The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Daniel’s POV:

The notification flashed across my phone screen just as I finished reviewing the surgical notes–Weather Alert: Heavy Rainstorm in Portland.

I picked up the phone and sent a message:

Heavy rainstorm alert for Portland. Be careful if you need to go out.

I stood and walked to the window, looking out over Boston’s skyline.

The weather here was clear, almost mockingly pleasant.

My phone stayed silent.

Luke appeared in the doorway, surgical cap still on. “OR 3 is ready. Patient’s prepped and anesthesia is standing by.” He paused, studying my

face. “You okay?”

“Fine.” I turned from the window. “Just checking weather conditions.”

“In Portland?” His eyebrow rose. “That’s where Emma is, right?”

“Yes.” I picked up my phone again. Still nothing from Emma. “Heavy rainstorm. Haven’t heard from her yet.”

Luke’s expression softened slightly. “I’m sure she’s fine. Probably just busy with the exhibition setup.”

I’m about to pocket my phone when it finally buzzes in my hand.

Emma: “So sorry! I’ve been running non–stop all day and completely forgot to check my phone. Just got back to the hotel now. Don’t worry- everything’s fine!”

The tension in my shoulders eases. I type back quickly: “Good to hear. Have you eaten?”

Three dots appear immediately.

Emma: “Yes! My friend and I grabbed dinner at this cute café.”

A moment later, a photo loaded on my screen.

It was clearly taken from inside a hotel room: a glimpse of a neatly made bed, the corner of a window with raindrops visible on the glass, and

on the nightstand, a white ceramic mug with steam rising from what looks like hot milk.

I stare at the photo. Emma doesn’t drink hot milk before bed. She’s a chamomile tea person.

But someone made her that milk. Someone who knows she’s had a long day. Someone who’s close enough to bring it to her room

8:45 am P pp-

Chapter 94

“Your friend is staying at the same hotel?” I type, keeping my tone casual.

Emma: “Yes. It would be safer–you know, in case of emergencies.”

Perfectly reasonable. Logical, even. But why does something tighten in my chest?

“Everything okay?” Luke asked.

I look up, realizing I’ve been standing here staring at my phone for longer than appropriate. “Fine. She’s at the hotel.

“Good. So you can relax now.” Luke glances at his watch. “Come on, let’s get ready. OR 3 is waiting.”

I nod, pocketing my phone. “Right. Give me five minutes.”

I head to the locker room, the familiar ritual of preparation helping to clear my head. Strip off the street clothes, pull on the scrubs, tie the drawstring. Each motion was mechanical, practiced.

We push through the double doors into the surgical suite.

The space is more crowded than usual–not just the standard OR team, but several residents arranged along the observation gallery above. notebooks ready.

家

Two cameras are positioned at strategic angles, their red recording lights already glowing.

Dr. Owen’s voice carries across the room, crisp and commanding despite his fifty–two years. “Today’s ascending aortic replacement will serve as the new standard protocol demonstration. Dr. Prescott and I will be performing the procedure together.”

“Begin.”

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