Chapter 6
May 12, 2026 at 11:01 AM
I was nearly drifting off on Jay’s lap, completely melted and purring like a contented cat in her owner’s arms as his fingers moved slowly and lovingly through my hair. The steady rhythm of his touch, the warmth of his body, and the quiet safety I felt with him had lulled me into a peaceful haze.
Then he leaned down, pressed a soft kiss to my temple, and whispered gently:
“Sweetheart, it’s getting really late… You need to go back to your room and try to get some sleep.”
The words hit me like a splash of cold water. My eyes flew open, and a pitiful, involuntary whine escaped my throat.
“No… Please, no…”
A quiet, tired sigh sounded above me. Jay carefully lifted me from his lap and settled me back onto the couch. He leaned in close, cupping my face with both hands, his expression a heartbreaking mix of tenderness and reluctant firmness.
“Baby, you have to,” he said softly, though I could hear the strain in his voice. “You can’t sleep here all night.”
My chest tightened painfully. Why did everything feel so heavy tonight?
“Why not?” I whispered, my voice already trembling as I gripped his wrists, refusing to let go of his hands that were gently holding my face. I turned my head and pressed a desperate kiss to his palm, breathing against his skin. “You’re here… I can sleep anywhere as long as you’re with me. Jay, please… I don’t want to go back to that cold, empty room. I’m scared I’ll feel alone again. Please… don’t make me. Let me stay here with you.”
I hated how small and fragile my voice sounded, but I couldn’t hold back the raw need anymore. The thought of returning to that sterile hospital bed without him made my throat close up with panic.
Jay’s breath hitched. He sighed heavily, his thumb gently stroking my cheek as he looked away for a moment. I could see the fierce internal battle raging behind his eyes — the responsible doctor fighting against the man who loved me and couldn’t bear to see me hurting.
He was torn. And knowing I was the one putting him in that position only made the ache in my chest worse.
After what felt like forever, he finally made a decision. A soft, pained smile touched his lips as he brushed his thumb across my skin, whispering with gentle reproach:
“You really are the most disobedient patient I’ve ever had… My stubborn little brat.”
Despite everything, a small smile broke through my worry. I leaned into his warm palm, nuzzling against it.
“My doctor is also my boyfriend,” I murmured. “I figured I’m allowed to be a little spoiled… Otherwise, what’s the point of dating you?”
Jay let out a quiet, breathless laugh and rolled his eyes, but the fondness in his gaze made my heart flutter even through the heaviness. He leaned forward and pressed a lingering kiss to my forehead.
“Of course you can, Bambi,” he whispered tenderly. “But you should know… I only let you wrap me around your finger like this. No one else.”
I exhaled shakily, suddenly feeling exhausted and guilty for pushing him.
“I’m sorry… I know I’m being difficult. You know I’m just joking, right? Please don’t be mad at me…”
“Shh, kitten… I know,” he soothed, his voice warm and reassuring as he continued stroking my cheek. He tilted his head, studying my face with those deep, caring eyes. “I’m not angry. But… do you really hate the idea of going back there that much?”
I shook my head slowly, eyes stinging with unshed tears. The thought of being alone in that room again made my stomach twist.
Jay watched me for a long moment, his expression softening with helpless affection and quiet pain. Then, as if he couldn’t bear my sadness any longer, he offered gently:
“Alright… Then how about we make a deal, baby?”
“A deal?” I looked up at him, confused but hopeful.
He nodded, though the familiar mischievous glint had returned to his eyes, softening the seriousness.
“I still have a bit of work left, but give me just ten minutes. I’ll finish everything here and then come lie down with you. Okay?”
“Really…?” My voice cracked with relief. The tightness in my chest eased so suddenly that tears welled up in my eyes. I didn’t even try to hide them.
Jay’s gaze filled with such deep, aching love that it made my heart clench. He leaned in and kissed me softly, his lips warm and reassuring against mine.
“Really, sweetheart,” he whispered, his forehead resting gently against mine. “Ten minutes. And then your personal sleeping pill will be all yours… I promise I won’t leave you alone tonight."
