Not A Small-Town Girl

Danielle, unprepared, tumbled into David’s chest.

David reacted instantly, wrapping his arms around her. She was soft and warm, and for a moment, he just held her there, reluctant to let go.

"My apologies, Mr. Charrington, Miss Darling!" Nathan called, sounding overly repentant.

David shot him a look. "Drive carefully."

Then he glanced down at Danielle, his tone softer. "Are you alright?" His gaze was steady, his eyes dark and intense, like the night sky scattered with stars.

Danielle felt her cheeks heat under his stare. Her heart raced. "I’m fine," she muttered, sitting upright as quickly as she could.

The rest of the drive passed in silence, though the air between them felt charged.

"Mr. Charrington, we’re at

stepped out of the car, turning to David. "I’m heading in. You should get

her as if he could watch

room, Danielle’s phone buzzed with

Miracle Healer. It’s a complex case, and they’re desperate

moved swiftly across the screen. [I’m

enough on her plate-work at the lab, her grandparents’ health-it all needed

check. Whatever the price,

slid into bed and let sleep take her. In

has been found. Rumor has it her medical

shrouded in darkness, a man stood by a tall window. Dressed in black, he seemed to merge with the night itself. His eyes, sharp