Page 188 of Her Wicked Plan

“You only told her all the good things? Did you lie to her like you lied to me?”

“Yes.” Her gaze meets mine, narrowing and full of fire. Good. Get angry. “I did lie to her. Would you want me to tell her the truth about you, Leo?”

“If it makes me look like the bad guy and you the victim in her eyes. A woman with a broken heart who wants sympathy. By all means, go for it.”

A sudden smirk plays on her lips. “Oh, I wasn’t talking about that. I meant more about what is going on with you and Veronica, although that would still make you look like the bad guy.”

My face falls. Tension rolls through me as my teeth press down on one another. “What did you just say?”

Scarlet mimics my stance, palms on the desk as she leans forward. “You really think I didn’t know?” She laughs manically. “Veronica isn’t that protective over anyone. I thought maybe it was because she had a schoolgirl crush on you. I mean, I can’t blame her. Most of the women here have a crush on you.” She pushes herself off the desk, slowly walking around it. “That is what I thought until I heard the two of you.”

My heart is racing as panic settles into my skin. There’s no way she heard us. I made sure we were quiet.

“I went to your ward to speak with Dr. Bennett about a patient causing trouble. On my way out, I saw you and Veronica in the hallway. She had bottles of what looked like shampoo and conditioner in her hand, and you were leading her towards the door that houses the employee's bedrooms. Now, why would you take a patient somewhere that is completely off-limits?”

No. I made sure to be aware of my surroundings before I took Veronica in there.

“I waited a few minutes until I heard the door shut, and then I got curious. Why would you be bringing her to your room?” She stops briefly to glance out the window. “My curiosity drove me to your door, and I heard the water running in the shower. It was quiet, but no one can mistake moans for anything but what they are.”

I want to say something, but no words come to mind. If she heard us, there was no way to get myself out of this.

“Then her sister came to visit.” She continues, getting closer and closer to me. “You didn’t see me, yet again, as she barreled out of the visitation room. You were so completely focused on calming her down that you didn’t even realize I was at the end of the hall. I assumed you were taking her to your office but took her to your bedroom instead.” She stops, inches away from me. “Again.”

What the hell am I supposed to do?

“Are you expecting me to deny it?” There is no point in lying.

“Why would you when you clearly got caught?”

“And yet you are the only one who seems to know.” I stand straight up, hovering over her to intimidate her. “How come Dr. Bennett hasn’t come knocking on my office door to fire me?”

She shrugs. “Maybe I’m waiting for the right opportunity to show itself. Unless we can come to an... agreement.”

“You’re kidding me.” I breathe out a laugh, full of annoyance and disbelief.

“Does it look like I’m kidding?” She stands tall, not showing her fear. “You and I could be happy together. We could be perfect for each other. That’s why you will stop that nonsense with her and start showing me the attention you’ve supplied her. If not, then I will tell Dr. Bennett.”

“Do you hear yourself? How insane you sound?” I lift my hands and press my fingers to my temples. “You’re jealous of what Veronica and I have so much that you let that heavy emotion blackmail me?”

“What you two have?” She scoffs. “You’re fucking her. Your patient! Don’t even sit here and tell me it’s anything more than sex.” I continue glaring at her, the answer sitting clear in my eyes. Her bright green eyes widen, a hand lifting to her mouth. “Oh, my god. It’s more than that? Wow, Leo. Stooped so low to sleep with the psycho and wound up catching feelings for someone who can’t even return them.”

I don’t realize it’s happening until it does. My hand races to meet her throat, fingers pressing into her skin. Her painted red lips part, and shock floods her expression.

“Let's get one thing clear. Mine and Veronica’s relationship is none of your goddamn business. You only see the devil's side of her because she hates you. I will not stand here and explain to you why I love her because it isn’t worth my time, but let me ask you this, Scar.” I lean down to get in her face. “What makes you think I won’t tell Dr. Bennett about your activities behind closed doors?”

Her face heats, and her cheeks turn almost the same shade of red as her hair. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Playing dumb isn’t a good look for you,” I say with fake pity. “Who do you think he will believe? You or his trusted doctor who speaks with him every day, someone who has a close relationship with him?”

Tears spill from her eyes. “You wouldn’t.”

I shrug. “You threaten me, I threaten you.”

Her lips tremble, and I feel her swallow hard against my hand. “You can’t tell him.”

“Then I think you and I have come to a new agreement.” I shove her back, releasing her from my grasp. “Threaten me again, Scarlet, and it will be the last thing you do.”

I slide the patient file from her desk and head towards the door.