She must’ve blacked out instantly from the pain. She didn’t even remember being brought here. She’d come to a few hours ago and learned she’d been a step away from dying.
The door to the room opened, and Nina slowly turned her head.
Jasper walked in.
She blinked, not immediately sure whether it was really him or just a hallucination—painkillers, anesthesia, her brain playing tricks on her.
He came closer, hands in the pockets of his white coat. Calm. Controlled. Confident—as always.
But his eyes were different.
There was something too human in them.
Worry?
That couldn’t be right.
“Hi,” he said quietly.“You’re in my hospital. You’re going to be okay.”
Nina tried to speak, but only a rough rasp came out.
“Don’t strain yourself,” Jasper added,moving closer to the bed.“You had internal bleeding, but you’re stable now. We got to you in time.”
Her head remained turned toward him. Her chest felt tight, but not from pain—from confusion.
Why was he here?
Why was he looking at her like that?
“For now, only light food,” he continued, hovering over her.“If you need anything, let me know. I’ll bring it.”
She kept staring at him. She couldn’t look away. The corners of her lips almost twitched—but she stopped herself before a foolish smile could form.
Was this concern?
But why?
Guilt? Because of what he’d done to her years ago? Wouldn’t it be easier for him if she’d just disappeared? Then he could finally breathe freely.
Or…
She bit her lip, trying to swallow the lump rising in her throat.
“Why… are you…here?” she forced out at last. Her voice sounded unfamiliar, weak.
Jasper didn’t answer right away. He just looked at her,and the intensity of his gaze unnerved her.
“Isn’t it my responsibility?” he said finally.“I’m a doctor. And you’re my patient.”
“Actually,” Nina said hoarsely, uncertain,“you’re a cardiac surgeon. And if I remember correctly, I’m not in your department.”
Jasper gave a faint, crooked smile and looked away, as if caught. Then he frowned—just for a moment—and his face settled back into its usual unreadable mask.
“I just want you safe,” Jasper said quietly.“Nothing could touch you here.”
Except you, Nina thought.
Because damn it, she didn’t know what scared her more: him… or what she felt when he was near.
