8

Gin discarded her cap, mask and gown into the bin and walked out of the theatre. She was part of the paediatric, cardiac team working on baby Luke. Her nerves were shot, not for professional reasons. It was her heart and the team of cardiac specialists there could not have done a single thing to stabilize her, least of all the Head of Cardiology, one Kin Arvis Ra for he was the reason for her state of near collapse. It was working so closely with Kin Arvis that had her literally on a knife's edge. Watching as Kin Arvis confidently made the primary incision, their hands touching as Gin prepared the heart for the surgery and when their shoulders brushed as they leaned over the tiny patient; Gin's body temperature rose to near danger levels, even though the room temperature in the theatre was near freezing. Every time she passed Kin Arvis an instrument, their hands touched. It had to have been some supernatural force that carried her through in there. She was a total wreck now, ready to collapse to the floor, her legs barely carrying her out of theatre. The same could not have been said for Kin Arvis. He was Mr. Smooth Operator in there. Cool, calm, confident, in total control and so much charisma as he effeciently led the team through the intricate procedure. How does he do it? Gin wished she could be as emotionally "switched off" as Kin Arvis. She wished she had his steely determination. It was nerve wrecking standing next to Kin Arvis and assisting to perform heart surgery, while a human being's life was at stake. Gin desperately craved a cup of coffee now, but her legs would not move. "You did well in there Dr. Mikhayla." Gin jumped. She had not expected Kin Arvis to be out so quickly. Her duties as the paediatrician, had been completed but as senior cardiologist, Kin Arvis generally stayed to supervise his team and in most instances he remained till he was satisfied the patient could be moved to the recovery room. Gin stared as Kin Arvis discarded his theatre garb. He was so good looking. So tall, broad shouldered. His strongly boned face so attractive to watch … "Gin, you okay?" His eyes looked so tender, set so neatly beneath those finely shaped brows, as he look at her with concern. "Yeah," she looked away. "It's been a while since I've stood that long in theatre," she spoke softly. "That little guy is a fighter," Kin Arvis smiled, sitting on the arm rest of her couch. "They're stitching him up, but I'm very happy with his vital stats." "Luke's so little, only eleven months old," she murmured. Kin Arvis's eyes darkened. He lifted her one hand, closing it between his huge palms. Gin wrenched, attempting to pull her hand away, but Kin Arvis's grip tightened. "I promise you that little guy is going to be as fit as a fiddle in a few months," he assured her compassionately, in a firm voice. "I believe you," she smiled slightly. "You are a good surgeon." "And you're a damn fine paediatrician Gin," he stood up. "I'm proud of your support in there," he nodded, released her hand and walked away. Gin warmed at Kin Arvis's compliment. He had been sincere, not patronizing, just being factual. Still it was rewarding coming from Kin Arvis. "Gin?" "Yeah?" She looked up to see Kin Arvis had stopped walking. He was looking at her with those serious eyes as if she was in trouble. "Don't get emotionally involved." "W___what do you mean?" She knew exactly what he meant as she struggled to her feet with much difficulty. Kin Arvis walked back to where she stood. His voice low as he spoke, an index finger waging before her eyes pointedly. "I know you care deeply for your patients, Gin. I take my responsibility as a surgeon seriously as well, but you and I are not God. We do the best we know how." Gin looked away. They were taught this in Med School, to allow science to do its job; not to become personally or emotionally involved with patients. She knew that as well as Kin Arvis did, but how could she distance herself from the pain, little helpless children suffered? She was a mother herself, she could not force herself to be inhumane. "I know," she mumbled, keeping her head low. "Keep that chin up," he grinned, his index finger lifting her chin so he could look into her eyes. Gin lifted her head, forcing a wry smile for his benefit. He could be so charming with that seductive … "Gin," Kin Arvis groaned softly, pulling her into his arms. "I have been accused