Loving the Crown (The Crown 3)

Dr. Fines tsked with his tongue. “I’m going to need an MRI. I have a theory, but without a scan I can’t confirm.”

“I-I can’t do that,” I whispered.

“Mademoiselle, it’s simple. I’ll meet with you once I have your scans. You are on the private floor, so you won’t have to wait long. You’re getting the royal treatment.” He smiled.

I shook my head. “You don’t understand. I can’t do it. I can’t get in that machine.”

I was surprised when Liam stepped forward. “Doc, she has claustrophobia. I think it will be a problem. What else could you do?”

I looked between them, anxious for a solution. I didn’t want the prickly sensation to override my logic. That’s exactly what happened when I felt the walls closing in around me. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t focus.

“If the injury is severe and requires surgery, it’s going to be harder for me to detect it.” The older man scratched the back of his head. “Let’s start with X-rays instead of the MRI. Can you tolerate an X-ray?” he asked.

“Yes. I can do that.”

“Good. Nurse, please put the X-ray order in and let me know when you have i

mages for me.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll do that now and be back for you in a few minutes, Miss Sparks.”

They walked out of the room, leaving us alone. The guard was posted on the outside of the door. For a brief second I felt as if I had won a battle. Although, I realized I hadn’t won it on my own. It was Liam who stood up for me.

“Thank you.” I exhaled.

He tipped his head to the side. “I might feel slightly responsible for your accident.”

“You should.” I bit my lip. “Sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

“I think you did.” He smirked. “I shouldn’t have walked past the barricade. I was running for a different reason. We both know I caused this.”

I lowered my head. I didn’t want to blame him. He had been nothing but chivalrous and nice since I tackled him in the fountain. He had also been overbearing and cocky. I tried to ignore the hot and sexy part.

“I couldn’t see. The sun was too bright. Who’s to say you didn’t break my fall? Maybe it would have been worse if you hadn’t been there. It wasn’t like Tom was going to stop me from falling in.”

He chuckled. “Believe me. You don’t have to spare my feelings. Or be afraid of me.”

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“That would be a first.”

“Why should I be? Because you’re a prince? We don’t have royalty in the States. It’s not something I can relate to.”

“Instead, you’re the royalty?”

My mouth dropped. “I am not. I’m an actress.”

“In the highest-rated show on TV.”

I opened my lips to argue, but the nurse walked in. “We’re ready for you, Miss Sparks.”

I threw Liam an icy glare as I walked toward the hall. “You know you can leave,” I reminded him.

“I know.” He winked. “But I think I’ll wait and see what the damage is.” He lifted the bag on his shoulder. “And change out of these wet clothes.”

I shook my head. Not only was he devastatingly handsome, he was also stubborn.

Chapter Five