Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71616 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 358(@200wpm)___ 286(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71616 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 358(@200wpm)___ 286(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
“Fine.” I get up on tiptoe so only he can hear me. “You’re an asshole,” I tell him then turn and walk behind the divider. I hear them talk on the other side and take off my clothes, suddenly unsure what I’m supposed to do with that stupid chain. I can’t hide it, not if I’m freaking naked. I slip on the robe that’s hanging on a hook, confirm the flash drive and roll of money are secure in the pocket of my dress and step around to find the nurse waiting.
Zeke is having a conversation with the doctor. When he glances my way, I give him a hateful look.
“I’ll hold onto your robe,” the nurse says. I slip it off and hand it to her, not meeting her eyes. “Climb on up.”
I do. I’ve never had an exam like this before. I just keep my eyes on the ceiling as the nurse moves my feet onto the stirrups and try not to think about the fact that I’m spread wide open. Wholly exposed. At least no one comments on the chain.
The doctor turns toward me, rolling a low stool ahead of himself. I don’t want to look at Zeke but when I turn my head, I see how stiffly he’s standing, his hands fists at his sides.
“We’ll just get started with an exam,” the doctor starts as my gaze moves to Zeke’s face. His eyes meet mine just as a tear slips out of the inside corner of one eye. It slides over the bridge of my nose before it drops off.
I hate him. I hate Ezekiel St. James. I just hope he knows that.
“Let the nurse take the sample,” he says suddenly.
The doctor, who is just about to take a seat on the stool between my legs, stops. “Excuse me?” he asks, turning to Zeke.
Curious, I watch Zeke who is no longer looking at me.
“Let the nurse take the sample. I have a few questions for you,” he says.
“I can take all your questions once I’ve performed the exam—”
“I said let her do it.”
Dr. Shore is clearly surprised, but he bites back whatever comment he was about to make and nods.
I’m as surprised. This lesson in humiliation, has he abandoned it?
Zeke crosses the room and opens the door. “Let’s talk outside.”
“Of course,” the doctor says and a moment later they’re both gone.
“Well, that is unusual,” the nurse says before taking the doctor’s place.
“What do you mean?”
“The Society men, well, they’re a different breed. Often there are witnesses… well, I shouldn’t gossip. I’m sure Dr. Shore won’t like that. Now, let’s get this done and you can relax.”
“I have my period. It’s light, but…” I trail off.
“That’s no problem.”
I turn to the door and although the exam is uncomfortable, it’s not terrible and it’s over quickly. Once she’s finished with the exam, she administers a birth control shot which I don’t argue against. I don’t want to get pregnant any more than Zeke wants. After that, it’s over and I move behind the screen to get dressed emerging just as the office door opens. I meet Zeke’s gaze. His brow is furrowed, and I wonder if he’s as confused as I am about what he just did.
“Let’s go,” he says once the nurse explains that they’ll call him with the results.
I don’t thank anyone. I slip past Zeke and hurry through the house and outside. I don’t need to look over my shoulder to know he’s right there. Using the key fob, he unlocks the door just as I reach it and I quickly step into the passenger side. His phone rings and he pauses before entering the driver’s side. I watch him and wish I could hear what he was saying because the way he’s looking at me, I know it’s about me.
He finally nods and ends the call, tucking the phone into his pocket before climbing into the SUV. He starts the engine and sets it into Drive.
“Why did you do that?” I finally ask once we’re on the road.
“Do what?”
“Have the nurse examine me.”
He doesn’t even glance at me. “I had questions for the doctor.”
“I don’t believe you.”
He snorts, this time he looks at me. “What’s your theory then?”
“You saw I was uncomfortable.”
“And I took pity on you?”
I shrug a shoulder, suddenly feeling stupid for having brought it up.
He chuckles. I notice his gaze keeps moving to the rear-view mirror. It makes me anxious but when I look back, nothing stands out.
“Where are we going?” I ask when I notice that instead of going back to the house, he drives toward the French Quarter.
“Dinner,” he says, checking his rear-view mirror yet again before turning off the main road.
“You’re taking me out to dinner?”
He glances at me. “It’s not a date, don’t worry.” He takes another turn.
I shrug a shoulder and sit back. That’s fine. If he wants to feed me, he can go ahead. I can always eat.