The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 297

The nurse checked her computer. "The patient in Room 12 has already been discharged."

Sebastian's brow twitched into a subtle frown. He thanked the nurse and pulled out his phone, dialing Riley's number as he headed back toward the elevators.

At Amber Heart Court.

Riley was organizing the survey data she had collected over the last two days when her phone rang. Seeing the name "Sebastian" flash on the screen, her heart instantly kicked into high gear.

Since when was she this jumpy? It was just a phone call. Why was she so nervous?

She took a deep breath, forcing her heart rate down before answering. "Sebastian."

"Why did you check out of the hospital?" His deep, magnetic voice hummed through the speaker.

"It was just a few minor scrapes. I'm fine, so I left."

"Are you at a hotel, or staying with your friend?"

If Pierce had asked that, Riley wouldn't have hesitated to tell him it was none of his business. But with Sebastian, she found herself completely unable to say anything that might sound rebellious or ungrateful.

This was definitely not a good sign.

She pressed her lips together. "Did you need something else?"

Silence fell over the line.

Riley gripped her phone tighter. He was incredibly sharp; he definitely noticed her dodging the question. Was he quiet because he was angry?

He had just saved her life, and now she was giving him the cold shoulder. Was she being too harsh?

Maybe she should just tell him she was staying at Quinn's. It wasn't exactly a state secret. Why did she suddenly feel the need to defy him and act so defensive?

It was just a momentary lapse in judgment.

Riley opened her mouth to speak, but he beat her to it.

"You might have nightmares tonight. You shouldn't sleep alone. Have your friend stay with you."

"Sebastian."

Quinn's expression instantly turned serious. "Did he call for your answer?"

"No, just calling to check up on me."

Quinn wanted to point out that given their incredibly complicated dynamic, him calling late at night to 'check up' on her was definitely not standard behavior.

But she knew Riley was already overwhelmed from the attack and didn't want to add to her mental load. She simply nodded.

The two got into bed, chatted for a little while, and then went to sleep.

Before drifting off, Riley constantly repeated a mental mantra: I am safe here. There is no danger. But despite the self-hypnosis, the nightmares came anyway.

In the dream, the tattoos on the two men were horrifically vivid.

She was thrown over a shoulder, slammed onto a desk. They ripped her clothes to shreds, pinning her arms down...