Page 92 of On Edge

Alone with him, my breathing quickens. “I need to find Troy.”

“Let’s not bother him, shall we?” His grip tightens, suddenly stronger than I ever gave him credit for. I remember now. He always looked so meek, but that’s a lie. He’s not. He’s stronger than I am.

“I’m just here to provide medical evidence, if necessary. In case Severin has been inappropriate with you, touched you in ways that violate the morality clause. Has he? You can tell me.”

I can’t breathe as we close in on the bathroom. Fogg is still asking if Troy has touched me. But I feel too sick to speak.

All around me are green walls meant to soothe, and cutting straps that aren’t. His reedy voice is in my ear like nails on a chalkboard. “It’s just a small adjustment to your medication, Sage. You’ll feel better after you let me do this one thing.”

Reality swims back into focus.

“…has Mr. Severin behaved appropriately, Miss Lovett? Have there been any unwanted advances? Physical contact that crosses boundaries?” He pulls me into the bathroom, eyes slittedas he takes me in, his tone becoming soft and low. “If there has, I need to confirm it.”

“Let go,” I hear myself say, sounding underwater.

Drowning.

Use the razor,Nell whispers.

“I’m simply protecting your virtue.” Doctor’s smile still in place. “If he’s taken liberties, we can document it. Your father has been very worried about you living alone in that house with a man like Severin.”

The one in your purse,Nell hisses.Do it, now!

“I said, let go.” My hand fumbles for the razor in my purse, but it’s difficult to grab it with one hand. As I draw it out, he clocks it and neatly catches my wrist, like he’s been trained to do, and steers me against the tiled wall.

The bathroom door is still open, but all Fogg has to do is reach over and close it.

“Now, now, Sage. There’s no need to get upset.” He’s studying me with those placid eyes. “It’s just a quick examination.”

“Take your damn hands off her.”

Troy’s voice cuts through the roaring in my ears.

I look up to find him coming into the corridor, his expression thunderous.

“Mr. Severin.” Dr. Fogg releases me smoothly, that professional smile still in place. “I was just checking on my patient. Miss Lovett’s well-being is of paramount importance, particularly given the delicate nature of the arrangement.”

“Oh, I understand perfectly.” Troy’s gaze cuts to me, and there’s something deadly in his eyes that looks like pain and hate all mixed up. “Sage. We’re leaving.”

“Unfortunately, Miss Lovett is having another setback. It’s obvious she needs medical atten?—”

Troy strides up and gets in Fogg’s face. “I don’t give a fuck what you think she needs. Touch her again, and they’ll need a doctor to identify what’s left of you. Now, get out of my hotel.”

Then. “Sage, with me.”

But he doesn’t look at me.

He turns and walks toward the end of the corridor, expecting me to follow as Ben would. And I do, because Dr. Fogg is still watching with those clinical, assessing eyes.

And because my body is still screamingfor me to slice him with the razor I’m holding in a death grip.

Troy swipes a keycard and pulls open a door markedPrivate. It’s an office with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the city below. In the middle is a mahogany desk and a leather sofa. The scent of expensive leather breaks the spell, and as I totter inside, I find my breath.

The door closes behind us with a terrible soft click. Then he rounds on me. “Your doctor? That man is yourdoctor?”

“Yes, after the hospital, he?—”

“You were in the hospital?”