stless fingers. The storm outside mirrored the unease gnawing at Isabella's ches

thing in a world full of enemies. It was the certainty in his

, nothing more. But her thoughts betrayed her, circling back to the moment his

nurse's station jolte

it wasn't just their appearance. It was the way they moved:

n. This is my partner, Detective Ruiz. We n

llway. A few nurses exchanged nervous glan

the police would come. Men like Lucian

ls," she said evenly. "

not asking for medical charts, Doctor.

sitated too long, and A

ow what he's done. Men like him don't get mira

she could answer, a low voic

ecti

d side, the other gripping the frame for balance. He looked pale, but his pre

s smooth, dangerous. "I don't answer t

t. People don't just survive that without help

ant, before returning to the detectives. The messag

s voice dripping with disdain. "Runnin

Alvarez's hand brushed the edge

anding here is because some doctor decided t

low, chilling smile. "No. B

e. "He needs rest," she said firmly. "If you care about

Alvarez gave her a hard look, one th

the detectives left, their f

focating. Isabella turned to Lucian,

ut of bed," she snapped. "

, his expression unread

y patient," s

defended me. And now, whether you want to ad

conviction, as though the bond between t

ed, though her voice trembled.

diating danger and promise. Despite his inj

moment you saved me, you crossed t

away. But deep down, in the hollow of her chest where fear ta

ad alread

were only beginn