of having an iron fist. You're destroying my reputation," his arms circled her shoulders comfortingly. "Sorry," she did not know why she was apologizing, but it was wonderful being in his arms. "I have another surgery to perform," he gently removed his arms. "You going to be okay?" "Yes." Gin felt disheartened when she lost the comfort of his arms. That was rare, even for Kin Arvis. How many other doctors did he give such physical comfort to? I'm fine. "Go on," she murmured. Amazing how different the personalities of Kin Arvis and Ethan were, like chalk and cheese. Kin Arvis spoke volumes with his hypnotic eyes, stoic body language and his authoritative voice. Ethan on the other hand, used charm and persuasion. He badgered Gin non-stop to go out with him. Gin continued to reject Ethan's advances. He refused to back off. He pestered her non-stop. "How old are you?" Gin demanded "Twenty four, sweetheart," he grinned. "And experienced enough," he bragged. Kin Arvis would never be so blasé "You're so modest!" She accused derisively. "Just want to assure you," he trailed his finger down her cheek "your satisfaction is guaranteed." Gin slapped his hand away. "I'm almost five years older than you!" "Certainly works in my favour," his lips were close to her ear. Actually the sum total of my sexual experience, is one night; ten years ago! "Ethan ___ I am not having a relationship with you!" she pushed him away. "Hey," Ethan defensively lifted his hands into the air. "I never said anything about a relationship." Typical Ra. "You know I'm out of here in three weeks," he smiled charmingly. "Can't we just hang out ___ spend time together. You know there'ssomething between us." "Ethan," Gin moved away. "When I said 'relationship," that included casual sex, a fling, or whatever term you wish to coin it," her eyes locked with his expressly. "I'm not into cheap affairs." Ethan closed the distance between them. His hands closed around her upper arms, his eyes gazing into hers with blatant desire. "Gin," he murmured softly. "It would not be cheap, not in my books. I am attracted to you. I want you, "he smiled. "But I will be honest with you. I'm too young to think about a serious relationship now. You will know the commitment this career demands. You"ve already qualified. I still need to get there," he took her hands, kissed her wrist, then laced his fingers through hers. Gin could not deny, there was something between them. Not the fireworks or explosive attraction between her and Kin Arvis but … . something existed between her and Ethan. "I like you, Gin," Ethan smiled. "I just want to spend my free time with you and hey if you're not prepared to go to bed with me, I still have three weeks to work my charm on you right?" Gin laughed. "You're incorrigible." "Go out with me tonight. I know this fancy club where we can do some indecent dancing," he pressed his cheek to hers. "Night club, no. I'm too old for that!" "Okay," Ethan sighed. "Black tie dinner in a respectable restaurant then," he laughed. Gin searched his eyes. She did not want to lead him on, she liked his honesty. The idea of going on a date with Ethan seemed harmless. "Just so we set the record straight Ethan. This is just a date ____. Don't expect anything." "One kiss perhaps," his lips drew closer to her, his body pressed against hers. "We'll see," she pushed him away. "Pick me up at seven." As Gin walked away, Kin Arvis was coming out of the lift. Gin silently said a thank you prayer that Kin Arvis had not arrived a minute earlier. Now why was she feeling guilty. It was not like she was answerable to him in her personal life. "Gin," he smiled courteously. "You're still here?" But Kin Arvis's eyes were not smiling. They were cold and reprimanding, that she was fraternising with his younger brother. "Er ___ I was just leaving," she rushed into the lift and quickly shut it. To her surprise, Gin had enjoyed her dinner with Ethan. She knew he could be a charmer, but she liked that he did not cross the boundary. He was knowledgeable too about a great many things, good conversationalist and funny. She had not laughed that much in a very long time. Ethan was such pleasant company, she was sure she would say yes if he asked her out again. It was a week later then, when Ethan strolled into Gin's office with that very purpose in mind. "It's my birthday this Saturday." "I'll send you a greeting card," Gin