week. Just one more week and Camilla will finally be mine .

When Camilla tries to flee the island, she quickly learns that Doctor D is an even more demanding Daddy than he is a boss. And Daddy Dreadful is willing to do whatever it takes to make her his. Get ready for book five in the Forbidden Pleasures Island series.