Ruthless (Enemies to Lovers 4)

Feeling happy with the progress we made tonight, I get up.

“I’m gonna go. Will I see you for dinner next Saturday?”

“Sure,” he says as he walks me to the door.

I press a kiss to his cheek. “I’m glad we talked about everything. I really missed you, Pretty-Boy.”

“Let me know when you get home, so I know you’re safe.”

“I will.”

I can’t stop smiling as I walk down the hallway. I have no idea what the future holds for us, but right now I’m happy.

Chapter 12

MARCUS

Things feel back to normal between Willow and me. We’ve been taking it slow like we said we would. But she’s been back in my life for a month now, and I think the timing is right for us to have our first date.

“Mr. Reed?”

Hearing my name, I get up and walk to the reception counter. The lady points down a hallway.

“You can wait in room number two. The doctor will be with you shortly.”

“Thank you.”

I finally gave in and went to see a doctor three weeks ago. Apparently, I have lead poisoning. Last week I had to endure a bunch of tests to see if there were any fragments left from the bullet that could be the cause of the lead poisoning. I’m hoping the fact that I’m meeting with the heart specialist means they know for sure what’s causing the lead poisoning, and can give me a solution.

The weight loss is becoming a problem and the headaches never stop. I’m also starting to forget little things, which worries me. I can’t get rid of the metallic taste in my mouth. I’m tired of being sick. It’s been going on way too long. That’s why I’m here right now and not telling the doctors where they can shove their professional opinions.

I walk into the room and sit down. Seconds later I’m freezing my ass off. I don’t understand why hospitals and doctor’s rooms are so fucking cold. It’s like they want to freeze the damn virus out of you.

“Mr. Reed,” an elderly man says as he comes into the room. He closes the door behind him then takes a seat across from me. “I’m Dr. Barnard. How are you feeling?”

“I’ve felt better,” I say as I watch him open a file.

There’s a few minutes silence as he looks through the pages. I stare at the family photos he has on his desk to keep myself busy.

“Right,” he says as he straightens his back. “Dr. Avery’s diagnosis is right. You have lead poisoning.”

“I’m already aware of that.” I don’t have time or patience for this.

“That’s where the problem comes in. Dr. Avery referred you to me after your tests came back.”

Dr. Barnard holds an x-ray up and points to something. I can’t see shit.

“When the bullet was removed, fragments were left behind.”

Finally, we’re getting somewhere.

“How are you going to treat it?”

He clears his throat and folds his hands in front of him.

“Mr. Reed the fragments are embedded in your heart. Looking at your file, I would not recommend surgery at this point.”

I sag with relief. Thank fuck, they’re not going to cut me open again.