Page 19 of Michael
“Michael?” he blurts, a tad surprised. “Yeah, I know him. He’s my brother.”
“Oh.” I’m immediately grateful I’ve not spoken my true feelings about him. The guy was a complete jerk last night, and his attitude earlier didn’t redeem him in my eyes, either.
“Place this pill under your tongue for me. It’ll make the pain go away.” The nurse offers me the white pill and I take it like it’s the key to the house of my dreams in Playa del Rey.
“Oh. I’m out of gauze pads,” the nurse says. “I’ll be right back.”
“No problem,” I manage with the pill locked in my mouth. “Go ahead.”
Dr. Uri seems relieved that we’re left alone. He’s got that worried face again.
“Listen, you’re a witch,” he begins in the same quiet voice. “So, this won’t come as a surprise to you.” He pauses, and by now, I’m feeling anxious. “That guy you’re looking for… You might want to be careful with him. He’s a demon.”
“No. He can’t be,” I reply dismissively. “I’ve met demons.” Oh, boy! Have I met them.
Uri blinks in disbelief. “You recognize a Level 2 demon’s pet, but not the devil himself?” His brows shoot up and I notice in him a trace of Michael’s cockiness.
I bite my lip in anticipation. “I really need his number,” I add, trying to sound as charming as possible. “Please.”
Dr. Uri’s eyes dart back and forth for a few seconds as he considers his answer. A wave of red creeps up his neck and he clears his throat. “It wouldn’t be ethical for me to give out that information,” he mumbles, his voice barely audible.
“Does he work here at the hospital?” I continue. His head shakes slightly, and I press my lips into a line that’s almost a smile. “Well, there you go. No ethical problem there.”
“Fair enough.” He scribbles something onto a piece of paper before handing it to me. “Give this to Nancy at the reception. She’ll give you Jack’s number.” He then slips a card into my bag. “Use this keycard to get access through the basement. Preferably, after hours?”
“Count on it,” I reply and flash him a smile, my mind already mapping out how I’m going to make things work with Jack. Richard’s contract is about to be nullified. Fuck, yes!
“Nice meeting you, Amanda.” He nods, then heads towards the door.
“Likewise, Dr. Uri,” I tell him, happy and hopeful for the first time in years.
He pauses and looks back at me. “Call me Uri,” he says with a wink before disappearing out the door.
I can’t help but feel relieved; this Uri guy was much nicer than his brother Michael.
At last, I can breathe easier—even when the diamond bracelet around my wrist feels heavier than ever.
I look at the paper in my hand. And of course, I can’t read a thing. Uri’s penmanship leaves a lot to be desired. Guess what they say about a doctor’s handwriting is true.
I snort in amusement at the thought, my laughter cut short by the sudden appearance of a man in the doorway. His forehead is creased with worry as he sweeps into the room, bringing with him a chill gust of hospital air.
“Why are there never size-nine gloves around here?” He freezes the minute he sees me sitting at the table, quietly watching him.
“Oh. Hi,” he says softly.
His eyes, a deep and captivating brown, are framed by long black lashes, and his nose is straight and proud, like a Roman statue. He has a sharp jawline and lips that could sculpt marble. Is it a requirement around here to be this attractive to be a doctor? Do they hire only the beautiful people?
“Hey,” I mumble.
He grins warmly as he inquires, “You’ve not happened to see any size-nine gloves, have you?”
“No,” I answer, my gaze drawn to his well-defined biceps, visible through his form-fitting white coat. He clearly spends a lot of time in the gym.
He takes measured strides, his broad shoulders shifting gracefully as he moves. I allow him to continue moving forward, my eyes transfixed on his angular features and tousled hair. The contrast between us is stark; he looks handsome and carefree—meanwhile, my hair is scruffy from the fall, my crumpled clothes hanging loosely from my body.
“Say, you’re the one helping us out with the pest issue?” he asks, squinting as he stands in front of me.
“News gets around here fast, doesn’t it?” I tell him, amused.
