Entangled: Sequel to Awakened Read Free Page B

ground Aline walks on. They will be most upset.”
    “Her friend Callie said she would call them on her way to the hospital.”
    “Good.” Doug paused. “Corporate Law was her final unit for her degree. She’ll be devastated that she has to defer. Aline hates being away from home which is why she took on extra units to fast track her degree. She was looking forward to returning home. She adores her fathers and has missed them terribly.”
    “Is there anything I can do to help? What sort of student is she?” Xavier wanted to help in any way he could. He blamed himself for her fall. If he hadn’t insisted she move down, it wouldn’t have happened. He had to admit to himself, the only reason he wanted her at the front was so he could drink her in while she worked. The woman fascinated him. Her touch had sent sparks careening through his body, something no other woman’s touch had ever done.
    “She was fast tracked through the course which is why it has only taken her three years so far. She has had numerous perfect or near perfect scores and will be Valedictorian. She has a brilliant mind and will make an exceptional Lawyer. Now, tell me?”
    “Tell you what?”
    “Something about this accident is bothering you. I can see it in your face.”
    “I insisted she move to the front of the room because I could barely hear the answers to my questions. If I hadn’t, she wouldn’t have fallen. It’s my fault.”
    “Codswhallop. It could have happened to any student at any time. It was an unfortunate accident.”
    “Maybe, but I feel responsible. I want to help her.”
    Doug’s eyes narrowed and his brows dipped as he studied Xavier’s face. “Am I missing something?”
    Xavier felt his face heat up. “No. I just feel guilty.”
    “Hmmm, I believe there is more to it but I will let it go for now. Can I ask you to liaise with the hospital on behalf of the University? When Linc and Alistair arrive, and they will, we’ll figure out a way to help her graduate with the rest of her class.”
    “I’m sure we’ll think of a way. I’ll head to the hospital now. I feel terrible about what happened and I can take the opportunity to apologize to her parents.”
    “Their names are Lincoln Bennett, known as Linc, and Alistair Miller. Introduce yourself when they arrive and apologize on behalf of the University. I’ll go and see Dean Thomson and tell him what’s happened.
    “I’ll give you a call when I have some information.”
    “Very good. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
    Xavier and Doug stood, left the office and headed in different directions.
    ***
    Beautiful and smart. Potent combination. Unlike some of those air heads you usually attend charity functions with. You could do with someone with her intelligence to challenge you. Not to mention what you could do with her in bed. He sighed. What on earth was wrong with him? He had never in his whole life wanted a woman as desperately as he wanted Aline. For heavens’ sake, you’ve only just met her. Get a grip. Your body and mind must be playing tricks on you.
    He clicked the device in his hand and the door of his Mercedes unlocked. He slipped in behind the wheel and left the University campus. Peak hour was finished and traffic was much lighter, thank goodness. He arrived at the hospital and parked ten minutes later.
    He asked directions from staff as to Aline’s whereabouts and found Callie in the surgery waiting room. She had a book in her hand and appeared to be studying.
    He cleared his throat as he entered so as not to alarm her.
    She glanced up, bookmarked her place and closed her book. “Mr. Pierce,” she acknowledged.
    He took the vacant seat beside her. “Call me Xavier, please. Any news?”
    “No. The doctor said the break was bad and she needed surgery. He said she’ll be in a cast for eight to ten weeks. She’ll miss too many classes to graduate and I know it will devastate her. I’m worried she’ll walk away without finishing.”
    “She gives