~Aurora.
My hands worked mechanically through the files we had documented over the past few months, the never ending test results and the new blood and stool we've collected for more tests.
I can't say for sure but, my blood has been pumping faster than usual since I woke up this morning and my heart has been racing a lot faster.
I will tie you up and fuck you.
Seven, eight, nine…
A gasp escaped my lips as the memories from last night came flooding back. I was still in shock by his sudden actions, perhaps, that was why my body was reacting in such manner.
“Dr. Rory, are…are you okay?” I heard a voice say from my side, pulling me back from my thoughts, and I realized I had unconsciously been rubbing my neck. The particular spot Ethan had sucked on last night, which was now covered by my turtleneck dress.
The second time I'm having to hide my hickey, courtesy of Ethan.
“Are you tired? You can go back to the palace if you'd like, and we'll take it from here.” One of the nurses, Martha, whom I identified as the owner of the voice, quizzed as she came to stand before my desk carrying what I assumed to be new results from the tests we ran three days ago.
I shook my head, “no, Martha, I'm okay. Just a small pain in my neck, probably from bending it too much, but it's nothing. I will take some painkillers, and I'll be fine.” I waved her off before she could say more, and she nodded before releasing the load in her hand and placed them on my table.
“These are the new reports. Me, Elroy and the team have already compared them with the previous results and pointed out the differences, similarities and improvements,” he handed me a smaller file which I accepted and lazily glanced at. “But you can go over them again to be on a…”
I unintentionally zoned her out as my mind wandered back to the day it happened. The day Ethan proposed. He had gotten on his knees, his smile brighter than anything I had ever seen.
I choose you, Aurora.
I want you.
Was that what he was going to say to his new girlfriend? Heck, were those the lines he used for Isadora?
“Dr. Rory, are you sure you are good?”
I shook my head to chase the thought out of my mind. “How much rings? Differences, I mean.” Of course, his request will disturb my mind. Damn you, Ethan.
“A whole lot,” her lips curved up. “I think we are very much closer to finally getting the cure.” I gave her a thin lipped smile and a small nod.
“These are the new samples collected,” I pointed at the blood and stool on the test table, “take it to the technicians and tell them to start on it immediately. The earlier we get these new results, the faster we start implementing the routine. Hopefully, the margins wouldn't shock us his time.”
“It wouldn't. We haven't made such progress to receive a decline at this last stage.” She gathered the samples and headed for the door but paused and turned back to me. “I don't mean to budge but, Doc. are you sure you are really okay? I know work has been stressful, but you don't have to bear the whole burden yourself.”
“Believe me, Martha, I am very okay.” She nodded and left.
With all the progress, we've been making since the last month, work was the least thing that was bothering me. My mind was still wrapped around Ethan's request last night. Among many other things.
How do I even rationally choose a ring for him? Was he intentionally putting me through this knowing it would be difficult for me? Does he know that I…
A small knock formed a wall between me and my thoughts, and I released a sigh before turning to the door. Perhaps, I should take Martha's advice and go back to the palace.
And meet him?
I shook away the thought and raised my face to see Ferdinand.
“Hi,” I said with a smile.
“Good afternoon Doc. Uhm, a man names Reginald Hamline is here to see you. He said you said it's important.”
My brows knitted as I sat up in my seat, “yes, please. Let him in.” I did text Reggie that I wanted to discuss something, but I didn't expect to see him in just a few hours.
Some seconds after Ferdinand left, he came back with Reggie walking behind him. He ushered Reggie in and with a nod to me, he returned to his post.
“Hey, beautiful.” Reggie greeted as he took the seat behind my desk. He chuckled, “what's with the pinched forehead, aren't you happy to see me? Because I know I am.”
“What are you doing here? I didn't expect to see you so soon.”
“Oh, that? I was on my way to the hospital when I saw your text and seeing the word 'important' there, I pressed on my gas and sped all the way here.”
“What?” My furrowed brows were almost interlacing with each other at this point.
“Ease up, Rory, I was just joking,” he laughed and I chuckled lightly.
“But seriously, how are you here on such short notice?”
“Have you forgotten I am from this pack? I came home to see…my mother and I decided to come see you in person since I was around.”
“Oh.” I nodded. His mother was the woman he was talking about the other day at the park.
“So, what's up?” He placed his elbows on the desk and locked his fingers.
I don't know, I think,” I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth, “I think I will accept the offer to move to Greece.”
His brows rose as his eyes lit up with excitement. “Yeah? You will?”
I shrugged, “I don't know, I'm just starting to consider it. I know all I said about the whole moving and not moving things but, at this point, I think a change of location is what I need now.”
“Hmm, is Ethan right?” My eyes widened at the mention of the name. How did he know? Was Ethan really the reason? “That uptight king is overworking you, right?”
“I am not.” Mine and Reggie's eyes turned to the door at the same time, though I didn't need confirmation to know the owner of the voice. It has slowly embedded itself in my head and after last night, I don't think it would ever leave.
“Ah, speak of the devil.” Reggie chimed as Ethan walked in. “You see, my girl was just complaining to me about you,” Ethan turned to me and narrowed his eyes down at me. “So tell me, what should I do to you now because I can't let you go scot-free after putting her through that whole stress.”
“Your girl?” Ethan asked as he took the seat next to Reggie, as Reggie nodded.
“I wasn't making any complaints. We were discussing a totally different thing.”
“Oh come on now, beautiful, you didn't have to do that. I wanted to get this one riled up for a minute.” He slapped Ethan's shoulders in a manly way.
Ethan's eyes, which were still on me, narrowed even more, and I returned his gaze even more before turning my eyes away. He doesn't need to know my heart was still pounding from his threat yesterday, though I made it seem I didn't care that his eyes were on me.
“You'd be beheaded for such action, Reggie. And I should have your tongue cut out for speaking against your king.”
Reggie chuckled, “forgive me, your highness. How is your lady friend? The one from the park the other day?”
“Good," came Ethan's clipped response before turning to face Reggie. “I have an engagement with Aurora this afternoon, you?”
“We came to discuss her travel process.”
Ethan turned to me, “travel process?”
“Wait,” Reggie said, “why did you call her Aurora?”