MasukI pressed my lips together, forcing a smile and hoping my nerves didn’t come through.“Understood,” I said.Without another word, he turned and walked in the opposite direction. With a tightening chest, I walked towards where Gemma was with a few other girls. They were giggling at something she was
Joanne’s POVToday was technically my first day at the clinic. Yesterday, after I saved that patient, I was shown the ropes before I was sent on my way. Today, they told me I'd be doing some actual work, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited.I was finally going to feel useful again, like I di
He lowered himself so his lips were only inches from mine. I knew I should have pulled away, told him to go to hell, and that I won’t be his mistress. But I couldn’t bring myself to do that; his scent was alluring, and the way he looked at me made my heart skip a beat.My emotions were all over the
Joanne’s POVI stepped away from him as if he had burned me, and I started to back into my room. He followed me inside and shut the door.“Who were you talking to?” I wanted to ask him why it mattered. But my lips wouldn’t form the words.“I thought Talia left something behind…” I tell him. “What
“I don’t know,” she finally said. “I think there is more to it.”When I didn’t say anything more, she let out a breath.“He cares for you, Lady Joanne. He sought me out himself and asked me to bring you a meal. Lady Vivien was not in sight. I know it might be hard to believe, but you are worth the l
Joanne’s POVMy chest ached; I ran back to my chambers as fast as I could, my heart feeling as though it was going to explode. I didn’t want Alexander and Vivien to see me cry; thankfully, the tears didn’t come until I was a great distance away.I opened the door and stepped inside, letting a sob es
Joanne’s POVAlexander had calmed down, but he didn’t stay too far away. He stayed with James and some of the other soldiers, watching me work. I was wildly aware of his eyes on me the entire time, making sure nobody else gave me any issues.The clinic was growing crowded again as soldiers brought i
Joanne’s POVEverything happened so fast after Mort slapped me across the face. I felt the sting before I realized what had even happened. I’m not sure when he got there, but suddenly James was standing in front of me, his weapon drawn and anger rolling off him in waves.“That stupid bitch,” Mort hi
The dim light of the medical clinic came into view, and I let out a breath. Though the relief didn’t last long because I remembered Joanne wasn’t there; she was back in the cottage where I left her. There was nobody at this clinic to help this man, other than me.My chest tightened; I was going to h
Alexander’s POVThe smoke from the burned houses clung to everything—clothes, hair, skin, breath. No matter how many villages I’d walked into after an attack, the smell always hit the same. It was heavy, sour, and final.But this one was different.There were more bodies. More injured. More people a







