Which I don’t right now. And neither do you.”
“I don’t deserve you, Owen. I really, really don’t.”
He chuckles and my heart twists again. I want to hug him, no matter how bad he smells.
“Don’t let that prince guy treat you like shit, Elle. He seemed decent, but I guess you never know.”
I frown. “No, I suppose you don’t.”
“And Elle…”
“Yeah?”
“You do deserve good things.” He pauses. “I’m glad you’re my sister. And don’t be a stranger, you know? You should come back as soon as you can. The new doctor’s a total douche. I tried to get him to look at my shoulder and he told me to go fuck myself. He actually said that. Can you believe it?”
“Yeah, unfortunately, I can. But I probably would have told you the same thing.”
“I know, but you would have said it after you gave me some antibiotics.”
I laugh. “I’ll talk to you soon, Owen.” The conversation we’ve had hasn’t helped me much in deciding what to do about the press camped outside my house, but maybe it was enough. Maybe I am worried about nothing. And perhaps the time I’ll have alone with Leo while we’re forced to stay here together will help me get past some of the other shit I still have to deal with.
As long as I can protect my heart, I should be fine. But that’s the problem—I think it might already be too late for that.
Owen and I hang up as I hear the bathroom door open.
Another stupid thrill of electricity runs through me when I see Leo walk out stark naked, his desire for me unmistakable.
He smiles, lifting a suggestive brow. “I believe your ten minutes are up, Doctor.”
Leo
I grin at her , eager to begin our next round of pleasure. “I didn’t expect you to keep me waiting so long.”
“I’m sorry,” she says, glancing back at the window. “I was just…distracted.”
I frown. I thought I’d allayed most of her fears about the media.
“Elle,” I say gently, walking toward her. “We’re safe in here. We just have to wait for them to get bored out there.” I give her my most reassuring smile, but inside, I’m not sure that even I believe my own words. Sure, I have strategies for dealing with the press—but normally, I only have myself to consider. The world already knows who I am, and aside from that night in Prague with Andrew, they already know most of my secrets.
And while my family’s wealth and influence can occasionally be used to persuade the American news media, I doubt that is a viable option on this particular occasion—not without the support of my father and older brother. In truth, I am as worried about the reporters as she seems to be, but I was hoping my cheery reassurance would put her at ease.
That’s why you’re here, remember. To support her. To be here by her side when—if—any news about her breaks.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I tell her.
“Leo…”
I can tell by the slightly exasperated look she gives me that she still doesn’t fully believe me.
“I’ll be here by your side through everything.” I’m standing in front of her now, and I reach out and hook a finger beneath her chin, tilting her face up. I don’t know how many times I have to say it before she’ll let herself believe me.
Her eyes are guarded. “Leo…I get it. You don’t want me to deal with them alone. And I’m even willing to admit that you and I might find some enjoyable ways to entertain ourselves while they’re out there. But don’t keep lying to me by pretending that you’re not going to leave me after all this is all over.”
I frown. “I’ve already said—”
“You’ve also already dumped me—or have you forgotten that part?
I sigh. “I’ve already explained why I left, Elle. And why I returned.”
“And if those reporters weren’t out there, you’d still be gone. That’s exactly my point.” She shakes her head. “I’m not trying to start another argument. I just want you to stop lying to me.” She reaches forward, and her
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