I close my eyes, savoring, and when I open them again, golden eyes are locked on mine. Prax has caught me in the act. My breath hitches. This man—this creature—is so intense. Ever since the bear incident, he’s stayed shirtless, giving me an unobstructed view of his firm, sleek torso. I ache to run my fingers across it.
But that makeshift bandage of his brings me back to reality. Focus, Neela. You're a doctor. You have a patient.
“That dressing’s soaked through. Come on, you need a shower. I’ll take care of your stitches after.”
“You know I never say no to a shower. Especially if I get to share it with you,” he purrs, voice rich with suggestion.
Oh, he’s tempting. But I pretend not to hear and walk off toward the bathroom.
It's next to the first bedroom.
“You think the showers are limited to how long?” I ask.
I’ve gotten used to five-minute showers instead of three—especially with my long hair. But since this unit’s designed for three double rooms, maybe it allows for eighteen minutes total?
“We’ll find out soon enough. But I say we go in together. Just in case the second person ends up with nothing but cold water.”
No more doubt—Prax wants to go further than the flirtations we've shared so far. And honestly? So do I. In the middle of all this chaos, this darkness, this betrayal from people I thought I knew—he’s a light. This Sadjim is raw, honest. He doesn’t hide his emotions. He doesn’t pretend he’s not a killer, but he spares me the details. As for his desire? He’s never hidden it. And right now, when my entire world is upside down, I want to give in.
“Okay,” I say simply.
He swallows, ears twitching toward me, golden eyes burning. I brace for the kiss I know is coming. But he turns away instead.
“Later,” he growls. “First we make sure we won’t be interrupted. Let’s check the comms.”
He grabs the unit’s control tablet while I activate the CCC panel in the kitchen. I find Channel 59—nothing important. I switch to Channel 23 to hear the gossip.
“...ssshch... did you hear? Esteban took that poor girl... ssshch... right under Kiran’s nose. The fool didn’t see it coming... ssshch...”
The connection is awful.
“I... ssshch... suspected something, that’s why those two lovebirds... ssshch... took off. It’s just tragic... ssshch...”
Frustrated, I cut the transmission. Seriously? They’re gossiping about my disappearance? What about the damning revelations we sent out about the Palace? I’d hoped Channel 59 would be on fire over the photos and Vassili’s crimes…
We’re getting too far for reliable CCC contact. Next stop, we’ll lose the signal entirely.
“Neela, come here,” Prax calls. “Your brother left a message in the hermit crab folder.”
My dear little sister,
Here’s some information I hope reaches you in time. Esteban is missing. Maybe he should’ve run with you two? Maybe Marjorie saw him just before Prax knocked her out? Either way, he’s vanished. I’m worried about him. I’m worried about you.
At first light, men from the Palace, led by Gorka, showed up at my place. They found Meghan and me in the living room, laughing with Sanjay. Their aggression faded fast. Meg even offered them herbal tea. Gorka asked where you were. Claimed your place was empty. I played dumb, said you were probably in town seeing patients. I mentioned you’d been called in for a wave of fainting spells and that I didn’t know more.
One of the guys searched the house.
Convinced we knew nothing, they left. Before they did, Gorka said Esteban might’ve run off with you.
To protect Meg and Sanjay, I played the fool. But I made it clear I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like him took an interest in you. Anyone with eyes would.
Speaking of which, I’m reminded of a strange human custom. After killing a fierce beast, people used to lay its skin on the floor like a trophy rug. This is for you, furball—try laying a finger on my twelve-year-old sister and that might just be your fate.
One last thing—Gorka’s group was geared for travel. They headed east after leaving my house. Someone must’ve spotted your tracks.
Tell me, did Esteban join you? I’m seriously worried.
Take care. Send news.
