Page 81 of Dr. Bad Boy

“You’re being romantic,” she breathes.

“How about that?” I kiss her again, showing her with my mouth how much I want her, how much I’ve needed this, all week.

But before I can start to get her naked, my pager goes off.

We break apart and she takes the flowers. “I’ll put these in water,” she murmurs as I check the message.

Suspected meningitis case. Lumbar puncture in the ER ruled out bacterial meningitis but symptoms are…

I read the rest of the page, then text the resident a few questions.

“Do you have to go?” Violet asks, as she returns from the kitchen, carrying the flowers in a vase.

“Not yet.”

“Are you in there a lot on call weekends?”

“A fair bit. My colleagues with families often defer to the senior resident, and that’s fine. Good actually, they need the experience, too. And our seniors are fantastic. But I actually like being on call. After I finished my residency I did two fellowships because that constantly-on energy is right up my alley.” I snag her wrist and spin her around, her back to my front. “Interferes with this, though.”

“Mmm.” She rolls her neck to the side and I scrape my teeth up the tendon there. I can’t get enough of that subtle scent I’ve come to associate with her.

“Hey, speaking of a social life…I’m having a private holiday party.”

“Hmm?”

“And I’d like you to come.”

She stiffens and moves back half a foot.

No more neck kissing right now, got it.

She gives me a wary look. “Define private.”

“Just a few close, like-minded friends.”

“Like-minded?"

"Kinky.”

“Ah.” She licks her lips. I’m sure she doesn’t even know how interested she looks.

I press on. “You could call it a play party. Generally at these things sex can and does happen, but it's not the sole point of the get together. It's a safe place for people to get together toplay, and that might be all you see.” I pause for emphasis. “And all I’d ask you to do.”

Her eyes light up at that.

I’m far too manipulative for my own good. Or just manipulative enough for both of us to have a little fun. “It’s very private. I can’t stress enough. This is why I have a dungeon in my basement, because from time to time I like the club atmosphere but I can’t risk the public exposure.”

“Who would be there, exactly?”

“Friends from my hockey team. My carefully vetted hockey team, because Gavin is on it.”

Her eyes go wide. “Gavin?”

I shake my head. “He and Ellie would be welcome, but they won’t be there this time.”

She nods. “Okay. I’ll give it some thought.”

“I want you there, Violet.”

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