LOGIN"Connor, what are you doing!" I gasped as I pulled away, struggling to regain my breath, not just from his kisses, but from the shock of having about half a tub of water splashed up and over my head. What remained of the original bath was mostly gone, leaving just enough water to cover us to the waist."Getting comfortable," he smiled against my lips as he leaned in for another kiss. "Here, let me help you," Connor grinned as he reached around me, releasing the clasp of my now drenched bra. Crossing my chest, I held the bra against me. “I thought we agreed to keep our distance.” “Correction,” he kissed a trail down neck until his teeth found one of my shoulder straps. “You wanted us to be professional in public. This isn't public.”Giving my shoulder a gentle nip, he clasped the strap between his teeth, moving it down my arm until it landed limp and useless in the water. “Connor!” “Ariana,” he hummed, his tone curling around the perfect low A that set our connection tingling as h
The handsome man in my bathtub ignored my words. He was, after all, Connor Davies. He didn't listen to anyone if it didn't suit his desires. And right now, it seemed all he wanted was to take a relaxing bath–in my bathtub. Seeing him comfortably waiting for me, I couldn't help but feel a thread of irritation. I just got evicted from his company because one of his people thought he was playing favorites with me due to an "inappropriate" relationship between CEO and a company sponsored researcher under trial. If the Board of Directors were to catch a glimpse of this scene, there would be no denying the claims. Didn't he realize how serious this was?!"Connor," I tried again. "You shouldn't be here. People might get the wrong idea." Only the arch of his eyebrow gave any indication that he'd heard me as he reached into the tub to grasp a sponge. Filling it with soapy water, he began to wash his arms......and all the air left my lungs. As he leaned forward again, water carried a th
"Served?" I repeated, taking the offered summons. "By whom?"The man who served me said nothing as I carefully opened the envelope. It was a lawsuit. According to the paperwork, a family member of one of my patients was suing me for malpractice, claiming that my treatment had caused "irrevocable harm” that would require “several years” of “real” therapy.The following pages detailed the specifics of the charges, along with dates and treatments, but nothing about the patient other than age and gender. For their protection due to "fear of retribution," neither the claimant nor the patient are named. Apparently, I would meet my accusers on the day of the trial. Considering how many people I’ve helped since coming to HMG, it could be one of dozens. Brilliant. Awesome. Just what I needed–another big fat “fuck you” from the universe. I mean, why not have something else go wrong on what has been the absolute worst week of my life. No wonder Dr. Stern seemed so confident about dismissing m
Disowned. The word clattered in my mind, a dropped piece of fine china that shattered my heart into a thousand pieces. But I couldn't let this break me. This can't be real. She didn't hate me that much.Right?Taking the paperwork from Dr.Stern's proud hand, I gave the disownment a cursory glance. I didn’t have the mindspace to read the details, but there was no denying the signature: Charlotte Eleanor McKenna, written in her dramatic swirling hand. According to the date stamped next to her name, the document was signed and notarized at 7:34 am EST on the day my father died.As my father's wife, disowning me also removed my rights from whatever part of the McKenna Estate she had inherited, leaving everything to their one remaining daughter--Madeline Jane McKenna. "She was under duress when she signed this," I argued, pointing at the date. "It won't stand in court."And even if this document was valid, I needed to speak to my mother immediately. She probably doesn't even remember si
“Gerald,” I hissed, my nervous heart thumping as I continued to look around. “Where are you?”“I’m at Haven Labs," he explained in perfect clarity, as if he were standing next to me and not across campus. He was speaking through ASP, I realized, through the earrings. Even though Connor had spoken to me earlier in the same way, I still wasn’t used to this sophisticated technology. “How quickly can you get here?” Looking around to make sure nobody was watching, I responded. “I’ll be there in 10.” The last thing I needed was for anyone to think I was crazy, talking to myself. Although after my encounter with my mother, nobody would blame me for a small mental breakdown. Not wanting to face my mother’s disappointment again, I continued on my way, taking the long way around so I wouldn’t have to pass her room again. Checking out of the building, I inhaled the crisp early morning air and sighed as I tried to let go of the memory of my mother’s twisted expression and the harsh edge to her
Her head had flopped weakly to one side, her clear gaze, as bright as a cloudless summer sky, struggled to focus as she swam through the fog of medication keeping her calm. "Ari?" she rasped so quietly, I almost didn't hear as I approached her bed with timid footsteps. “Yes, Mom, it’s me.” I confirmed, a hopeful smile on my face even as my heart fluttered nervously in my chest. We were arguing loudly when she fell into her coma. And yet, when she looked at me, I didn’t see hate or resentment. Could being in a coma change her heart?Blinking, her eyes moved from one edge of the room to the other, taking in her environment. The last place she likely remembers is the lobby of the 5-star resort where my father’s funeral reception had been held.Unbeknownst to my mother, my father’s funeral and reception had been paid for by Misha, a way for my new husband to show good will–a gesture meant to allow my family to save face. Nobody in New York society had been fooled--except for my mother
The last time I stood at the main entrance to Manhattan General Hospital, it had been for my internship four years ago. That year, working by Dr. Winchester's side, was pivotal in shaping my future--without it, I wouldn't have been able to finish my degree or start my life over once my marriage fell
“I don’t care,” I snorted, my shoulders shaking with quiet laughter as I pulled out my key. “What Dr. Clark does with his time, and his lips, is none of my business.” Just like what I do with my life is none of his. And yet the insufferable man won’t stop pestering me. What was that earlier with hi
As I marched towards the train station, my mind wouldn’t let the situation slide. Someone was interfering with my life. But who?Angry and frustrated, I called Allison. “Please tell me this wasn’t you?” I demanded with a touch of self-righteous anger. “I can’t believe you’d do something like this wi
That evening, Misha came home looking unusually cheerful.Putting on a brave face, I smiled, waiting to see what had him in such a good mood.“Sweetheart,” Misha took my hands in his “This weekend is our anniversary. We should take a trip to celebrate,” he paused, as if thinking and suggested. “Ho







