“You know, I’ve had a number of reporters ask to speak with you. They want to know how you feel about Regina. Should I give them your number?”

“No, I—”

“That’s what I thought. A couple have been very persistent, though, wanting information about your personal life. Asking how long you’ve been dating, where you live, if you have family.” The doctor reclined, put his feet up on the desk. “I mean, it would be simply awful if they found out about sweet little Jose. They’d be following him to school, asking him about the Duke. They’d probably ask the child if he knows about the sex tapes … They have no shame.”

“You haven’t said anything, have you?”

“Of course not.” He tented his fingers under his chin. “Not yet.”

Angel went cold. “What do you mean, ‘not yet’?”

He sighed. “This must be trying for you. I can see how revealing Jose’s existence, or even the truth about your relationship, would cause a lot of problems for Jose, you, and, yes, obviously the Duke. However, I can be persuaded to stay quiet.”

She squinted her eyes at him. Common decency won’t keep you quiet? “Uh-huh. Keep talking.”

He stood up, slowly, and moved around his desk.

He didn’t stop until he was behind Angel. “I like you, Angel. I’d like to get to know you better.” He was too close, his breath warm on top of her head. He ran his fingertips up her neck, over her bare skin.

Stiffening, she said, “I’m not comfortable with this, Dr. Collins.”

His hands dropped to her shoulders and squeezed. “You just need to relax, darlin’. A massage would be good for you.”

She tried to stand up. He pressed down, stopping her. “Think about it, Angel. You could really use a friend right now. I could be that friend.”

“What are you—”

“I think you know.” He swayed back and forth behind her, letting the fly of his pants brush across her back.

It took her half a second to realize exactly what had happened. She leapt up, breaking free from her frozen state of disbelief. “Dr. Collins, please! I’m not interested.”

“Ah, I see.” He shuffled to the side of his desk. “I want you to know, I’m here for you. And you can rely on my discretion. If you’re here for me.” He adjusted his bulging pants. “No need to tell the Duke about this. He’s got his own problems.”

She swallowed, sour spit filling her throat. “So, to be clear, I either have sex with you or—”

He startled, surprised by her candor. “My dear, no! I would never force you into something you didn’t want. The choice is yours. But maybe we should reschedule your exit exam for Friday morning? We both need some time to think about what we’re going to say.”

With that, he left the room.