Chapter 1273

Deanna had Alex's full attention.

Ever since he'd learned she'd used her own blood to help him recover, his feelings for her had deepened-fast.

“Deanna, didn't I tell you to stop using your blood for me? Were you listening at all? Did you hurt yourself again?" Alex came out from behind his desk, reaching for her hand.

Deanna pulled away, smiling. “No, you've got it all wrong."

"Let me see." Alex tried again, more insistent this time.

She tried to dodge, but he was quicker, gently catching her wrist.

He pushed her sleeve up, revealing a fresh cut. The sight made his heart squeeze.

"You told me you'd stop, Deanna. You don't have to do this," Alex said, his voice trembling.

"Alex, I just want you to get better. It's just a little blood; it doesn't even hurt. Watching you sick hurts me way more than this does." Deanna rolled her sleeve back down.

"I need to bandage that. It's still bleeding. If we don't take care of it, it could get infected."

He guided her to a chair and made her sit while he grabbed the first aid kit.

Deanna sat quietly as Alex knelt beside her, carefully wrapping her hand. He was gentle, but seeing her like this twisted him up with guilt and worry.

She lowered her head, moving closer to him without thinking.

Alex caught the faint scent of her perfume. When he looked up, their faces were suddenly just inches apart.

Their lips almost touched. Alex pulled back so fast his face turned bright red, all the way to his ears.

Deanna laughed. "Alex, are you scared I'm going to eat you? I'm not a monster, you know. What are you so nervous about?"

He looked embarrassed, giving a sheepish smile. "My leg fell asleep. I wasn't kneeling right."

He tried to stand, but his leg buckled and he stumbled back.

Deanna grabbed him on instinct, pulling him toward her. They both tumbled onto the sofa, landing in a heap.

Alex froze. Everything felt soft, unreal-like he was dreaming with his eyes open.

He snapped out of it and tried to get up, but Deanna slipped her arms around his neck, holding him close.

Her dark eyes gazed up at him, full of affection and a hint of shyness.

"Alex, you really do seem scared of me."

He swallowed, caught off guard. For a moment his mind went blank.

"I'm not scared of you," he muttered, but his voice was tight.

"If you're even look at me? Just admit it, you're nervous Deanna

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Alex shifted, trying to sit up. "Let's get up, okay? We should probably talk like normal people."

His resistance made Deanna feel suddenly small.

"So I guess I'm just not that charming," she said with a self-mocking laugh.

"I..." Alex wanted to explain, but the words wouldn't come.

Awkward silence settled between them.

"I'll go,” Deanna said softly.

She slipped out, shoulders slumped.

Alex stared after her, but didn't call her back. Instead, he headed for the bath and splashed cold water.

ort his face content belongs

He stared at his reflection, feeling sick with himself.

"Come on, Alex. This is your office, not your bedroom. How can you let yourself get distracted like this? Afte everything Ms. Josefina's done for you... is this how you thank her?"

He gave himself a slap, trying to snap out of it.

The sting brought him back. He washed his face again and finally started to pull

himself together.