grinned, adding another patient file to her out tray for her secretary to capture. "It is just a Barbequi, Gin. I want you to come," he invited. Gin looked up. She wondered where the location of "come" referred to. Would it be Ethan's parents" home? Would Kin Arvis be there? She did not know if she wanted to meet the senior Crawfords, considering she was hiding crucial information that they were Vin's paternal grandparents. Oh how she hated all this deception. If only Kin Arvis had believed that Vin was his. When he denied that the baby she was carrying was his and added to that, the hurtful things he had insinuated about her trying to trap him, she'd decided then that she would raise Vin on her own. Little did she know that Kin Arvis would return or that they'd be working so closely together. It was becoming a nightmare deciding how to bring this out into the open. What would all the staff at the clinic think? Gin could just imagine the rage Kin Arvis was going to get into. Perhaps she should request an appointment with him at a neutral meeting place and ___." "Gin, surely my invitation does not need that much deliberation!" "What?" "You're miles away," he laughed, shaking his head. "I want you to come to my birthday." Ethan was attractive, good company, and she liked him on a platonic level, but Ethan clearly wanted more. Gin did not want to meet his parents or bump into Kin Arvis. "Oh___ I don't know Ethan. I don't think I should." "Give me ten reasons why?" he demanded. It was Gin's turn to offer a nervous laugh. Because I slept with your brother. Because you are my son's uncle. Because I don't want to betray Kin Arvis. Because I still ____. "There you see; you cannot even think up one single excuse Gin." "Why can't you take a girl who is single and ___ does not have any baggage," Gin murmured the last bit. Ethan sat on the edge of her desk. He took her hands into his. His eyes locked with hers meaningfully. Gin swallowed. She could feel the heat rise from her throat and fill her cheeks. His thumb caressed the soft spot on her wrist sending her pulse running. She was human. She was a woman with needs. She spent most night having conversations with her aged mother or her young son. She craved adult company and the attention of the opposite sex. Ethan was charming and attractive in that boyish way. "Say yes Gin," he lifted her wrist and kissed the inside of her palm. "I would like your company," he persisted. "I promise to be on my best behaviour," he grinned. As much as she was reluctant, Gin was intrigued to visit the Ra home. Would Kin Arvis be there with a date? How would the senior Crawfords react to seeing one of their staff dating their son? How would they react if I told them Vin was their grandson. Gin groaned aloud. She suspected the Crawfords were eagerly awaiting their eldest son to present them with an heir. Yet she had been devious and had denied them the privilege of seeing their grandchild growing up. They had missed all his formative years, because she had kept Vin's birth a secret. Gin could have provided indisputable scientific proof, but did she want to force Kin Arvis into an obligation he had no interest in? And that is all Vin would be to Kin Arvis, just an obligation. Gin feared, his parents would compel Kin Arvis to do the right thing, if she were to announce the paternity of her son, she would be forced into a marriage with a man who did not love her and that would kill her. She would hate to look into Kin Arvis's eyes and see contempt and entrapment reflected there. "That's it," Ethan stood up. "I'm not taking no for an answer. I will pick you up at seven." "Ethan," she sighed. "I have not said yes." He knelt down next to her chair. Gin's eyes widened nervously. "What are you doing?" she whispered. "Here'syour chance Gin, look me in the eye and say no," he challenged, a wounded look enveloped his eyes. "That's unfair," she murmured. "I'm not going to hurt you, Gin. My folks will be there. I know Kin Arvis's date has already confirmed. You have nothing to worry about." Oh! So I have to suffer through an entire evening watching Kin Arvis with his date! "Fine," she murmured. "I'll be your date, with no strings," she emphasized. "Thank you," he grinned. "Yo don't have to bring a present, a kiss will suffice," he winked mischievously. Gin laughed, "all you'll get is a peck on the cheek," she warned. "See you at seven," he laughed and walked out. Gin could not contain the butterflies running riot in her tummy. She smiled nervously as Ethan helped her out of his sport scar. It should have been Kin Arvis bringing her to his parents" house. He was the father of her child. It should have been Kin Arvis introducing her to his parents, yet it would be Ethan discharged with that function. 