Chapter 15 Letting Him In
Frederick’s eyes settled on Vivienne’s rosy lips.
He didn’t move and just watched.
The longer he stared, the warmer his gaze got. He saw it all-the longing, the confusion, and the helplessness in her eyes.
It was like she didn’t know where she belonged anymore.
He swallowed and said, “Vivienne, you’re drunk.”
He started to pull back, but she leaned in, and her scent hit him.
she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close.
Their lips met, then their tongues touched. The kiss was steady and warm.
****
Vivienne woke up the next morning, staring at the ceiling, confused.
She remembered the bar, but had no idea when or how she got back to the hotel.
Then she sat up. Her clothes had been changed. Her phone was charging on the nightstand, next to a glass of honey water.
She rubbed her temples and went to the bathroom to wash up.
A noise came from the living room, so she went to see.
‘Dr. Kingsley?” she called out.
Frederick froze halfway through setting the table. He glanced up, then looked away. “I brought breakfast. Come eat.”
Thanks, but… why are you here?”
“You don’t remember?”
Vivienne shook her head.
Something flickered in his eyes, then faded. He swallowed and said softly, “I saw you at Obscura Bar. You were drinking alone. I brought you back.”
“You knew I was staying here?”
“You told me.”
“I asked a worker here to help.”
Vivienne let out a sigh of relief.
Frederick hesitated, then said, “You thought I’d take advantage of you?”
She flushed, scrambling for words. “I… I was afraid you might get taken advantage of.”
“Believe me, I already have,” he thought.
Vivienne sat across from him and only then noticed the breakfast: pumpkin bisque, pork turnovers, shrimp toast, sautéed spinach. All her favorites.
She wanted to share, but Frederick refused. He had already eaten.
She nodded, but her eyes didn’t leave his mouth. “Dr. Kingsley… are you allergic to shrimp?”
‘Dr. Kingsley, are you allergic to shrimp?”
‘What?” He looked confused.
‘Your lips look kind of swollen.”
Frederick didn’t know how to respond.
Yeah, and my lips still tingle from last night’s kiss,” he thought.
He looked at her and opened his mouth, but held the words back.
That kiss had caught him off guard, and he had been trying to keep his distance ever since.
Vivienne couldn’t read him. But she saw his ears turning red..
After breakfast, she stood to clear the table.
le moved at the same time.
They reached for the same plate.
Vivienne grabbed it, and a second later, Frederick’s hand was over hers.
Even in the heat of July, her skin was cool. Her hand was thin, and her bones almost felt soft in his palm, like she wasn’t really rying to hold on.
His hand was warm and rough, callused in a way that made his touch scrape lightly against her skin.
“That’s not from scalpels. Why?” she thought in surprise.
1422
I Walked Away Naked and Returned as His Queen
She looked up and met his eyes.
The silence stretched a few seconds before they both let go, like nothing had happened.
Frederick caught the plate before it fell. “I’ve got it.”
“Thanks,” Vivienne said, a little awkward.
It was just takeout. He just needed to toss it and take the trash out.
Vivienne insisted on paying him back for the drinks last night and the breakfast.
Frederick accepted it. “Are you planning to stay here long?” he asked before leaving.
No. I’m heading out to look for a place today,” she replied.
He nodded. “Crownvale Estates is a nice place to live.”
Crownvale Estates was Northgale’s most upscale property, built by Halecroft Group and outfitted with smart tech. It also ame with hefty management fees.
he knew because every appliance there came from Corelynx Technologies.
Yeah, I might go and check it out,” she said, half smiling.
If it’s about money, you can tell me,” Frederick offered.
Appreciate it.” Her words rang hollow.
Vivienne didn’t mention Mr. K since Frederick was far from a close friend to her.
rederick headed for the door with the trash bag. Suddenly, he stopped and turned back.
Anything else?” she asked.
His eyes lingered on her face. “No. Nothing.”
He started walking again, then paused at the door and glanced back.
Vivienne didn’t read into it.
She just remembered what Harriett had said-Frederick couldn’t find his way even with GPS. Maybe he was just trying to figure out where the hospital was.
“Guess no one’s perfect,” Vivienne thought.
Then she looked at him. “Let’s go.”
He looked like he’d been waiting for her to say it. “Thanks!”
He thought they would head to the hospital together, but she just called him a cab.
She gave the driver the address three times. “St. Avalon Hospital. The one on Corning…”
The driver chuckled. “Don’t worry, ma’am. I’m not interested in your husband.”
That wasn’t what Vivienne meant.
Frederick ducked his head, laughing quietly. He adjusted his glasses with both hands. For a moment, he did look like a gentle loyal husband.
Vivienne was just starting to find the words to say something when his phone rang.
She didn’t wait for goodbye. On her way back, she let her thoughts drift.
On her floor, she looked up and stopped. A guy was waiting by her door-standing tall, elegant, shirt tucked in, with a V-shaped build.
“Dr. Kingsley?” Her voice rose in surprise.
He turned, walked over, and stopped about an arm’s length away.
He stood 1.9 meters tall, so she had to tip her chin to meet his eyes.
“There’s something you should know,” he said.
Vivienne’s face hardened. “Okay. Go ahead”
“Eliza’s still running a high fever. Sebastian just brought her to St. Avalon Hospital.”
