Page 123 of Doubts & Fears

“Allison? She’s just a club girl, or she will be when she gets to London. I don’t give her a second thought most days. I know it probably doesn’t make you feel any better, but it’s work for me.”

“It’s weird,” she whispered.

“I get it, but if I was an electrician, and we hired someone new, it would be my job to ensure the new employee knows what the expectations are.”

“Um, yes, but would you have your hands on this electrician? Between her legs?”

“I don’t put my hands between her legs. I don’t put my hands, tongue, or dick anywhere on her. You, on the other hand. What I wouldn’t give to have more of you.”

“More of me?” She batted her eyelashes. “Like this part?” she asked, pulling her shirt off. Her hands trailed down her bra to the button on her jean shorts. “Or maybe this part,” she crooned as her shorts hit the floor. She kicked them off to the side and made her way to the hot spring.

Gingerly, she tested the water, then sighed as she stepped fully in. I quickly removed my clothes, leaving my boxer briefs on, and joined her. I’d promised Marcel I wouldn’t fuck her while I had her squirreled away in the mountains.

Seeing her in her bra and panties made me wish I hadn’t been such a fucking fool, but then I remembered last night and his caution about how she needed things slow.

“You were right, Alek,” she murmured, her gaze fixed on the ripples that danced across the surface of the water. “This was exactly what I needed.”

We sat in the warm embrace of the hot springs, the world outside fading into the background. The water seemed to not only soothe both of us but also washed away the uncertainties and doubts.

We spent the better part of the afternoon talking and getting to know one another more deeply. I could still feel her holding back, but for that moment, I’d take what she offered.

Chapter 39

Marcel

Diving In

Kinsley and I were meeting today to go over what happened the other night. The guys pushed her. Alek lost his fucking shit but managed to smooth things over. I undid the top button on my shirt and rolled up my sleeves. It was late for me, so I poured myself a drink before dialing.

I reached under my shirt and rubbed a part of my tattoo on my back; it was long healed, having gotten it years ago, but every once in a while, when I was emotional, the outline would raise, and a dull burn would emanate from it.

My tattoo was not as dark as the other guys’, although it was bigger by far and took up a portion of my upper back. It was symbolic of an encounter I had long ago. It was deeply personal, and the skull in the angel’s hands tied me to the guys. I would have died that night if not for divine intervention.

Kinsley answered right away, and I could immediately tell she was nervous. I still hadn’t gotten over the connection with her. Maybe it was because I could read between the lines. Alek, Nik, and Ivan were head over heels in love with this woman, and that was a first.

There were only two other women on this earth who ever held a high enough place in their lives to shake them. One was Isabella, and the other was Vanya. Although the relationships were different, the intensity and need to protect them remained the same.

Each time Kinsley and I had a session, I was struck by the haunted look that would come over her face. I’d only been able to get her to open up about her parents, Pasha, and how much she loved Owen.

In her eyes, Owen was the best thing to happen to her after the tragic loss of her parents. If that were true, then where did her trauma come from? Why did he have provocative photos of her hidden in his bedroom? I was going to have todo a gentle push today as much as I didn’t want to. We’d established quite a bit of trust, and I knew it was time, so I got straight to business.

“Ms. Taylor, last time we talked, I told you that this next session was going to be tough. In light of the other night, I think now is as good a time as any.”

She nodded and straightened her back. “I like to stay in the safe places in my head. If I think about those things, then nothing bad can touch me. I ache in places I didn’t know a person could. Is it ever going to stop?”

“Not until you can open up about what hurts you. Are you ready?”

“We can go slow, right?” she whimpered, drawing her knees up.

“As slow as you need. Can you tell me our rules before we begin?”

“Answer honestly, quickly, and if I need more time, ask for it.”

“Very good, first can you tell me what the other night was all about?”

After taking a deep breath, she said, “It was a combination of things. Dinner with the parents was awful. I let Alisha and Jenna get under my skin. But I don’t think that’s what you mean. You’re asking about the comment I kept repeating. Am I right?”

“Yes.”

---