'relax, it's just a Barbequi," Ethan laughed. "My parents are used to us having company over all the time." I see … no big deal, then! From the patio where he was self tasked as the Barbequi master. Kin Arvis had a bird's eye view of the driveway. He held his breath as Gin alighted Ethan's car. He knew she would be arriving. Ethan had informed him, who his date was. Still, something he refused to define, crushed around Kin Arvis's heart. He should be the one Gin was smiling up to, not his baby brother. It was into his eyes that Gin should have been gazing so adoringly, not his playboy brother! She looked so beautiful. His eyes scraped up and down her curvaceous body. She looked stunning in her attractive evening dress. Soft shade of baby pink, detailed with a ruched effect around her waist. Her slender legs in a pair of very sexy grey suede heels. His fingers tingled as he took in her glossy hair all bouncing around her shoulders as she walked in step with Ethan to the front door. Gin's palms were sweaty as she was introduced to Talbot and Anne Ra. Talbot's warm smile set her at ease. "Dr. Mikhayla, hello. I've heard very good things about you from Dr. Jenkins," he shook her hand with much strength. Gin was shocked. She did not think he would know who she was but Talbot seemed to know Gin reported to Dr. Jenkins. "Thank you, sir," Gin stammered. She could not understand her nervousness. "Hello dear, welcome to our home," Anne Ra smiled with soft, welcoming eyes. Gin had seen her frequently around the hospital, doing charitable work. Often she'd walk through the wards greeting patients, making sure they were comfortable, in the special loving way she had about her. She smiled now approvingly at her young son. Guilt washed over Gin. "Thank you Mrs. Ra," Gin shook her hand, not sure if an embrace would have been appropriate. Gin's head's swung to the balcony door when a laughing couple strolled into the lounge. Her nerves were shot. She began hyperventilating. She looked away, her eyes falling to Mrs. Ra. Gin was surprised, she thought Ethan would have been his mother's favourite, yet Anne's eyes glowed adoringly at her eldest child. She smiled, lovingly, as Kin Arvis drew up to his mother and placed a kiss on her cheek. Their eyes met. There was palpable tension in the air as Gin and Kin Arvis just stared at each other. The air around her was suddenly charged by Kin Arvis's debilitating presence. His eyes were shadowed by thick dark lashes, unreadable. She could not tell anything from the shuttered look on his face. Gin tried to get her thoughts back on track. "Gin, good evening," he drawled lazily. He only ever called her by her name when they were alone. She supposed this evening was unofficial enough for first name basis. Kin Arvis had a date. His date was stunning. A very, very sexy blonde, with glassy green eyes like precious emerald gemstones. Sharp claws of jealousy tightened their grip as Gin watched Heather freely embrace Kin Arvis. Kin Arvis had introduced her. Her name was Heather Grant and apparently, she was a high school science teacher! So just how did Kin Arvis Ra meet this sexy high school science teacher? She really was beautiful, Gin admitted to herself. If that was not bad enough for Gin's ego, Heather had this angelic looking face that came readymade with an alluring smile. The woman seemed impervious of her stunning looks and sex appeal, but she did only have eyes for Kin Arvis. Who could blame her? Jealousy engulfed Gin, infact she felt more than just a pang of jealousy. Introductions all around went of smoothly. Casual pleasantries were exchanged. Gin did not offer much to say, aware of Kin Arvis's eyes boring into her. The senior Crawfords drifted off to a private lounge until dinner was ready. The brothers exited to the patio to prepare dinner on the Barbequi stand. It left Gin and Kin Arvis's date alone. Heather smiled sincerely as she led Gin to the drinks stand to refill her own champagne glass. "If you will pardon my inquisitiveness, I have to ask how