Two Can Play (Celeste and Dominic) novel Chapter 581

He studied me, then added. "Have you been under a lot of stress lately? Thinking too much? Or is something bothering you?"

I wondered what could have triggered my blood pressure so violently. I thought back over the events that had reached deep into my heart. Kneeling by the pool. My necklace being thrown into the water. Slapping Tasha. Sparrow's anger at me for kneeling before Tasha and her friends. Desperately trying to reach Tasha by phone. Going after Sparrow and hearing him confess his feelings for me. All of it had reached deep into my heart, but surely none of it was enough to send my blood pressure that high, right?

Sparrow came closer and gently asked, "Is there anything troubling you?"

I shook my head. "I'm not sure." I turned to the doctor. "What's the way forward? I want to go home. Just tell me what not to do."

The doctor shook his head. "I'd advise against you going home for now. Your blood pressure isn't as high as it was last night, but you're not fully out of danger yet. I need to bring it down to completely safe levels, and I need you to take advantage of this opportunity to get all the rest your body needs. I also need to monitor you closely."

"How long?" I asked.

"I'm not sure," he admitted. "Maybe a week, maybe less. It depends on how your body responds."

I shook my head. I didn't want to be in a hospital for a week. I started to protest, but Sparrow caught my hand.

"Don't argue with the doctor," he said gently. "He's one of the best doctors alive, and he knows what he's talking about. Stay here and rest until you're better."

The doctor nodded at him and excused himself, leaving the room.

I still wasn't at ease, and Sparrow saw it. "If there's anything you need to do, dear, I'll take care of it. I'll clear my schedule and be here with you for as long as I can."

I shook my head. "I don't want to take your time and keep you from your duties."

He reached out and ruffled my hair. "You're worthy enough for me to leave everything else behind and stay by your side."

"No," I insisted. "Charge my phone. I'm worried about her. I need to see her."

"Calm down," he said. "I'll have Tasha brought to you right away."

He took out his phone and called one of his men, instructing him to go home and escort Tasha to the hospital immediately.

"I'd rather speak with her myself," I said.

"You can speak to her when she gets here," he said firmly. "For now, focus on staying away from your phone and getting all the rest you can."

I sighed and nodded, but I couldn't help wondering if Tasha had seen my messages last night. Was she still upset with me? Sparrow sat beside me, holding my hand, staring at me as the time passed slowly. I had just begun to feel drowsy when the door opened and Tasha walked in.