The “Velvet Lounge” was crowded. Dr. Maya Khan sat in a booth, laughing at something Dr. Kaius Reed was saying.
Kaius was everything the hospital gossip said he was: charming, open, and dangerously handsome. He leaned in, his blue eyes focused entirely on her.
“So, the ‘Ice Queen’ of OB-GYN actually laughs,” Kaius teased. “I was beginning to think the rumors were true.”
“I’m not an Ice Queen,” Maya smiled, feeling light for the first time in months. “I just work with idiots.”
“Speaking of idiots,” Kaius’s gaze flicked up.
Dr. Julian Sterling stood at their table. He was still in his scrubs, but he looked disheveled, his eyes glassy with scotch. He gripped the edge of the table, swaying slightly.
“Julian,” Maya said, her smile vanishing. “What are you doing here?”
“Celebrating,” Julian slurred, though his eyes were dark with rage. He looked at Kaius–the “Perfect Guy” who didn’t have to hide a secret brother or a fake identity. “I see you found a replacement. That was fast.”
“Go home, Sterling,” Kaius said, his voice calm but firm. He started to stand.
Julian shoved Kaius back into the booth. “Don’t tell me what to do, *Boy Scout*.”
He turned his blazing glare on Maya. “You think he’s safe? You think he’s the light to my dark? He doesn’t know you, Maya. Not like I do.”
“You don’t know me at all!” Maya cried, standing up. “You won’t let anyone know you!”
Julian flinched. He leaned in close, the scent of alcohol and antiseptic overwhelming her. “Stay away from him,” he whispered, a desperate command. “He can’t protect you.”
Security arrived before the first punch was thrown, escorting a stumbling Julian out. Maya watched him go, her heart pounding–not with fear, but with the terrifying realization that she wanted to run after him.