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“You must have some vague idea. Were you still at school? Did you sneak behind the bike shed for a clandestine smoke?”
“No, it was much later than that. I started smoking after I finished university, so I would have been in my early twenties.”
“Interesting.”
“Why?”
“Thought association,” Nick says simply. “If I can take your subconscious back to the first time you smoked, it may help to kick the addiction. What is an addiction? Merely this: when you no longer feel you have the choice. During hypnosis, I will retrain your mind to disassociate from unwanted patterns of behaviour, helping you create new habits that enhance your wellbeing. No one ever enjoys their first cigarette, so getting you to experience those sensations is a technique I often use to combat it.”
I smile apologetically. “I’m sorry, Nick, I don’t remember the exact day I started.”
“That’s absolutely fine. There are still plenty of avenues for us to explore.”
My face brightens. “Does that mean you’ve agreed to take me on?”
“What do you think?” When I fail to answer, he grins, “Yes, Carly. I believe you’re an ideal candidate for me.”
“Phew!” I wipe my brow. “Thank God for that.”
We both laugh, and for a brief second, Nick’s sultry gaze settles on my lips. My blood races and I squeeze my thighs tightly together.
I’m a complete and utter mess.
Nick’s tone becomes serious. “Before we begin, do you have any other questions?”
“Yes. I won’t do anything stupid, will I?”
“Of course not. Another popular myth is surrendering of your will. A lot of people think that when you go into trance, you lose your sense of self. This is completely untrue. When you undergo hypnosis with me, at all times, you will be in complete control of your behaviour, meaning you will not embarrass yourself, reveal secrets or do anything you wouldn’t normally do in a waking state. Hypnosis is not about surrendering your free will.It is similar to a daydream and merely facilitates helping you learn to control unwanted behavioural patterns.” He smiles thinly. “Does that put your mind at rest?”
“Yes. Thanks for explaining it so thoroughly.”
“Good. Okay, let’s get comfortable. Loosen up and relax.” He pauses, and then as if suddenly inspired, says, “Take off your shoes.”
“What?”
“Take off your shoes,” he repeats.
Feeling slightly embarrassed, I stoop down and start to unlace my boots. My pulse skitters all over the place. I can’t get my feet out and the blasted laces are tangled.
“Do you need any help?” There’s a hint amusement in his voice.
I feel my face burning up. “No, no, I’m fine.” At last, I manage to get the bloody boots off. Flustered, I lean back in my chair, run my fingers through my hair and flash a crooked grin. Why on Earth is the room suddenly so hot?
“Wiggle your toes,” Nick whispers.
I smother a laugh. “Are you serious?”
“Try it. I think you’ll find it relaxing.”
Frowning and feeling kind of stupid, I follow his orders. Sinking my feet into the thick pile carpet, I flex my toes back and forth and find it strangely liberating.
Nick’s right; Idofeel more relaxed.
Our eyes lock and I see a flash of triumph on his face. I wonder how he got that awful scar. I wonder if he was glassed in a fight or if there was some kind of accident.
Nick leans forward, a half-smile tugging at his lips. He keeps stealing glances at my breasts, and the sexual tension is driving me crazy.
“That’s right, Carly. Shake those toes. Doesn’t that feel better?”
