The Billionaire's Runaway Nurse

14

**Bryan's POV**

“Mr. Miller, where should I take you?” James whispered, steadying me as we exited the room.

“The side entrance will be fine,” I replied, wincing slightly. I hadn’t mentioned my back to Mia; there was no need to add to her worry. It wasn’t anything serious, just a dull, persistent ache—nothing compared to the sharp sting in my elbow. I only hoped it wasn’t fractured. Judging by the way Mia reacted, I could tell she’d be overwhelmed with guilt if she knew. She’d start blaming herself, and I couldn’t bear to see her like that.

I knew better than to feel anything for the daughter of that man. But she was Mia, the same Mia I once knew, the girl I used to play with as a child. She was still soft-hearted, couldn’t stand to see anyone hurt. I suppose she inherited that gentleness from her mother, Amelia. Yes, Amelia. Mia’s mother was kind in a way that felt boundless, and maybe I was even more attached to her than my own mother. I would cry whenever it was time to leave, and Amelia knew how to soothe me, knew how to make the world feel safe. Then one day, all of that was gone.

I shook my head, dispelling memories best left in the past. There was no point in dwelling; that time only reminded me of what I couldn’t change. I was no longer the vulnerable boy who once clung to warmth and familiarity. That boy had grown up, hardened into someone capable of doing what he needed. A cub, now a lion, aware of his strength and the power to protect what was his.

Still, Mia’s presence unsettled me. She was his daughter, and it was likely she’d side with her father no matter what. Who wouldn’t? He’d provided her with a life of comfort and luxury. Of course, she’d do anything to defend him.

I still can’t believe she ended up at that auction. She must have been kidnapped; there’s no other way to explain it. At least I had the information I needed in time. I shudder to think what might have happened if I hadn’t gotten there. Best not to dwell on it.

“Mr. Miller?” James’s voice cut through my thoughts.

“Yes?” I asked, sighing.

“Dr. Anderson is here,” he said, gesturing toward the door.

“Hello, buddy!” came Jackson’s voice, loud and brimming with amusement even before he walked in. “What did you get yourself into this time? Calling me twice in one day! Goodness!”

“I’d be fine if I didn’t have to see your face more than once every few months,” I said with a shrug.

“Ouch! Harsh!” Jackson feigned hurt, clutching his chest dramatically.

I rolled my eyes. “Can you drop the act and get on with it?”

Jackson raised his hands in mock surrender, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Fine, fine. How did you get hurt?”

“It was a fall,” I said, knowing I wouldn’t escape his usual dramatics.

Jackson examined my elbow, the skin around it already tinged with red. It throbbed more intensely than my back, but still, I wasn’t about to let him drag me to the hospital. He scrutinized me, raising an eyebrow as if he could see past my attempt to downplay it.

“I’m grateful for this guy, though,” I thought, watching Jackson as he looked over my injuries. We’d been friends since middle school, and he knew me better than anyone. When I’d started my business, he’d practically begged to help me financially, but I refused. His friendship was more than enough.

Having a doctor as a friend was a benefit in its own right. He lived nearby, always close enough to help if needed. Jackson was certainly “extra,” as he would say about himself. His family owned hospitals throughout the city and beyond, and though he could have spent his days in luxury, he remained down-to-earth, always willing to put me first if I needed him.

“So…did you fall in love or just on the floor?” he asked with a laugh.

“Stop with the ridiculous questions,” I said, rolling my eyes again.

He made a show of acting offended. “Ridiculous? I’d call it a very genuine inquiry, thank you!”

“Check my injuries, and save the rest,” I said.

Jackson shrugged, still grinning. “Alright, alright,” he muttered, examining my elbow more closely. “This will probably keep swelling,” he observed, his tone a bit more serious now.

“That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?” I replied, shaking my head.

“Where else did you get hurt?”

“My back,” I replied.

He gently shifted me, his hands moving with a practiced ease. He pressed certain areas, asking if I felt pain, checking each spot with a mix of patience and focus.

“It’s nothing serious,” he concluded, visibly relieved. “You’re in pain because of the impact, but it’ll be better in a few days.”

“That’s a relief,” I said, exhaling deeply.

“Now, back to your elbow.” He gently extended my arm.

A sharp, searing pain shot through me, and I flinched, unable to hold back a cry. “Aaahhh! Stop!”

Jackson gave me a sympathetic look. “We’ll need an X-ray before I can be sure.”

