Page 21 of When Hearts Unravel (The Orchid #6)

The next day, I find myself on a patient bed in the medical bay while I wait for the doctor to check the stitches in my hands. I look at the clock on the wall.

One forty. Twenty minutes before the good doctor picks apart my mind.

My phone vibrates again.

“Fuck,” I mutter, noticing yet another incoming text message.

When my phone buzzes nonstop like operators hammering Morse code during World War I, I know I’m in deep shit.

Better to deal with it now before they fly out and check on me. Knowing my siblings, this is definitely something they would do.

I pull up the family group chat and groan at the barrage of texts waiting for me. They decided to re-name the chat to “Rex’s Unending Intervention,” which is par for the course in their antics to single out one of us each year.

Maxwell

Before I lose it as a CEO, I’m asking as your brother to return my calls. I’m worried.

Ryland

C, the headlines aren’t flattering. Gossip Times said you could’ve stopped when the man was down? What happened? Are you okay? Let’s hope the autopsy shows the bullet killed him, not you.

Oh look, the same worry as Elias. I wonder if the mobster has talked to him already. But at least he isn’t calling me by my two full middle names, Cassius Wentworth. That’s when I know he’s pissed.

Ethan

Bullshit. Greg Masters is out to get him. Why the hell would you stop when the perp had a gun? You disarm them. Permanently. Give him no chance to fight back.

Charles

You sound like Elias.

Steven

But wasn’t the gun on the ground already? Elias sent us photos of the crime scene. It was a bloodbath. I have to say I’m impressed, Rex. Didn’t know you had it in you.

That answers my question. Damn Elias. He probably looped in my siblings, hoping they could rein me in. Make me think before I act. I’m a ticking time bomb and I bet Elias senses it.

Taylor

I’m proud. The assholes had it coming. And just to let you know, ladies love an unhinged, morally gray man.

Charles

I can attest to that. *wink* And I got the girl.

Grace

You guys! Charles had a good reason for avenging Tay. And we keep forgetting. This isn’t Rex! He’s the fun one! The cuddly teddy bear!

I grimace. God’s gift to mankind, sure, but a teddy bear? Come on!

Lana

C, I hate you for making me worry. I’m counting down the days until I get there. Because you apparently need babysitting.

I roll my eyes and text them a sign of life—a pic of me blowing a kiss, flashing my bandaged knuckles at the same time. Then I send another one of me giving them the middle finger.

Rex

Teddy bear, really? You have so many better options. The fun Anderson, the life of the party, sex god, lady whisperer, dopamine king. I mean, I can go on, but if you don’t use your creativity, you lose it.

Maxwell

He lives. So what do you have to say for yourself?

Alexis

Off to the girls’ chat. We’ll get it out of Olivia, since Rex is obviously dodging us.

My heart stutters. Olivia, my hard-ass, sweet Olivia.

Not your Olivia. She can’t be yours, Rex.

Rex

Ever heard of HIPAA?

More pings ensue and I groan, but then a new message comes through—one not from my family.

Unknown number

This is my new number. Had to ditch the old one. I know you said I shouldn’t text you because it’s dangerous.

Ava. Raya’s daughter.

Unknown number

I saw the news. Are you okay? Is it really a robbery? Or are they after you because you helped us? Are they a fucking shadow to you too?

I frown. Is something going on with them? We’ve disappeared them. They should be safe.

Rex

Are you guys okay? Do you need help?

Unknown number

We’re fine. Sorry. I’m just pissed. But we’re worried about you. Glad you’re okay.

“Sorry for the delay, my last appointment went long.” Dr. Rhys Fenton pulls up a chair next to me and I put my phone away. “Let’s take a look and see how it’s healing, shall we?”

“This really isn’t necessary,” I mutter, showing the man my hand.

He carefully unwraps the bandages and I scope him out. This man, who works closely with my Olive.

Fuck. Not your Olive!

Full head of hair, tall—but not as tall as me, of course—passable muscles. I’d give him an eight with me being an eleven on the scale of ten.

He must be popular with the ladies.

Then I remember how he was with her that day at Pyrgos. He made her smile. He nudged her shoulder, and she didn’t recoil.

He shouldn’t be touching her.

You basket case. You shouldn’t touch her.

Lava rushes through my veins and my hand jerks in his grasp.

Dr. Fenton frowns, pauses his examination, and looks up. “Everything okay? Is the pain tolerable?”

I grunt.

He chuckles and shakes his head as he affixes fresh bandages over my wounds. “Looking good. No signs of infection.”

“I could’ve told you that.” Throwing the blankets off me, I swing my legs off the bed.

I have no time for this—to be coddled over a few stitches, or to be near someone I clearly don’t like, judging by my impulse to tell him to fuck off.

As I approach the door, he says, “You know, that was brave. What you did—covering Dr. Lin with your body when the asshole shot at her.”

I freeze, my pulse kicking up a notch.

“I can’t help but wonder if there’s something going on between the two of you. Not that it’s any of my business, but everyone knows you’re her patient and the rules are strict—”

“Well, it’s a good thing it’s none of your business then, huh?” Spinning around, I face him, finding his shrewd eyes narrowed, lips pursed.

The charming doctor is gone, and in his place is a suspicious man who’s clearly jealous and is marking his territory.

She’ll never be yours.

I gnash my teeth. “Dr. Lin is my physician and a family friend. I won’t have anyone question her reputation by implying any wrongdoing.”

There can’t be any wrongdoing. Not by me or anyone else.