Isolde thought, “The only way I get to be close to him is by checking his injuries and taking care of him. But even that, Wesley wouldn’t let me handle.
Hiding the disappointment in her eyes, Isolde said, “Since Mr. Paige has already examined you, I won’t interrupt. I’ll get going now just call if you need anything.
Marcus gave a noncommittal nod, without even sparing her a glance. Composing herself, Isolde turned and left the room.
Out in the hallway, Isolde ran into Celeste carrying a food tray, heading toward Marcus room directly. She stepped in front of her and said. “This is a VIP room. Unrelated people can’t go in.”
Celeste replied without expression. “I was hired as Mr. Hale’s nurse, so I wouldn’t call myself unrelated. I believe I have the right to
Kenter.
Does she just say she is Marcus newly hired nurse? Isolde thought. She had expected Marcus would hire an older caregiver or a male nurse. Never in her wildest dreams did she think he’d choose someone so young and attractive.
Isolde wondered, Isn’t he supposed to keep his distance from any young woman other than his long–lost love? So why does he make an exception for this woman?‘
Suddenly, an unfamiliar sense of threat gripped Isolde
“You don’t look very experienced,” Isolde remarked. “Have you even graduated Passed any relevant certifications? Because if you haven’t, Marcus won’t let you be his nurse”
Celeste hadn’t studied nursing, but as a medical student, she felt confident she’d do a far better job than most professional caregivers. Unfazed by Isolde’s questions, Celeste said, “Mr. Hale hired me, and unless he dismisses me personally, you don’t have the authority to.. And I certainly don’t need a lecture from you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a meal to deliver
With that, Celeste walked past Isolde’s annoyed gaze and entered the room.
As a nurse passed by, Isolde caught her arm quickly and asked, “Do you know that girl in there?”
The nurse looked at Celeste’s back and replied, “From the back, she looks like Beth, a new intern.”
Beth? That sounds like a vixen’s name, Isolde muttered.
After thanking the nurse, Isolde pulled out her phone and made a call. She said, “I need you to look into everything on Heth, the new
intern
inside the room, Celeste was setting up the food. Marcus eyed the oatmeal and plain crackers before him, and asked in disbelief, “This i what you brought me?”
is
Celeste answered seriously. “You just had surgery, so spicy or hard–to–digest food is out. Bland oatmeal is the safest option for now” She’s certainly committed, Marcus thought. Then he picked up the oatmeal resignedly and the crackers, only for Celeste to pull the crackers away
“What are you doing?” Marcus asked, bewildered. ‘Is she taking away even the crackers?‘ he wondered.
“Too salty and tough, Celeste explained. “You can’t eat them
Marcus felt utterly exasperated. “Then why did you buy them?”
“I got them for my meal, Celeste said matter–of–factly.
ng to go outside for food, she settled for
Geleute had gone to the cafeteria a bit late, funding only oatmeal and crackers left. Not wanting oatmeal and some crackers
After explaining, Celeste poured the crackers over her oatmeal and began eating
“You’re just having that for lunch? Marcus asked.
“Yes, just this, Celeste replied and resumed eating her meal.
Chapter 11
Watching her, Marcus couldn’t help but mutter, Just how poor is this woman that she can’t even afford a proper meal?
When she finished. Celeste cleared away her tray and picked up his medications, handing them to him to take.
Picking up a bottle of ointment, Celeste glanced at Marcus, asking. “Do you need help with your dressing?”
“Yeah. Marcus replied.
With his consent, Celeste unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his injured side, and began applying the ointment carefully.
After she finished and buttoned up his shirt, Celeste asked, “I’ve applied your medicine, Mr. Hale. Is there anything else I can help you.
with!”
“Id like a bath, Marcus said
“A bath?” Celeste paused, then replied, “With your wounds still healing, a full bath could lead to infection. How about I get some water and help you wipe down instead?”
Marcus agreed. “Okay”
After he nodded, Celeste went to the bathroom, filled a basin with warm water, and prepared a towel. She made sure to lock the door and pull the curtain before starting. Once he was ready, she removed his shirt and began to gently wipe him down.
As her hands moved across his skin, Marcus calm expression shifted, a subtle tension building in his gaze.
Marcus found himself watching her, noticing the faint pink on her neck and cheeks. She was embarrassed too.
This was Celeste’s first time tending to a man so closely, and it showed in her careful, almost shy movements as she cleaned his chest and abs.
When she’d finished, Celeste hesitated, glancing down toward the lower part of his body. Her hand hovered uncertainly near his waistband.
Seeing her hesitation, Marcus took the towel from her. Tll handle the rest myself.”
“Alright, Celeste replied, turning away to give him privacy.
But when Celeste heard his quiet groans, her cheeks grew even warmer, her ears turning red. Then she took a deep breath, steeling herself, and finally turned back to him. “Let me do it.”
Marcus injuries were on his torso, making it painful to bend and tend to his lower body, so Celeste had to help him with it.
Without meeting his gaze, Celeste took the towel back and pulled his pants down the rest of the way. As she pressed the towel to his Jower body, Marcus couldn’t help but react to her touch.
Noucing his response, Celeste draped a blanket over his lap quickly and focused on his legs instead, wiping them down with as much composure as she could muster.
At that moment, the heat between them was undeniable.
