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“Really?” I ask, wide-eyed.
“That’s right. Art, music, they can help a patient tap into their core trauma,” he says, inching a little closer to me. “Perhaps we can arrange a private session, to explore your issues more…”
“That would be amazing,” I exclaim.Creep. “But… Can you work that out for me? My schedule is pretty restrictive right now.”
“I’m sure we can work out something,” he says, glancing at my chest again.
“That would be amazing,” I sigh. “I’m so grateful, for all your help. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you…” I beam up at him, and I’m sure that I’ve got him in the palm of my hand—
Then I hear a slow, clapping sound. “What a performance.”
It’s Sebastian, strolling over with a sneer on his face—and Dr. Reed beside him. Not impressed.
Fuck.
“Howard,” Dr. Wheeler says, bobbing to his feet with a guilty look on his face. “I was just speaking about potential therapies—”
“We heard the nature of the conversation,” Dr. Reed says dryly.
Sebastian sighs, tutting. “I warned you that she’d try to do this. She’s a troubled young woman, she uses sexual manipulation to get what she wants.”
“I don’t know what you’re suggesting,” Dr. Wheeler says, sounding indignant.
“Of course you don’t,” Sebastian says dryly.
“Well, she cantryto use her feminine wiles all she wants, but it won’t work on me.” Dr Wheeler insists. “I’m a professional. Highly trained.”
Dammit. I can tell by the way he’s blustering that he’s embarrassed and angry. Instead of writing my ticket out of here, it looks like I just made another enemy.
“This is all a big mistake,” I say, trying to keep my innocent act. “I don’t know what he’s talking about.”
But they all ignore me. Dr. Wheeler gives me a glare. “You know, given the severity of this case, and her antisocial tendencies, perhaps advanced therapy is required. Maybe even electroshock.”
“Good idea,” the other doctor says immediately.
“Whatever it takes to help her,” Sebastian agrees, like I’m not even here. “Perhaps you can oversee her care? I’ve arranged a six-month hold for her here, to really give her the best chance of recovery.”
Six. Months.
Fear chills my blood. He can’t be serious.
But he is. “I have to go finalize some paperwork, sweetheart,” Sebastian says, giving me a look of triumph. “I’m so glad we had this little talk. I’m about to head out on a business trip, so I won’t be back to see you for quite some time. But you’ll be in good hands with the doctors here,” he adds. “I’ll stop by your room to say goodbye before I leave.”
I head backto my room in a daze. Sebastian’s really doing it: Leaving me here for God knows how long, as punishment for my lies and betrayal.
To break me.
And he might succeed, too. Six months…? I can’t imagine spending that long locked away with these doctors and drugs. No choice. No escape.
I can’t let that happen.
Pacing the length of the small room, I try not to freak out. I don’t see a way out of this, not when Sebastian has so much money and power on his side. He can buy anything, even my imprisonment here.
Maybe Nero could stop this. He has resources. As a mob boss, he’s the only person I know that’s a match for Sebastian. He’s bested him before.
But Nero doesn’t know I’m here. He’s caught up in newlywed bliss, he’s probably not even worried that he hasn’t heard from me yet.
No, I can’t wait for rescue to arrive. I’m truly at Sebastian’s mercy.
