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.

arrived, Nathan announced, "Mr. Charrington, we’re

David. "I’m heading in. You should get some

gaze lingering on her

room, Danielle’s phone

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

fingers moved swiftly across the screen. [I’m busy. No

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

Whatever

shower, she slid into bed and let sleep take her. In a shadowy corner of the Darling family estate, a figure typed out

daughter has been found. Rumor has it her medical skills are

a man stood by a tall window. Dressed in black, he seemed to merge with