Page 15 of The Potter

He lifts his head, waiting, and I stop. I don’t owe these fuckers an explanation. My patient, my decision. “Never mind. I’ll take up my issues of her current employment with Astor.”

“You do that.” He smirks.

I turn from the office without another word.

Fuck Duke. Fuck Astor. Fuck this whole fucking practice.

“Dr. Potter!”

I suck in a deep breath before turning around. “Yes? What is it, Serena?” Did I not just tell her everything she needed to know five minutes ago? What could she possibly need now?

“Um, your nine thirty is waiting in exam room one.”

Fuck.

“Fine, I’ll be there in just a moment.”

Right after I speak with Ms. Belle and fucking Astor.

Without turning back, I continue down the hall toward Astor’s office and pause at the only open door. Halle’s.

I expected Astor wouldn’t want to deal with me and lock his office door, forcing me to go through Halle.

Fine.

It’s not like Halle will be my problem if things go bad.

“Ms. Belle,” I state, striding in and catching her sorting through one of the desk drawers. “I need Astor’s first available appointment this morning.”

Her head darts up, and she stands, smoothing her black and white houndstooth dress just like she did the last time I saw her. “Hi.”

I don’t bother with the niceties. “His first available. Let Serena know the time.” I turn and take a few steps before adding, “And the dress code is all black. No patterns.”

I’m at the door when she retorts, “Good thing I don’t work for you.”

Turning slowly, I face our newest employee. “I’m sorry, what?”

She stands straighter, her face taut and firm. “I said, good thing I don’t work for you.My bossencourages variety.”

Fury radiates in my bones, and I find myself taking an unconscious step closer. “Does he now?”

She takes a step back. “Yes, when Astor makes time for you today, you can discuss my dress code with him. Otherwise, have a great day, Dr. Potter.”

I nearly cut off the circulation in my hands clenching them so tight.

“Is there anything else you need?”

Her shaky tone pulls me out of the fog of rage.

What the hell am I doing?

I take a step back, releasing a breath. “Give Serena a time.”

With that, I get the fuck out of her office before I lose my shit and embarrass myself further. Clearly, something about this woman brings out the beast in me. Honestly, she hasn’t done anything but call me on my attitude. But still. No one, and I meanno one, calls me on my attitude.

Who does she think she is?

It doesn’t matter. She’s Astor’s problem. He hired her, and he’ll deal with the aftermath of her temper.

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