Trusting Thorn (Miami Saints MC #5)

Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

Oakland

“Hey, Oakland, can you restock the supply closet on your way to lunch?” I glance over at Dr. Reynolds and frown.

I don’t know why he’s always asking me to check the stock when we have two Certified Nurses Assistants on the floor today.

Harley looks from him to me and rolls her eyes.

Yeah, I feel the same way, but it’s pointless to argue.

Forcing a smile, I keep my voice steady. “Sure.”

As I make my way to the supply closet, I can't shake the uneasy feeling that's been following me around all morning.

Dr. Reynolds has been unusually attentive today, over and over again he’s found reasons to be wherever I am and it's really starting to get to me.

I'm so lost in my thoughts as I unlock the supply closet that I don't hear the approaching footsteps behind me until it's too late.

In a flash, I’m shoved forward, and the supply closet door closes with a quiet click.

“What the heck,” I stumble, barely catching myself before I slam into the metal shelving.

When I turn around, I realize the huge mistake I’ve made.

There, with his back against the door, is Dr. Reynolds.

"What are you doing?" I ask, my voice catching.

He comes closer, his eyes roaming over my body, which makes my skin crawl. “I think you know, Oakland. I’m not a patient man and I’ve allowed you to play this game of chase for far too long.”

“Game of chase?” I whisper, stepping back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don't play coy with me. This thing between us, it’s inevitable. Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you look at me.”

I take another step back, trying to put more distance between us because he’s clearly lost his freaking mind. “I don't know what you're talking about. This is very inappropriate, Dr. Reynolds. Please step aside and let me out.”

He ignores my plea as he moves even closer. “You're so beautiful, Oakland. I’ll make you happy.”

My heart picks up speed, the pounding so loud that I can hear it in my ears. “Dr. Reynolds, this is harassment. I'm asking you nicely to please step aside,” I try again.

His hand reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from my face and I flinch away. I need to get out of here.

“You don’t mean that, my love. I can give you everything you want.”

“I have a boyfriend,” I rush out, my body beginning to tremble.

“That… That biker?” he scoffs, “He could never give you the life I can give you.”

A surge of anger whips through me, momentarily overriding my fear and I hiss, “You don't know anything about Thorn or our relationship. Now, let me out of here before I scream, you… you creep!”

Something dark flashes in his eyes, and for a moment, I'm genuinely afraid of what he might do next.

Somehow, by the grace of the Gods, Dr. Reynolds reels himself in and he steps away from me, but not before I see the cold smile that breaks out across his face.

I shiver.

“Of course, Oakland. I apologize if I've made you uncomfortable. We'll continue this discussion later,” he says, opening the door and stepping aside.

That’s not going to happen.

Not wasting another second, I bolt from the closet and go straight to the nurses’ lounge where I promptly lock the door, then sink to the floor on my bottom.

“What the hell just happened?” I whisper to myself as shakily pull out my phone and scroll to Thorn’s number.

Without a second thought to how he’ll react, I hit call.

“Hey, baby. Everything okay?” he asks, picking up on the second ring.

I can’t explain it, but the sound of his voice is my undoing. “Th-Th-Thorn,” I sob, “I nuh-need y-you to come ge-get me.” Finally getting the words out, I continue to cry.

A deep rumble echoes through the line before Thorn’s growls, “What happened? Did that fucker do something?”

I close my eyes, leaning my head against the door and after a few long moments, I compose myself enough to answer him. “He cornered me in the supply closet.”

I pull in a deep breath as another wave of hysterical crying jag threatens to erupt. Blowing it out slowly, I tell my man the truth, “He... he tried to touch me. I'm okay, but I can't stay here. I want to come home.”

Home .

To him and our girls where I feel safe.

“I'm on my way, baby,” he growls, and I can hear him moving, no doubt already heading for his truck. “Stay where you are, baby. I'll be there in ten minutes.”

“Okay,” I whisper, relief washing over me. “Please be careful.”

After ending the call, I take a few moments to compose myself. I breathe in deep breaths and slowly let them out. Once I’ve got myself pulled together, I climb to my feet and unlock the door. Heading over to the sink in the corner, I look at my reflection in the mirror that hangs above and panic hits me for a whole other reason. “Oh, God.” I rush to turn on the faucet and splash the cool water on my face.

I can’t let Thorn see me like this. There’s no telling what he’d do.

It takes me a good five minutes to put myself back together and then I quickly head to the nurses’ station.

Hearing my footsteps, Harley looks up and the smile that was on her face falls away.

“Oh my, God! Oak? What happened?” she asks, jumping out of her chair and rushing towards me.

I look around to make sure nobody’s around then pull her back behind the counter. “I need you to cover for me. Thorn's coming to pick me up,” I whisper, keeping my voice low.

Her eyes narrow. “Did something happen with Dr. Creepy?” I nod, not trusting my voice.

Harley's face hardens, and she squeezes my arm. “Go. I've got you covered.”

“Thank you,” I say, my voice cracking.

“Always. But, Oak? You need to report this.”

I know she's right, but the thought of making an official complaint makes my stomach turn. I hate confrontation and starting a war with the head of Emergency Medicine isn’t what I want at all, but I can’t keep doing this either.

Giving Harley my eyes, I make her a promise. “I’ll go see Mrs. Thompson, in HR, first thing tomorrow morning.”

Harley nods. “Good. Now, go. I'll let the charge nurse know that you weren't feeling well and had to take off.”

“Thanks, Harley,” I squeeze her hand and head for the exit.

Just as I step through the hospital’s sliding doors, Thorn's truck is pulling up to the curb.

Seeing him, even with his jaw clenched and eyes full of fire, makes me feel safe for the first time since I left him this morning.

I climb into the passenger seat and before I can even buckle my seatbelt, Thorn's hands are on my face, gently turning me to look at him. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

My eyes close as I lean into his touch. “No,” I whisper. “I'm okay. He just scared me.”

A low growl rumbles up his chest and my eyes open.

“I’ll kill him. I swear to God, Oakland, I'll?—”

“No,” I cut him off, placing my hands over his. “Please, Thorn. I just want to go home.”

His eyes close and he sucks in a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “Okay, baby. You can have your way for right now, but we have to talk about this when we get home.”

“I know.”

The drive home is silent, but I can feel the tension radiating off him.

I know sitting on his hands goes against everything he stands for, but I'm grateful for his restraint.

Right now, I don’t want to think about Dr. Reynolds.

I just want to go home and be with my family.