Help me, won`t you?

Chapter 4: Forbidden Heat

When I invited Lena on a date, I didn’t think she would agree so quickly. My heart was pounding as I rolled out to the hospital courtyard to call my brother. I needed backup.

"Fedya, I need your help!"

"Don't tell me you're trying to break out of the hospital already?" Fedya’s voice crackled through the speaker. "Igor, man, you’ve only been there for two days. Is Elena that bad of a doctor?"

"Stop right there. Why so many questions? I’m not running away. I want you to help me set up a date in my room..." I couldn't even finish before he cut me off.

"Look at you, Romeo! Already found yourself a girl? I hope this is something serious and not just a quick fling."

"Fedya, shut up and listen for a second! I invited Lena, and since neither of us can leave the hospital tonight, I want to host it here. I need red roses, candles, some light food... and bring juice instead of wine. I’m counting on you, brother."

"Well, consider me impressed. Alright, Igor, I’ll set it up perfectly. I believe in you. Just one question though..."

"Of course, you can't go without a question," I laughed.

"How many condoms should I buy?" He roared with laughter.

"I’m going to kill you if I ever see you again," I snapped, hanging up before he could say anything else.

Why was that the only thing on his mind? I mean, I wasn't against the idea, but I wasn't sure Lena would ever agree to that. Lately, my confidence had been wavering. Before, I just assumed everyone would reject me. Now, I was terrified that Lena would not only refuse me but turn away from me entirely. Pull yourself together, man, I thought, giving myself a mental slap.

At 7 PM, the evening rounds began, but no one came to see me. I figured I’d be the last stop. Fedya had dropped off the supplies thirty minutes ago, and I started setting the table. My room was private and comfortable—a bed, a table by the window, a soft armchair, and a private bathroom. I lit the candles, arranged the food from the containers, and set out the plates. I placed the armchair by the table, rested the roses on my lap, and waited for my doctor to arrive.

At ten to eight, there was a knock. Without waiting for an answer, the door opened. Lena walked in. She was still in her white medical coat, her hair braided into a neat ponytail. She wore light makeup, and a soft smile played on her lips. I think every man has had a fantasy about a woman in that uniform at least once.

"Hi, sorry I'm late," she said, sitting on the chair beside me. "This is beautiful. I didn't realize you were such a romantic."

"These are for you," I said, handing her the roses. I couldn't help myself—I took her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "I've always been a romantic at heart. I’m just glad you came. I figured you haven't eaten, so let’s begin. Sorry, there’s no alcohol—you’re on duty, and I’m on meds. Juice it is."

"Who helped you with all this?" Lena asked, taking a sip of the juice. "Mmm, this is delicious."

"You know the answer. Fedya did his best."

The dinner was easy and natural. We talked about everything and nothing, trying to bridge the gap between us. But the peace was shattered by her phone. The moment she looked at the screen, her expression shifted from happy to cold and serious. She didn't answer; she just silenced the call. But it rang again. And again.

"Maybe it’s urgent? I won't be offended if you answer," I said.

"I really don't want to. But I think I have to," her voice turned sharp. "I’m listening. No, I’m at work. What do you want, Ilyusha? I told you not to call me. That’s not my problem. I have no time or money for you. Don’t call me again!" She nearly shouted the last part before slamming the phone down.

"Are you okay? You look pale," I rolled closer and took her hand. Her fingers were shaking.

"Yes... No... I don't know," she sighed, exhaustion filling her eyes. "That was my younger brother. He’s a gambling addict, always in trouble. I used to bail him out, pay his debts, but the debts kept growing and his conscience kept shrinking. The last time he came to me beaten up, I told him I was done. He vanished for years, and now he’s back, asking for help again. I can’t do it anymore, Igor. I just can't."

A single tear rolled down her cheek. I reached out and gently wiped it away. "I’ve ruined the best date of my life," she whispered.

"Don't worry. We’ll do it again, and it’ll be even better next time," I smiled to calm her. "And about your brother—want me and Fedya to talk to him? Maybe we can 'convince' him to leave you alone?"

"No, I told him not to call. I just hope he doesn't show up here." She started to stand, her anxiety taking over. I couldn't let her leave like that. I reached up, cupped her cheek, and pulled her toward me. My lips met hers. They were soft, warm, and tasted like the juice we had been drinking.

Lena let out a shaky breath and deepened the kiss. Her hands moved to my shoulders, then my chest, tracing the lines of my body. The contact ignited a fire in me. It had been so long, and my self-control was slipping. I slid my hand to her waist, then down her hip, moving slowly toward her inner thigh. She parted her legs slightly, leaning into me. My fingers found the edge of her lace panties—they were already damp. The realization of her arousal pushed me further. I found her center, my thumb circling the sensitive peak of her desire. Lena let out a soft moan against my lips, her breath hitching.

She was beautiful—cheeks flushed, eyes closed, lips swollen from my kisses. She was moving against my hand, close to the edge. I wanted her more than anything. My own body was aching with a desperate need.

Knock. Knock.

The sound was like a bucket of ice water. Lena’s eyes snapped open. She pulled away, frantically straightening her hair and coat. I sat back, trying to catch my breath, my heart racing like a freight train.

"Elena Vladimirovna, sorry to bother you, but we have an emergency in Room 5," a nurse’s voice came through the cracked door.

"Thanks, Sveta, I’m coming," Lena called out, her eyes never leaving mine. "I have to go. Go to sleep, Igor. I'll see you soon." She gave me a quick, lingering kiss and vanished.

I sat there in the silence, the scent of her perfume still hanging in the air. My body was screaming for release. I could still feel her warmth on my hand. I couldn't help myself; I reached into my boxers. Closing my eyes, I imagined it was her hand, her body moving against mine. In just a few moments, the tension exploded as I thought of her.

Will she be mine? I thought as I cleaned up. I’ll make sure she is. Whatever it takes.

Later that night, the orderly helped me with my shower. As I drifted off to sleep, I thought about our future. Two more days until the final tests, then surgery. I felt a soft kiss on my cheek in the darkness, and for the first time in years, I felt truly at peace.