“Nothing so far. To tell the truth, doctor, we can’t find a single thing anywhere that links them. We were happy when Prince Kian reached out because we are so used to looking for scientific reasons for things we hadn’t considered a magical malady to be the cause,” the doctor said, flashing Apollo a smile that had Lachlan’s hand clenching again.
“Can I see?” Lachlan asked. He angled his body slightly over Apollo’s to look over his shoulder at the machines. He had no idea what he was looking at with the reports of data and didn’t care. Apollo’s breath did a funny hitch, and Lachlan smiled wider. “Fascinating, don’t you think,DoctorGreatdrakes?”
Apollo elbowed him in the side. “Oops. Sorry. I didn’t realize how close you were, Assistant.”
“Apologies. I was just so curious to look through these reports with you. It’s strange that none of you thought about magic being a cause,” Lachlan said, turning toward the doctor.
“It’s beyond our understanding. It’s why people like Doctor Greatdrakes are so important. They will be the bridge between science and magic that we all need in this new reality,” the researcher said, fiddling nervously with his glasses. “It really is an honor to meet you, sir.”
Lachlan had forgotten his name—B something—and it was probably for the best. He didn’t like the way he looked at Apollo like he was some kind of project he would love to take on.
“That’s so kind of you to say. It’s rare for me to get out of my own lab and work in a hospital. I’d love to see your pathology labs as well while I’m here,” Apollo said, fixing the other man with a beaming smile. Yeah, Lachlan was definitely going to need to hit something soon.
“I’m sure I can arrange it! Just give me one moment, and I’ll call them,” the researcher said and hurried away to a phone on the wall.
Apollo pretended to look at the reports. He whispered, “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
“I don’t like him flirting with you,” Lachlan stated. No point in pretending otherwise.
“He wasn’t flirting! He’s being nice,” Apollo said and shot him a glare. “You’re the one invading my space and rubbing your junk on me.”
“Trust me, golden boy, when I decide to rub my junk against you, you’re going to know about it.”
Apollo’s mouth popped open. “Areyouflirting with me right now? Seriously? We are in a hospital, Lachlan.”
“So? You don’t think your Doctor Apollo is working for me? Because I think I need to send some thank you flowers to yourtailor for getting your measurements so right,” Lachlan replied, looking him over.
Apollo’s ears went pink. “That’s…sexual harassment.”
“So is your ass in those pants. I’m feeling very harassed right now. Borderline attacked. And the researcher guy is absolutely flirting with you. He looks like he wants to send your tailor flowers too.”
“Will you shut up? He’s coming back,” Apollo hissed before his professional doctor mask slid into place. “What did they say in pathology, Doctor Bligh? Or can I call you Keith?”
“You can call me Keith. Of course you can. And yes, the path guys would love to meet you too,” the researcher stammered.
Apollo beamed. “How wonderful.”
“So wonderful,” Lachlan echoed, earning him a pleased smile fromKeithand a warning glare from Apollo. He would take that animosity. He loved Apollo’s fire. Anything was better than being avoided and ignored.
Lachlan followed them through the dull hospital halls and entertained himself by cataloging Apollo’s expressions and how his neck was still a little red.
He was so pretty, he didn’t seem real. It had to be a dragon thing to be that good-looking. Lachlan had never seen photos of Apollo’s mother, Lisa, but his brothers said that Apollo looked the most like her. She must have been an absolute knockout.
Apollo didn’t stop chatting to Keith the whole time, and Lachlan knew he was doing it to piss him off. Lachlan hated that it was working.
Apollo’s charming side went into overdrive as he toured the pathology labs, looking through microscopes and nodding enthusiastically at whatever the swooning pathologists were saying. Lachlan was a silent, brooding menace that stopped anyone from getting too close with a warning look.
Finally, Apollo announced that they should go back to the ward to see how the others were getting on.
“I can take you back up if you like?” Keith said with a hopeful smile.
“No need, Doctor Bligh. I know how to work an elevator, and I need to confer with Doctor Greatdrakes about some things. Top secret stuff for the Prince. Thanks for the tour,” Lachlan replied before Apollo could say anything.
“Oh, yes, of course. Well, we might bump into each other again. You’re always welcome, Apollo,” Keith said, clearing his throat awkwardly.
“Thank you. That’s very kind.” Apollo smiled and said his farewells. Lachlan had his hand on the empty elevator door, holding it open for him. It wasn’t polite to hold it up, but he didn’t care.
Apollo hesitated to get in it, but when he realized the pathologists were all watching, he straightened his shoulders and walked in. He moved to the far side and crossed his arms. Lachlan got in, gave Keith a cheery fuck you wave, and let the doors slide shut.
