Surviving Doctor Vincent: The Good Doctor Trilogy Book 2 Read Online Free PDF Page A

that our investigation would only be a few more weeks before we took action. I didn’t think a few weeks apart was enough to make you hate me.”
    “Sebastian’s sure full of advice. I guess his advice didn’t include calling me, clueing me in on what was happening.” I clenched my fists, pulling on the cuffs.
    “It did occur to him. In fact, he suggested just that,” he answered in a low voice, looking down at the floor. “You know me, Elaine, it’s all or nothing. I couldn’t hear your voice and then stay away. My plan was to finalize everything fast and get back to you.”
    “If you had been alone today, I might have only disliked you. But my opinion shouldn’t bother you, since you have plenty of other options.”
    “None that I want.”
    “Sometimes it’s not about want, Doctor. Sometimes it’s about what’s best.”
    “Is that what you were doing before I got here? What you thought was best? Denying my existence?”
    “Yes. It’s the only choice.”
    “Then you should understand my motivations perfectly. I stayed away because avoiding you was for the best—for your safety.” He brushed his lips against mine and breathed, “But I need all my strength for my concentration, and after today in the restaurant, none of that would be possible. You’re my weakness, Elaine. I tried to deny my feelings, to run, to fool myself, but avoiding you isn’t the answer. Being here is selfish of me, but I won’t lose you.” His lips closed over my full lower one and caressed, until his mouth enveloped mine. His movements were slow and tender while his fingers gripped my hips.
    Not fair. He felt so good; his touch drowned me in the storm that was Xavier Vincent. No matter how angry I grew, the chemistry, or whatever drew me to him, threatened to break me.
    He kissed me harder then pulled back and whispered, “Please, forgive me.” He nuzzled my neck and his hands moved to the button on my dress pants. A quick tug and he lowered the zipper.
    “What are you doing?”
    “I’m hoping to bring back old memories.”
    I should have protested. I should have said, no, but I couldn’t.
    His fingers hooked in the waistband. “Lift your hips for me.”
    I hesitated.
    “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. You can keep up this pretense, but you and I both know how this is going to end.”
    I wanted to hate him. He knew so little about me yet had so much control, even when I actively resisted. “I can’t do this. You’re right, if I knew you, I would have known the risk of you disappearing on your little adventure. Maybe that’s what makes this harder. I shouldn’t have fallen in love with someone I know so little about.”
    “Love isn’t an exchange of information. Love is a connection between two people that defies explanation. Nothing stands in its way—not distance, time, or circumstance. Love doesn’t care how well you know me; it still exists. And no matter how hard you try to will it away, you will lose.”
    Damn him. I lifted my hips, and he slid my pants down my legs. The uncomfortable pull on my arm from the cuffs reminded me of just how little say in everything I had.
    “Don’t fight me. Please.” He tugged my panties, forcing my bare bottom to rest on the hardwood surface of the chair. After removing the undergarment and my shoes and socks, leaving me naked from the waist down, he eased back against his chair. He stared for a moment and then stood. His quiet focus was unnerving. He crossed his arms, grabbed the glass from the table, and then strode to the kitchen.
    He dumped the water into the sink and then pressed the button on the fridge dispenser. Ice clinked against the glass.
    He’s thirsty? Strips me naked and decides he needs a drink? “What are you doing?”
    “What do you think I’m doing?”
    “God only knows.” With a puff, I blew the stray strands of hair from my eyes.
    “Do you want the technical explanation?”
    “Cut the bullshit.”
    “I’m killing your stubborn