Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 832

Later, he just wanted to see her again and exchange a few words. Then, he wanted to hold her. A single day wasn't enough; he wanted two, secretly wishing she could stay by his side forever.

Human nature was funny like that—give an inch, and they take a mile.

Noreen Gilmore woke up in the hospital bed again on the third day.

She was used to it by now, calmly getting out of bed to wash up.

When she came out, the doctor was changing Seth Harcourt's dressing. The doctor frowned at the freshly torn wound on Seth's arm. "Why does this keep ripping open? If this continues, it's bound to get infected."

Seth remained silent, quietly taking the lecture.

Once the doctor left, Noreen confronted him. "Did it tear again because you grabbed me?"

"No," he denied. "I moved wrong and pulled it. It has nothing to do with you."

"Do you really expect me to believe that nonsense?"

Seth avoided her eyes, remaining stubborn. "I'm just telling you the facts."

"You really don't have to do this. I can sleep on the couch. I only stayed to take care of you because I owe you a favor. You know I don't like owing you anything, and I don't want you doing things for me. I just want us to be strangers who stay out of each other's way."

Her words were like a velvet-wrapped blade, slicing ruthlessly through the most vulnerable part of his heart.

Seth fell silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking up. "Do you think I want to do this?"

Noreen's thoughts stalled for a moment.

"I can't control myself."

"I can't just stand by when you're in danger. My body reacts before my brain even catches up."

"Noreen, I want to be a stranger to you, too."

He let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"I just can't."

Now that the truth was out in the open, a heavy silence settled over the hospital room.

Noreen packed her things, her voice cold as she instructed the caregiver to look after Seth.

Since he was out of danger, there was no reason for her to stay.

Instinctively, she tried to back into the room.

But the moment she moved, the frantic man locked eyes with her.

In that split second, she knew she was in trouble.

The next instant, he lunged at her with the knife.

She took a terrified half-step back—

Suddenly, an arm wrapped around her waist, yanking her out of harm's way with incredible force.

Another round of shrieks erupted, followed immediately by a man's agonized howl.

When Noreen processed what had happened, she saw Seth. He had disarmed the attacker barehanded with his good arm and kicked the man to the ground.

Now neutralized, the attacker was quickly subdued by security.

But Noreen's eyes were entirely fixed on Seth's hand.

He had just sustained yet another fresh wound.