Chapter 12 Brielle
Play With Fire, (feat. Yacht Money) Sam Tinnesz
I rush toward the hospital, each click of the cobblestone placing images in my head of the recent events that transpired. The images dance across my brain in a panic-filled fashion.
Everett’s warm mouth surrounding my finger.
His eyes igniting with passion.
The way I felt perplexed by the vast array of emotions that flooded my system during our encounter.
Not to mention my anxiety over how and when he was going to kill me for slapping him.
I am still convinced he gifted me that dog to potentially end my life, maybe had some sort of command at the ready to have it rip me to shreds—possibly even devour me in my sleep.
You’d like him to devour you, wouldn’t you? The fleeting but abhorrent thought crosses my mind, causing me to stop in my tracks and lightly slap myself. Jesus, he’s turning me into a pervert!
What on earth am I going to do? My mind is swirling with so many conflicting thoughts as I open the hospital door.
Before I can step forward into the hospital, I shriek as a hand lands atop my shoulder.
Turning, I find Dr. Brendon’s baby blue eyes.
His slender frame is standing behind me, his arm outstretched and his hand on my shoulder.
His white lab coat is tucked underneath his leather jacket.
His brown hair is cut in a military fashion and a stethoscope adorns his neck.
He looks wounded by my shrieking, but I doubt he would understand my reaction, nor appreciate that a man was fondling my fingers a few moments ago, while his flowers had been delivered during my brief period of perversion.
A very grand gesture, I must say, though not as grand as Everett’s .
“I am so sorry to scare you.” His hand is still on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You all right?” His eyes fill with so much compassion, concern and care.
I sheepishly smile and replace a fallen hair behind my ear. “Yes, sorry, just tired from working so much. Thank you for the lovely flowers by the way. No one has ever done that for me before.”
His smile widens as he steps closer. I can smell the citrus and sandalwood scent from his cologne. “So…how about dinner this Friday? You don’t have to work, do you?” His voice carries so much anticipation.
Nodding my head, I reply, “I think it would be lovely. Meet you at seven?” as we enter the hospital together.
I’m greeted by the busy ward. Staff members swiftly move from room to room, then I spot Tilly waiting for me outside the break room. She gives a small wave as her beautiful smile lightens the dark and depressing hallway.
Dr. Brendon pulls me by the wrist, causing my body to shudder at the touch.
“How about I pick you up at your place, then we go out to eat?” He steps in closer, bringing my hand toward his mouth and kissing my knuckles tenderly.
Smirking at his kind gesture, I state, “That would be lovely. Sorry, I have to be off now!” As my hand leaves his gentle grasp, he makes a winking gesture at me, causing my stomach to flutter.
Goodness, I can’t be developing feelings for both men, that is just plain selfish!
I hurry into the break room to stash my belongings as Tilly whistles in my direction.
“Well, goodness, we have a right Casanova over here!” She clasps her hands together and stares at me with curiosity. “So, what’s going on? Tell me all the details!”
I shake my head at her and chuckle. “Nothing really, Tilly, just Dr. Brendon asked me to dinner and I might have said yes.”
Tilly shrieks in excitement then saunters over to me, her golden hair bouncing in the light, her effervescence filling the small room. “Go on, yeah?” she implores, curious eyes looming over me.
As I finish placing my belongings in the locker, I turn toward her and sheepishly remark, “And Everett asked me to dinner as well.”
Another excited shriek.
I swear individuals in the hallway are going to think I’m killing her.
“No, Tilly, it’s wrong! I must pick between them!” I bark out, smoothing my scrub skirt with my hands.
“Pish-posh, date both, fuck both. Have the time of your life! Wait. You’re not a virgin, are you?” Tilly asks hastily, placing her delicate finger atop her nose in a questioning gesture. Before I know it I move abruptly, clasping my hand over her mouth as she giggles into my palm.
“Shhhh. Don’t say such crude things aloud! No, I am not , but I’ve only been with one man!” I whisper between clenched teeth. Grasping my wrist, she gently loosens my hold and stares up at me with her glorious blue eyes. The smell of her lavender and eucalyptus lotion fills my senses.
“I won’t tell a soul, but promise me you’ll start doing things for yourself?
You’re constantly abiding by the rules and confinements of responsibility.
