All Chapters of Cruel Love Back in His Hands : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Kristine's phone buzzed for the third time that morning.Nathan: "What time is your lunch break today?"She sighed and typed back. "Noon. Why?""Just wondering. Want me to grab you something?""I'm good. Thanks though.""You sure? I'm going to that Thai place you like.""Nathan, I already have lunch plans."Three dots appeared. Then disappeared. Then appeared again."With who?"Kristine frowned. Since when did Nathan need to know who she was having lunch with?"Just Lucy. Girl talk stuff.""Oh. Okay. Have fun."She put her phone down and Lucy rolled her chair over."Was that Nathan again?""How did you know?""Because he's texted you like five times already this morning. I can hear your phone buzzing from here.""He's just being nice. Asking about lunch.""That's the third time this week he's asked about your lunch plans.""So? He's just being a good brother."Lucy gave her a look. "Kristine. That's not normal brother behavior.""What do you mean?""I mean my brother doesn't text me f

Kristine was halfway through reviewing a design mockup when an email popped up in her inbox.Subject: FWD: Found this in the old archives - thought you should see itShe clicked it open. The email was forwarded from an old hospital server. Dated five years ago. From Claire Townsend's account."Re: Dr. Mitchell's Relationships with Staff"Kristine's stomach dropped.She started reading."Just wanted to document for HR purposes that Dr. George Mitchell has been involved romantically with multiple colleagues over the past 18 months. Dr. Sarah Blake from cardiology (lasted 3 months), Nurse Jennifer Wells from the ER (on and off for 6 months), and most recently has been seen having intimate dinners with Dr. Rachel Foster from pediatrics. While none of these relationships violate policy directly, I feel it's important to note the pattern for professional conduct reviews. His tendency to pursue workplace relationships may impact team dynamics. - Dr. Claire Townsend, OB/GYN Resident"Kristine

Kristine showed up at Nathan's office first thing Monday morning. She didn't knock. Just walked in and closed the door behind her.Nathan looked up from his computer. "Kristine. I was hoping we could—""You need to back off.""Excuse me?""You heard me. Back off. Stop interfering in my relationship. Stop sending fake emails. Stop trying to manipulate me."Nathan stood up. "I wasn't trying to manipulate you. I was trying to protect you.""I don't need protection!""Yes you do! You're making a huge mistake with George and someone has to—""Someone has to what? Control my life? Make my decisions for me?""That's not what I'm doing!""Isn't it? You sabotaged my relationship with fake evidence!""I was showing you who he really is!""No! You were showing me who YOU really are! And I don't like what I see!"Nathan's face flushed. "After everything I've done for you, you choose him?"The intensity in his voice made Kristine step back. "What?"Nathan caught himself. His expression smoothed ou

Nathan's phone rang while he was sitting in his hotel room in Portland. Unknown number. He almost didn't answer."Hello?""Nathan? Hi, this is Dr. Claire Townsend. We met at the family dinner a few weeks ago?"Nathan sat up straighter. "Dr. Townsend. Yes, I remember. We exchange number I remember""George mentioned it in passing at the hospital. I hope you don't mind me calling.""Not at all. What can I do for you?""I heard you went on a business trip. How's it going?""Fine. Why?"Claire laughed lightly. "Oh, George tells me everything that happens at work. You know how close we are. He mentioned you left suddenly."Nathan's jaw clenched. "George talks to you about Kristine's workplace?""We're very close. Have been for years. He tells me everything.""I see.""Actually, that's why I'm calling. I wanted to ask you something. The public displays of affection at work. Between George and Kristine. Doesn't that affect your company's image?""What do you mean?""I mean, is that what Cald

George set Kristine down gently beside his bed.The room was dark except for moonlight cutting silver lines across the floor. He reached for the lamp but her hand caught his wrist before he could touch it."Leave it off.""I want to see you.""George—""Please." His voice dropped. "Let me see you."She let go of his wrist.Soft light filled the room when he clicked the lamp on. Kristine stood there in her blue dress, hair messed up from his hands, lips swollen from everything that happened in the living room. He looked at her like she was the answer to a question he'd been asking for five years."Beautiful," he breathed."I'm nervous.""Good nervous or bad nervous?"She laughed despite herself. "Just nervous nervous.""Me too.""You're a doctor, George. You literally—""It's different when it's you." He stepped closer, hands coming up to cup her face. "Everything is different when it's you."Kristine's heart did something embarrassing in her chest.His hands moved to the zipper at the