Page 36 of Ice-Cold Obsession
“Who’s the girl?”
“Are they dating?”
I hate that part of me likes how he’s looking at me and how he’s taking care of me. His arms feel so damn good around me, and he’s so determined to make sure I’m okay, as if he really cares.
But I can’t forget why I’m here and what he did to Carla.
Even if he somehow managed to do it, I’ll make sure to remind him.
Chapter 21
GABRIEL
THE HEALTH CENTER STAFFpractically light up when they see me. Ella, the nurse at the front desk, waves and grins.
“Gabriel! Haven’t seen you in a while. How are you doing?”
“Good,” I say, shifting Scarlett in my arms. “But my friend here needs help.”
“Of course. Let me get you into a room.”
She leads us down the hallway and into one of the exam rooms. I set Scarlett down gently on the table, and she winces when her ankle moves.
“What happened?” Ella asks, already pulling out the supplies.
“E-scooter almost hit her,” I say. “She twisted her ankle getting out of the way.”
“Let me take a look.” Ella carefully examines Scarlett’s ankle. “Can you move it at all?”
Scarlett tries, and her face tightens with pain. “A little.”
“Looks like a mild sprain. I’ll wrap it up and get you some ice. You’ll need to stay off it for a few days.”
“Thank you,” Scarlett says quietly.
Ella nods and heads out to grab something. The room goes quiet, and I glance around. The medical supply cabinet is on the far wall, and I know from before that they keep the stronger painkillers in there. The stuff you need a prescription for.
I step closer to it, keeping my movements casual. Scarlett’s focused on her ankle, staring down at it with a frown.
I open the cabinet and scan the shelves. When I find what I’m looking for, I grab a bottle and slip it into my jacket pocket before closing the cabinet again.
Ella comes back with some bandages and an ice pack. “All right, let’s get you wrapped up.”
I watch as she wraps Scarlett’s ankle, her movements quick. Scarlett’s face relaxes a little once the pressure is applied, and Ella hands her the ice pack.
“Keep this on for twenty minutes, then take it off. Repeat that for the next few hours. And stay off your feet.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Ella smiles at her, then looks at me. “You taking good care of her?”
“Yeah. I’ll make sure she gets back to her dorm.”
“Okay then.” Ella pats my arm. “You’re a good guy, Gabriel.”
I force a smile, but guilt twists in my stomach. If she knew what I was really like, she wouldn’t say that.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out while Ella finishes up with Scarlett.