Fuck their feelings! Think about yours .
You work too hard and don’t have enough fun, dear.
” She then pats me on my head and I follow her out to the ward to begin our busy shift.
Finishing a quick shower in the hospital locker room, I swiftly change for my massage appointment.
I envision Jameson’s soft hands kneading my muscles. I’m looking forward to relaxing on the massage bench and taking the most glorious nap. The crisp winter morning greets me as I leave the hospital. Children are walking with their parents, laughing and singing, presumably on their way to school.
Cheerful townsfolk pass by with friendly gestures and brief smiles.
The town is finally beginning to grow on me.
Even though I have been here a year, I do not venture out.
Considering I’ve only worked for the latter portion of it, I guess my involvement with the Adders has me observing and appreciating the amenities throughout the town: the close community, small shops and cozy atmosphere.
From what I have learned, it sounds like Everett’s family built this town from the ground up. They don’t just run the town and rule over its businesses, but more so look after everyone in the community and make sure each person is cared for.
As I arrive to the massage parlor, I sign in and wait for Jameson to call for me in the women’s waiting lounge.
There are luxurious tan chaises set in a large circle with small tables set to the side.
There’s soft ambient lighting, with the faint sound of classical music playing from a record player in the corner.
Large stained-glass windows overlook a small garden and Lockham’s streets, with grand curtains hanging from the vaulted ceiling.
I climb into a chaise, snuggling into my soft robe.
As I curl my knees and toes inside to cocoon myself, a voice comes from my left.
I peer over to find a woman with seductively sharp features, glimmering brown eyes and dark brown hair cut to her jawline, her robe is open and her body on display as she encircles one hand around her hip .
“You’re the nurse, right?” she purrs. An unsteady feeling settles in my stomach as her smile curls sinfully.
Pulling my robe tighter to my chest, I state, “I am a nurse, but I don’t know if I am the nurse you’re thinking of.” I chuckle uncomfortably to myself.
She leans in closer, outstretching her hand as her breast pops out from the robe.
I try to keep my eyes on her hand and not her breast, but it’s a completely different scenario than seeing a naked body within the hospital.
“Your name is Brielle, correct? If so, you are the nurse for the Adders. My name is Seraphina.” She holds her hand out and I dubiously reach for it, the unsettling feeling growing inside me. “I’m Everett’s fiancée.”
Her words slap me across the face. I can feel my face reddening as I think of all my interactions with Everett and how this woman is his fiancée. Jesus, I feel like a putz! I’m such a terrible person! Yet at the same time, white-hot jealousy creeps up my spine.
She keeps my hand in hers, and her thumb strokes the backside of my hand.
I try to calmly take my hand back, but she grips it even harder within her grasp.
“I see why he is intrigued by you.” She tsks, but before she can utter another word, a towel flies over her and lands atop her head, and she lets go of my hand.
I rub the back of my hand, noticing a small red mark starting to form from her harsh grasp.
I peer up, noticing Jameson standing between our respective chaises.
“Oi, don’t listen to this whore. She is a poor sport ever since the boss don’t wanna fuck ’er no more.” Then Jameson takes the basket of clean towels beside her and dumps them over Seraphina. “Plus she steals from us ’erry chance she gets.”
“Jameson!” I gasp, feeling conflicted. On one hand, I have sympathy for the woman being publicly humiliated by Jameson; however, another emotion is boiling through my soul.
Jealousy, simmering at the fact this woman has touched Everett.
Though I have no right to him, sweet but malicious fantasies whisper in the back of my mind.
“Don’t call me a whore, you cunt!” An angry Seraphina emerges from the mountain of towels surrounding her. Faint giggles can be heard from other women within the waiting room.
Jameson places her hands atop her hips. “You are a whore. It’s your career.” She cocks an eyebrow at Seraphina challengingly.
Seraphina begins throwing towels on the ground. “You’re a whore, too, Jamie, don’t forget that! How dare you speak down to me.”
Jameson proceeds to shake her head at Seraphina.
“Ugh, I never forgot. Though I don’t let my job define me.
Plus, I moved onto other things than just spreading my legs.
It’d do ya good to try other career paths as well and quit manipulating people.
It’s not good for the soul.” Jameson turns toward me and motioned for me to follow her.