did you two meet?" Gin smiled nonchalantly. She was stuck with Heather while the two brothers were busy at the Barbequi stand. Heather laughed self consciously. She took a sip from her champagne glass. Her eyes flew to Kin Arvis indulgently, before she answered Gin. "One of my learners had an injury on the sports field," she smiled at Gin. "I was on duty. I rushed Derek to the outpatients," she smiled. "When they told me Derek needed an orthopedic surgeon, I cursed silently, wondering if I was going to spend the entire evening there, but then when Kin Arvis walked in, my oh my," her eyes rolled dramatically, she licked her lips. Heather leaned close to Gin and whispered. "I have never before been so pleased to escort a learner to the hospital ," she smirked. Gin smiled uncomfortably. "I would not have minded spending the night there," she laughed. "But Derek was quickly attended to, broken ankle plastered and discharged." She leaned conspirationally, closer to Gin again. "Kin Arvis gave Derek his business card for a follow up appointment. I casually took the card, memorized the number and gave it back to Derek," she laughed mischievously. Gin took a small sip from her glass. She could not believe Kin Arvis would fraternize with patients" relatives or those accompanying the patient for that matter! "He would not go on a date with me," Heather whispered, as if reading Gin's thoughts. "What!" Heather's shoulders swayed from left to right. "Initially he just brushed me off," she smiled, "but I could not forget him, he is just so gorgeous," she sighed softly. "I called him about three times, before he finally agreed to have a drink with me." "Persistence pays then," Gin smiled insincerely, covetousness piercing her heart. "Oh yes," Heather laughed. "I made him take me home," she bit on her lower lip, "and I seduced him," she confessed unashamedly. "I guess that was easy," Gin did not realize she spoke aloud. "Pardon?" "I guess that was pleasing," Gin amended. "Oh ___words cannot describe his expertise," she groaned softly. "The man knows exactly ___." "Spare me the details," Gin cut her off. "He's visited me every night since last Tuesday," Heather bit on her lower lip again, oblivious of Gin's envy, and sudden lack of interest. "I told you too much information," Gin relaxed her hold on her glass before it crushed in her hand. "Oh sorry," Heather chuckled. "So ___ you met Ethan at university?" "What___ no! He's an intern," Gin helped herself to a pretzel and bit into it. "So ___ you were a ___ patient?" " No___ I'm a pediatrician." "Good heavens! You look so young! I would never have guessed. Wow!" I'd rather be beautiful than just ___young! "Is it true?" Heather whispered conspirationally, " that Kin Arvis is like the boss there? He's so secretive. He never talks about himself," she sighed, " but all that mystery adds to the attraction," she laughed. "He's the boss alright," Gin added with admiration. No matter what her love- hate feelings were towards Kin Arvis. He was a damn excellent surgeon and an exceptionally efficient Chief of Staff. The man was a born leader. "He said there were rules," Heather murmured. "Excuse me!" Heather smiled at Gin. "I thought he was joking, but he said if we were to date___ that there were ground rules." "You know," Heather spoke softly, her eyes suddenly sad. "He warned me and I quote "I'm not the marrying kind and there will be no children," unquote." Gin's eyes popped out. She was speechless. Heather was suddenly so sad, she wanted to reach out and wrap her arms around her. "He said he's dedicated to his job; that he keeps ungodly hours and no woman was going to put up with that," she was almost in tears. Why the hell does he want nothing to do with children ___even his own child? It's like he's married to his job," Heather spoke softly. That he is Gin agreed silently. "Kin Arvis is a very dedicated physician. I'm sorry," Gin added, uncomfortably. "You are so beautiful," Gin stated sincerely. "No guarantee you can hold onto a man," Heather replied grimly. "He warned me," she attempted a brittle laugh. Gin could empathize with Heather. Hadn't she been in exactly the same predicament ten years ago? Didn't she have to pick up the pieces when Kin Arvis had just abandoned her when she'd told him she was pregnant? Gin still hurt from his rejection and more frustratingly, she still cared, deeply for the lout. "I'm not