Page 129 of Bleed with Me

“Bloody hell!” I cursed, running a hand through my tousled hair.

“This is serious.” Melody’s voice came to me from the threshold. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, looking much better than a few hours ago when she saw me with Carlile. “Next time, close the door when you’re in a killing mood.”

“Don’t start,” I groaned, kicking the chair because it stood in my way.

“Oh, I’m definitely starting.” She slammed the door shut and plopped on my couch, pushing the stacks of books aside. “First, the guy in room 6, now this. Who the hell got your scrubs in a twist?”

“Melody, I’m serious,” I hissed, glaring at what remained of my phone.

“So is the drywall.” She lifted a shoulder, sniffing an empty mug. “Are you sure you don’t want to share?”

“There is nothing to share,” I ground out, closing my bag.

“Really?” Melody leaned into her seat. “I’ve seen you pronounce people dead with less emotion.” She cast me a pointed look. “It’s definitely something.”

“Why do you even care?” I snapped, turning my back on her. “Haven’t you seen enough today? Pack your things and go.”

“No, something is happening in your life. I need updates.”

“No.” I shook my head resolutely.

“Fine, let’s play a game.” She sat at the edge of the couch. “I’ll guess a category.”

“Melodyyyyyyy,” I whined, throwing my head back. I truly didn’t need that.

“Is it work?” she asked, tossing a notebook at me.

“No.”

“Family?”

“No! Stop.”

“Wait a second.” She squinted at me. “It’s a woman!”

Fucking great.

I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my annoyance. She gasped dramatically, pointing at me.

“There is a woman!” she yelled, jumping off the couch as if she’d just discovered a new species. “You’ve been single for years.”

“I’m not discussing this with you.” I turned my back on her and closed my briefcase, ready to disappear into an empty house.

“Is she pretty?” Melody asked, following me to the elevator. I glared at her, my jaw tight, and her eyes widened.

“Oh my God, she’s gorgeous,” she claimed with unshakable confidence.

“Melody,” I said, a clear warning lacing that single word, but she ignored me.

“Does she know you launched a phone into the wall because of her?” She crossed her arms over her chest, blocking the way into the elevator.

“I did not launch a phone into the wall because of her,” I growled, pushing her aside. She wavered, but quickly regained balance and stomped behind me.

“Right. It committed suicide.” She slapped the emergency stop button. The elevator jolted and came to a halt between floors.

“Seriously?” I threw my arms in the air helplessly, knowing I would have to toss her on the other side if I wanted to reach that fucking button.

“Explain!” she ordered, standing in front of the panel like a shield.