Chapter 99

Chapter 99 +25 BONUS Clark looked at her, waiting for an answer. An answer that never came as Thalassa quickly changed the subject.

“We better get out of here before that bastard comes back, don’t you think?” she said instead.

Clark nodded, realizing she didn’t want to talk about it. “We need to report this to the police.”

“Sure. But let’s just go to the hospital first, Clark,” she said, her voice indifferent.

With his key, Clark unlocked the car door, but before he could open the driver’s side, she took the key from him.

“I’ll drive.”

Clark didn’t protest. “Okay, but I need to get something.

He opened the door and picked up what looked like a napkin. Thalassa watched him curiously as he bent down and picked up both the gun and the knife with the napkin, groaning as he did.

“What are you doing?”

“This is evidence we can present to the police when we file the report.”

Thalassa pursed her lips before reminding him, “He was wearing gloves, Clark. There won’t be any fingerprints to trace.”

Clark pondered this. “That’s true, but you never know. The police might even be able to trace the bullet to that bastard. We can’t let whoever did this get away with it.”

“Oh Godddd,” Clark winced, flinching away even before the needle could come near his skin.

They were in a hospital ward, and he was shirtless to expose the cut on his torso, which wasn’t that deep but still needed stitches.

Every time the doctor brought the needle close, he flinched and pulled away. But instead of getting impatient, the female doctor seemed rather amused.

“It won’t hurt, I promise,” she assured him. “Not that much anyway.”

“See? See? That means it will hurt. Doc, can’t you just tell her that my wound is going to heal on its own?” Clark complained, pointing with his chin at Thalassa, who sat on a chair beside him, waiting for him to be stitched up so they could leave.

“No. You’re already here, so let’s just get it over with, okay?”

When she attempted to bring the needle close again, he winced and held her hand. Thalassa was amused.

“Clark, when did you become so afraid of needles?”

“Whoever isn’t afraid of these things isn’t in their right mind.”

The doctor turned to Thalassa. “I have an idea. Why don’t you kiss your boyfriend while I’m stitching him up? He’ll barely feel anything. It always works.”

>>

Both Thalassa and Clark tensed, exchanging a look before Thalassa quickly clarified, “There’s nothing between us, doctor. We’re just friends.”

“Oh,” the doctor looked mortified. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you two looked so good together.”

1/2 Chapter 99 +25 BONUS An awkward silence settled over them until Clark spoke to break it, Clark spoke, “You know what, Doc, I’m ready. Just put it in me.”

He shut his eyes, as if looking at the needle would discourage him. Relieved, the doctor immediately went to work.

“Fuck,” Clark hissed under his breath as the doctor drove the needle through his skin.

Without warning, he grabbed Thalassa’s hand. Thalassa stiffened at the unexpected contact, but it seemed unintentional since Clark had his eyes shut and teeth gritted in discomfort. She forced herself to relax and didn’t pull her hand away.

A few minutes later, the doctor declared, “All done.”

Clark’s eyes finally flew open. “Wait, really?”

The doctor chuckled with amusement. “See, you barely felt the rest after the first stitch went in.”

‘Clark let out a chuckle. “Can’t believe I’m such a wimp.”

“When does he have to come back to get them removed?” Thalassa inquired.

. “Oh, I forgot to mention. These stitches are dissolvable, so he doesn’t need to come back for removal. They will dissolve in a few days,” the doctor answered before excusing herself and leaving the room.

“You must be thinking very low of me right now,” Clark said sheepishly after the doctor was gone.

Thalassa snorted. “You’re not the first man to be afraid of needles.”

“Not only that,” Clark said, his voice dropping slightly. “I’m referring to the man who attacked you outside the restaurant. I was supposed to protect you, yet I’m the one with stitches. I’m sorry.”

Thalassa shook her head and spoke genuinely. “No, Clark. You risked your life for me. I don’t know what else is bravery if not this. I truly appreciate it.”