normally the flirtatious type," Heather smiled, "but Kin Arvis is so hot. Don't you think so?" she murmured softly to Gin. That he is! Beautiful as Heather was, Gin could not believe she was not the flirty type, still her comment seemed sincere. "Yeah," Gin nodded. "Is that all you can say?" Heather laughed. "Hey gorgeous," Ethan waltzed in. "Can I get you another drink?" He draped his arm possessively around Gin's waist. Gin looks at the glass in her hand. She'd barely touched her champagne. "No, I'm good thanks." "When I said, can I get you another, I meant something else. Does not seem like you're enjoying that," he laughed. "My drink's fine, Ethan," Gin smiled politely. "How about you, Heather?" Ethan offered. "Hey Heather come on outside," Kin Arvis's voice commanded from the patio. When Gin looked up, she wondered why Kin Arvis's eyes were glaring at her. "I'm not saying no to that invite," Heather spoke softly close to Gin's ear. With a spring in her step, she rushed outside. Gin felt her insides twist painfully, when she saw Heather kiss Kin Arvis smack on the lips. Encouraged by the welcome smile on Kin Arvis's face, Heather pulled his head lower and kissed him again. "Hey___ you want to check out my room? Ethan tugged at Gin's hand. "Oh that is so tacky Ethan! Listen you should take me back home." "Gin___ I'm sorry. Please, don't go yet." "Take me back, or I call a cab Ethan," Gin could not watch Kin Arvis and his lover for another second. "Please," Ethan pleaded. "It's my birthday, don't just leave now ___." his palm circled her wrist pleadingly. A naughty smile lit up his face. "I would have engineered a kiss in my room, nothing more," he assured her. "Dinner's ready." Kin Arvis came in with the tray full of delicious smelling steaks. His eyes trained on Ethan's hand on Gin. "You can't leave now Gin___ please," Ethan whispered in her ear. "I promise I'll take you home, just after dinner." Gin nodded. She supposed, she could suffer through the dinner, just for Ethan's sake. At least Kin Arvis's parents would also be at the table and Mrs. Ra was a dear woman. "Okay," she smiled at Ethan, more to annoy Kin Arvis than anything else. "Thank you," he breathed a sigh of relief. Gin was pleasantly surprised. She was seated at Mrs. Ra's right, Ethan to her right. There was nothing she could do about the fact that every time she looked up, Kin Arvis's eyes were boring into her. Heather tried to detract his attention, but she was only met with a forced, polite smile. Gin remained silent for most of the meal. She only spoke when Heather, Mrs. Ra or Ethan coaxed her into a conversation. Ethan looked uncomfortable as if he was in trouble with Gin. She tried to let him know with an encouraging smile, that they were still okay, her hand touched his wrist lightly. Big mistake! As she looked up, a furious pair of eyes, dark as slate, pierced into hers. Oh boy! Why the hell did I accept Ethan's invite? Gin cringed silently when she looked the other way and found Mrs. Ra looking curiously from her to Kin Arvis. Dear lord I feel like such a cheat. They have a grandson they have not even met! Gin was relieved when the dinner finally came to an end. Ethan tactfully made excuses. "We'll say good night," Ethan's eyes swept across the room. "Gin is tired. I'm going to hit the club," he prevaricated. Gin could feel Kin Arvis's eyes on her again. Obviously Kin Arvis was not buying that story. He probably presumed she and Ethan were going off to indulge in some romantic interlude. Gin refused to meet Kin Arvis's accusing eyes. "We'll drop Gin off then," Kin Arvis dropped that bombshell. He knew the night club Ethan referred to was in the opposite direction of where Gin lived. Gin's head flew up. "No ___ I will go with Ethan ___ thank you," she stammered, hoping her weary tone wasn't too obvious. Her hand knotted tightly around her wine glass. She'd much rather Ethan take her home, than being in Kin Arvis's insufferable company and she could not endure seeing Heather all over Kin Arvis for one more second. She failed to quell the stab of pain that came with the distant yet unforgettable memories. "You're still going to spend the night with me right?" Gin heard Heather whisper to Kin Arvis, though not soft enough, it carried to Gin's ears. She could not hear what Kin Arvis had whispered back, although, it must have pleased Heather for she smiled back elatedly.