Page 41 of More Than a Match

“Yes, I’m well aware.”

“Imagine. I was meddling so much in her love affairs, when she had two perfectly suitable men… two doctors, no less, fawning over her without any help from me!”

“Imagine that.”

“Still, I’m glad she chose you. He seems sweet, but there’s something about him that’s a little off-putting.”

Good, she can see it, too. “Yeah, he has a bit of a reputation as a lothario.”

“Oh gracious. Well then, I’m extremely glad that Mina chose you! You have a heart of gold, and good intentions with my girl.”

“I only want the best for her. She deserves to be happy.”

“Yes, she really does.” Mina’s mother sighs and sinks back into her chair, patting my arm. “Plus, that boy is just too skinny. Needs a little meat on his bones. He’s not got your outstanding physique, dear.”

I bite back a laugh. At least I have that going for me. Just then, Mina reappears, clutching her purse. She looks visibly shaken.

“Babe, are you alright?”

“Can I talk to you over here for a second?”

Her voice is trembling, and she looks like she’s going to pass out.

“Don’t take too long,” her mother pipes up, seemingly oblivious to her daughter’s distress. “I’m starving!”

“Sure thing.” I stand up and cross over to where Mina is standing, a dazed look on her face. “What happened?”

CHAPTER 29: MINA

“I have to get my purse,” I manage to squeak out, before turning and practically running out of the lobby. I feel terrible leaving Alex with my mother, but I know he’s safe, at least for the time being. I make my way down the hall, heading for the elevators. I catch one just in time, and as I’m about to ascend, a hand stops the door from closing. The doors slide open to reveal Jason, standing there with a smirk.

“Going up?”

I roll my eyes. “Obviously, Jason.”

“I think it’s best if you call me Dr. Visera, don’t you?” he sneers, stepping into the elevator and letting the doors close behind him. He steps uncomfortably close to me, and my eyes water from the pungent aroma of his cologne. “Seeing as how you prefer to view us as merely colleagues.”

I shudder as he runs his hand down my arm. “What do you want?”

“Well, I just think that it’s simplyadorablethat your mother seems to think your boyfriend is a doctor.” He laughs, a cold, dead laugh that has no trace of warmth. “Wouldn’t it be a shame if she found out the truth?”

“I said, what do youwant, Dr. Visera,” I practically spit his name.

“Isn’t it obvious? I want you.”

I try to take a step back, but there’s nowhere to run. The elevator feels smaller than usual, and I can’t breathe.

“What’s the matter, little mouse? No answer?”

Little mouse. In this scenario, that’s how I feel. Like a mouse in a trap with a predator bearing down. Death is imminent no matter how I look at it. I find my voice at last, though it trembles.

“That’s never going to happen.”

“Oh, isn’t it?” He smiles, though his eyes don’t show any glimmer of life. “You’ll be mine, one way or another. I refuse to play second-best to a janitor.”

“You don’t really have a choice,” I snarl, sidestepping his advance, retreating to the far corner of the elevator.

“Are you sure? You wouldn’t want your family to find out who your boyfriend really is, would you?” he hisses. “It would be such a shame to see your relationship implode, all caused by the lie you’re living.”

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