The Doctor's Forbidden Fling by Karin Baine Page A

also for Violet, who was standing with her arms wrapped around her waist in a self-comforting gesture being completely blanked by her father. The more distressed he could see her becoming, the harder it was for Nate to keep his own temper in check.
    â€˜How dare—?’
    â€˜Dad! He said he’ll sort it. Go and lie down before you do yourself any more damage.’ Violet cut him off as he launched into another rant, her hands now planted on her hips.
    The strength of her bravery was belied by her trembling bottom lip, which only Nate seemed to notice. The Earl, whether exhausted by his own ire or his daughter’s, finally returned to his bed with a grumble.
    Violet visibly relaxed when the argument was brought to a close. Nate had never been privy to the rows she must’ve witnessed at Strachmore and, although he’d been dismayed at times by his own parents’ behaviour, he’d never been afraid in his own home. He had seen the fear in her eyes as she’d confronted her father about his attitude and Nate had just witnessed how vile this man could be. Although he’d tried to back off before he and Violet acted out any more erotic scenes on his furniture, he couldn’t seem to stay away.
    If he’d truly meant to keep his distance he could’ve transferred Samuel Dempsey’s care elsewhere and reduced the chances of running into his daughter, but Nate was very much a part of this dysfunctional relationship. Despite the constant reminders he would never be a suitable match for Violet, it had been hell trying to put that night at his place out of his mind. The handprints left on his table were a frustrating reminder they were physically compatible, combustible even, if not couple material.
    Now today’s drama was over they were left staring at each other pretending there wasn’t a conflict of interests going on. He had history with Violet, and her father, which he was doing his best not to let cloud his judgement. Unfortunately whatever happened with this patient was always going to affect his personal life too.
    â€˜You can’t let him leave.’ Violet was imploring him to intervene with those big expressive eyes. He preferred the dark glittering sapphires when she was in the throes of passion to the all too familiar worried baby blues.
    â€˜Now you’re trying to tell me what’s for the best?’
    She’d almost bitten his head off for daring to do the same over the matter of her mother’s jewellery. A matter that he still wasn’t happy to lay to rest.
    â€˜I’m serious, Nate. You said yourself he should stay here. He’s not ready to go home.’ Everything in her tense body language said she wasn’t ready for it either. If he could’ve chained her father to the bed rather than subject her to any more of his outbursts, he would’ve found a way to do it. They both knew her father’s return to Strachmore would throw everything they’d been working towards into chaos.
    â€˜My hands are tied, I’m afraid. He’s an adult, of, allegedly, sound mind. I can only advise him to remain under my care, not force him. This is clearly also an extremely volatile environment for him and staying won’t benefit him or the other patients around him.’ He hated himself for doing this to her. While she was doing her best to be strong, Nate had seen enough of her telltale signs to see she was struggling.
    â€˜What am I going to do with him? I’m a mental-health nurse, I’m not qualified for cardiac care.’ Violet kept glancing across to his bed, where he was still grumbling and slamming his things around. It was impossible to tell which of them was more stressed here.
    â€˜I’ll get in touch with his GP, see if he can’t persuade him to stay where he is. Failing that, between me, you and my parents, we’ll have to muddle through.’ Another commitment he’d made just so he could put