“No way,” I said, firmly. “I’m not going.”

He sighed, clearly expecting this reaction. “You know you hate hospitals, but unless I can magically conjure one up in your mansion, you’re going.”

“Jackson…” I started, trying my best stubborn look.

“Let’s do this before your personal ‘crying factory’ gets here,” he said, nodding toward the door.

“I’m not going anywhere!” I snapped.

As if on cue, Mrs. Green burst into the room, her face streaked with tears. “Bryan! How did you get hurt? And why didn’t anyone tell me sooner?” she sobbed, her words tumbling over each other.

Jackson rubbed his temples. “Here we go,” he muttered. He didn’t have much patience for tears.

“Let me look at you! Oh my, it’s swollen so much! It must be so painful!” Mrs. Green’s hands fluttered over my arm, her voice cracking.

Jackson glanced at her, his tone gentler now. “Mrs. Green, could you help me get him to the hospital? He really needs medical attention.”

“H-hospital?” she gasped, her sobs renewing with fresh vigor.

I shot Jackson a warning look. “I’m not going.”

Ignoring me, Jackson spoke directly to Mrs. Green. “I need you to help me take him to the hospital.”

Her eyes widened as she looked back at me. “You’re hurt enough to need the hospital?”

Jackson, unfazed, turned to James. “James, prep the anesthesia. If he won’t come willingly, he’s going unconscious.”

I gaped at him. “Excuse me? That’s a violation of my rights!”

Jackson smirked. “You have rights? Funny, I thought we’d already crossed that line.”

“James, you’re my employee, and I’m ordering you to stay right where you are!” I barked, my pride wounded. But James, looking apologetic, approached.

“I’m sorry, sir.”

Jackson prepped the needle. “Don’t worry, James; if he fires you, I’ll double your salary.”

James held my good arm down, and Jackson leaned in, syringe in hand.

“Don’t you dare…” I managed to mutter before the world faded.

---

I woke with a groggy groan, my head heavy and clouded.

“Finally awake?” Jackson was beside me, smirking.

“Where am I?” I mumbled, glancing around.

“Obviously, you’re in a hospital,” he replied, his tone playful but with a hint of scolding.

I recognized the sterile scent, the quiet hum of machines. A flash of memory hit me, and I felt a mix of resentment and grudging relief. “Right. The hospital.”

Jackson softened, sensing my discomfort. “Don’t worry; I ran a full body check-up on you while you were out. You’re welcome.”

“Violation of personal rights,” I grumbled.

He ignored me, eyes fixed on his clipboard. “As for your elbow, it’s not fractured. Just some swelling. With rest and medication, you’ll be good as new in a few days.”

“It doesn’t hurt right now,” I said, attempting to flex it.

Jackson’s face fell. “And you don’t feel the pain because I, the ‘guy standing here,’ gave you enough meds to dull it. Once it wears off, you’ll feel it, so don’t move.”

His words were deliberate, as if explaining to a child.

“Are you treating me like a kid?” I gave him a pointed look.

“Who was throwing a tantrum about hospitals?” he shot back, arms folded.

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew my reason for hating hospitals but still held firm on what needed to be done. “Alright. Sorry.”

He softened, nodding. “Apology accepted—this once.”

Just then, Mrs. Green reappeared, her face puffy and damp. “Bryan! Are you really okay?”

“He’s fine!” Jackson groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

I forced a smile. “I’m fine, Mrs. Green. Please, don’t cry.”

Jackson shook his head in exasperation. “She could probably power a fountain with her tears.” He shot me a look, stifling a laugh.

Mrs.

Green glared at him. “You can joke, but you’ll never know what I went through! Bryan is like my own son.”

Jackson put an arm around her. “Alright, alright. I was only teasing.”

He cared for her in his own way, though his jests were relentless.

“Why did you leave her alone?” I asked, realizing Mia must have been left at home.

Mrs. Green’s face fell. “I didn’t think… I’m sorry, I just…”

“Relax,” I reassured her. “We’ll head back together.”

“Oh no, you’re staying here,” Jackson interjected. “I’ve got more questions for you.”

I tried to argue, but he folded his arms. “Mr. Miller, I’m your doctor. You’re not leaving without my signature.”

I exhaled, resigned. He wouldn’t let me off now. He was as unyielding as steel when he had a point to prove, and I knew it was time to relent, if only for tonight.

After all, the lion doesn’t fight every battle. Some are better left to those who care.