The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 16 Close Enough to Burn 2

+25 Pamls

Chapter 16: Close Enough to Burn-2

Because Damien spoke.

“What’s his name?”

Not who is he. Not what’s going on.

Just – his name.

Low. Dangerous. Final.

“Dr. Beckett,” Jamie answered.

And she swore the temperature in the car dropped.

He didn’t say anything else.

But he didn’t need to.

When they finally stepped out, she could still feel it – that invisible thread that had wrapped around her spine and pulled tight. She thanked James politely, nodded at Damien, kept her head down.

But when Damien said, “Don’t be late on Monday,” her throat tightened.

Because it wasn’t just a reminder.

It sounded like a warning.. Or a claim.

And she felt it.

All the way through her bones.

The check-up itself was uneventful. Dr. Brown was kind, thorough, and straight to the point

always.

–

Jamie’s blood pressure was stable. His white blood cell count had improved slightly. The new medication seemed to be helping, but it had to be taken on schedule. No skipped doses. No off days. His weight had gone up slightly. His color was better.

But the surgery still loomed like a monster on the horizon.

“He’s doing well,” Dr. Brown said, flipping through the chart. “But the surgery isn’t optional. It’s still necessary. If we delay too long, we risk complications that meds won’t be able to fix.”

Maya nodded slowly, gripping her purse tighter in her lap.

…

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hapter 16 Close Enough to Burn 2

“I understand,” she whispered. “I just… I need more time.”

She did understand.

But understanding didn’t print money. It didn’t pay hospital fees.

She just needed time.

*29 Pos

The doctor gave her a sympathetic look. “I know. And we’ll do what we can on our end. But try not to wait too long, Maya. The sooner we move, the better his chances for a full recovery.”

She thanked him. Shook his hand. Then held Jamie’s tighter than usual as they left the office.

They’d barely made it to the hallway when Beckett appeared.

“Maya!”

Beckett walked over quickly, too quickly. His white coat flared slightly with each step, and the forced smile on his face made her stomach twist.

“I waited earlier,” he said, holding up the takeout bag and the sad-looking rose like they were some kind of peace offering. “Didn’t see you. I thought maybe something happened.”

Jamie stepped subtly in front of her, just enough to block part of Beckett’s view. “We came in through the other entrance,” he said coolly.

Beckett blinked, clearly not expecting the interruption.

“Well… I just thought I’d catch you after your appointment. Maybe we could talk.”

Jamie’s brows pulled together. “About what?”

Maya gently touched her brother’s shoulder. “Jamie,” she said softly, then looked up at Beckett with as much calm as she could manage.

“Dr. Beckett… thank you, but I can’t accept this.” She gestured to the bag. “And I’m not comfortable with the attention. Especially the gifts. I’ve said this before, and I mean it – I’m not interested.”

Her voice didn’t waver. Not this time.

Polite. Firm. Clear.

Beckett’s smile twitched.

Not fully. Not obviously.

But it darkened.

For a second, Maya saw it.

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Chapter 16 Close Enough to Burn 2

Chapter 16 Close Enough to Burn 2

“Then let’s go home.”

Maya blinked. “You sure? We can go somewhere. Do anything you want, today’s for you.”

+25 Points

He smiled softly, that older-than-his-years kind of smile. “How about we grab ice cream at that

place I like… then head home?”

“Home?” she repeated, surprised.

“Yeah,” he shrugged. “It’s hot out. And I kinda just want to stay in and read. Plus…” – he looked away, pretending to be nonchalant – “if I’m gonna apply to that mentorship Mr. Blackwood mentioned, I gotta get smarter, right?”

Maya felt her heart tug. She knew Jamie well enough to read between the lines.

She hugged him, soft and tight.

He wasn’t tired.

He knew she was.

She blinked fast, her throat suddenly tight. “Okay,” she whispered. “Ice cream and then home.”

Jamie slipped his hand into hers as they started walking.

And somehow… that only made her heart ache harder.

Not from fear.

–

But from the part of her that wished – just once that someone else would carry it for her.

Even if that someone was dangerous.

Even if that someone made her body burn.

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