Page 41 of Quinn

“Gabim, what are you doing here?”

The man looked past Lynetta’s shoulder and fixed his eyes on mine. “Quinn asked me to take Miss Arabella to the hospital. He has…um…pressing matters to take care of and is unable to take her. Edward and Cofias will follow us in another car to make sure she is kept safe.

Disappointment poked at me, I didn’t want to be taken by a stranger, I wanted Quinn.

Grow up; how many more signals does he have to send to tell you he isn’t interested?

“I’ll..I’ll…um…just grab my shoes.”

“Take your time, Miss Arabella, we’re in no hurry.”

I glanced at the kitchen clock on the way to my bedroom and saw there was more than enough time to reach the hospital for my appointment. I pulled on a pair of pink sandals that matched the dress I was wearing and made sure the ponytail I’d fixed was still tidy. Satisfied I was presentable, I joined Gabim at the door.

“I should be back in a couple of hours, Lynetta and I’ll help you with that fresh bread you plan on making.”

“I’ll get everything ready.” Lynetta stepped forward and kissed my cheek before watching us head out to the car.

Gabim held the door open and I slid into the passenger seat. On the way into town we made small talk but my mind was on Quinn. Where was he and why had he changed his mind about taking me to the hospital?

I felt so confused. One minute Quinn acted like he really cared about me, the next it was as if I was nothing but a hindrance. Why was I so hell bent on wanting him to like me, for me to mean more to him than I did?

“Here we are.”

I glanced up when Gabim spoke to see we’d arrived at the hospital. He shut off the motor and we both climbed from the vehicle. The two men who’d followed us, pulled into the space alongside and left their car.

“Edward, Cofias, this is Arabella.”

The two men nodded when Gabim made the introductions.

“Let’s get this done and we can return you to the compound where you’re safe, huh?”

“Yes please.”

The men accompanied me into the hospital and when we reached the reception desk, I advised the nurse of my appointment with Dr. Innes. She smiled and asked me to take a seat.

We’d barely sat when the doctor appeared at my side. “Arabella, please come with me.”

The men stood and the doctor glared at them. I had no idea why she thought she might be able to intimidate them after dealing with Jake the previous day.

“I’m afraid you are not allowed in the room where the ultrasound takes place. Please wait here until we’re done.”

“I’m not sure…” Gabim was cut off by the doctor raising her hand.

“I put up with the bullshit yesterday, it’s not happening again today. Either you wait here or Arabella can forgo the test.”

The men looked at me, unsure of what they should do since they’d been tasked with my protection. I was in a hospital for fuck’s sake, people were everywhere. Nothing was going to happen and where we currently stood was right next to the front door. I was going nowhere without at least one of the men noticing as I passed.

“I’ll be fine, there’s no need to cause trouble.” I told the men before turning to the doctor. “How long will the test take?”

“Ten minutes.”

I turned to Gabim. “Relax, it sounds like I won’t be long.”

The men gave me a look that indicated they were unsure but they reluctantly agreed to do as I asked.

The doctor took me by the elbow, none too gently, and pulled me along the hallway. We passed by the room where the x-ray had been taken but I wasn’t alarmed; thinking the ultrasound test would be carried out in a separate location.

The hallways twisted and turned and the area we were in seemed more for industrial and hospital support services than for patient care. Still, I allowed her to lead me to our destination.