Page 100 of Her Wicked Plan

“Sort of,” I answer. “I have to move one of your days to make room for Ruby.”

She rolls her eyes. “I still can’t believe they gave you another patient. You were hired specifically for me.”

“I know…”

“She commented on you being her doctor before I fought her,” she states. “The look in her eyes told me how attractive she thought you were. She teased me about it.”

“Veronica ,” I gently squeeze her leg. “You know that I’m not going to do anything with her other than have normal sessions, right?”

“How am I supposed to believe that? I mean, look at us.” She gestures between the two of us. “You said it would never happen, but look where we are.”

“You’re different,” I admit. I should stop there, but I can’t. Either it’s because maybe it’s something she needs to hear right now to feel better, or it's because I truly mean it deep down.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. The moment I saw you… it was like this energy was pulling me towards you. I couldn’t fight it. I knew I was screwed when it came to you.” I let out a small laugh. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay away.”

Her breathing calms a bit. “But you don't want me like that anymore.”

I sigh. “It’s not that I don’t want you, Veronica. Trust me, I do.” I take her hand in mine. “I want you so fucking bad it’s driving me insane because I know I can’t have you.”

Her hand rises to meet my face, the touch lighting a fire inside of me. “You can have me.”

“No, I can’t. Not in the way I want.” I shake my head. Why am I admitting this to her? Why the hell am I feeling this way about her?

“Maybe one day, I’ll get better enough to leave this place,” she says softly, sounding hopeful. “And when that happens, you can have me the way you want.”

“No offense, but it will be a while before you can leave this place.”

Her face twists as if I just drove a knife into her heart, but then she nods. “I know.”

Removing her hand from my face, I plant a kiss on her palm. “If it makes you feel any better, my sessions with Ruby are strictly in the common room. You’re the only patient allowed in my office.”

She smiles slightly. “That does make me feel a little better.”

“Yeah?” I kiss her skin again. “What else would make you feel better?”

As soon as I ask, I knew I shouldn’t because a devilish smile forms on her face.

“For us to continue the other things we do in our sessions.” I open my mouth to turn down the idea, but her finger meets my lips. “I understand your job would be at risk, I do, but I’d never tell a soul. And I get you say you can’t have me the way you want me, whatever that entails⁠—”

“It means that if circumstances were different, I’d want to date you.” Did I really admit that? Yup. And my mouth won’t shut up. I’m going to blame it on the fact that it is something she needs to hear to feel better. “I’d want to take you on dates and let you meet my family. It’s fucked up, isn’t it?”

“But that’s if I weren’t your patient, right?” I nod. “So we can’t do those things. Who cares? We can still have fun. You are the first doctor I actually like. You make me feel seen, heard, and safe. I don’t want to lose that. This would stay a secret.”

“I don’t know, Veronica.”

“Please, Leo.” She knows how much I love it when she begs. “We will be super careful with how we go about this.” Her head lowers, but then she lifts those magical eyes at me. “I need you to feel better.”

“Fuck's sake,” I whisper. Don’t do it, Leo. Don’t you dare give in to this temptation. “Do you even realize the effect you have on me?”

“I’m seeing it.” She grins, knowing she’s getting her way. “When can we start our other sessions?”

Her finger traces my jaw before finding its way down to my shirt collar. “Not today. This session is about over, and I can’t keep you any longer than I need to.”

“Pity.” She fake pouts.

“I’m glad to see you’re in a better mood.” I smile before standing up.

“That’s what you do to me, Leo.” I extend a hand to help her back to her feet. “You make me feel better.”