The tension in the emergency room was thick, an almost palpable unease threading through the sterile air as you glared at Raymond, his smug expression taunting you from across the bed. Your exhausted body yearned for rest, but his presence set every nerve on edge.

“Can’t you just stay out of my life for once, Raymond?” you snapped, eyes narrowing as he looked up, unbothered.

“Out of your life? And leave you to the wolves?” His voice was low, mocking, as if your frustration was a game to him.

You clenched your fists, watching him finish bandaging your date’s swollen face with disturbing calm. He looked every bit the professional, not an ounce of remorse in his dark, intense gaze as he completed his work with precision. It made your skin crawl.

Raymond finished up and turned to you, his bruised hand flexing as he leaned in close enough for only you to hear. “You really thought a fling with some guy would be enough to keep me away?”

You held his gaze, refusing to show the smallest bit of fear. “I moved on. You need to do the same.”

Raymond smirked, a glint of something almost feral in his eyes. “Oh, I don’t think so. You know I’ve always been a little… possessive.”

The words echoed in the small, curtained space. Raymond’s arrogance only sharpened your anger as you took a step closer, voice low but firm. “When your shift’s done, we’re having a very long conversation about boundaries.”

Raymond laughed, leaning back, unconcerned. “Looking forward to it, love.” He tilted his head, his gaze flickering with something unsettling, something that reminded you he was just as relentless as ever.