Page 24 of Empty Heat
“Why?”
“I think—I think you no longer get to ask me any more questions. Let’s go back now. And then—I don’t want to see you again.”
“Fair enough.”
Lev didn’t push me. He didn’t try to get me to confess more feelings to him. When we went back to the cabin, he stayed at my side but not too close.
Rhodes leaned against the back porch rail. “How was the view? I see you took Lev with you.”
I saw Lev shake his head at Rhodes.
In response, Rhodes stood up straight. “Everything go all right?”
I shrugged and walked past him and into the little house without a word.
Standing in the kitchen, I heard low voices. Lev’s first, then Rhodes’. I didn’t care if they were talking about me. It was their job. They were having ameeting. Meetings were important for people undergoing treatment.
I walked into the living room and plopped myself into a comfy easy chair and closed my eyes. The air was cool inside, a solace from the humidity.
Finally, I heard Rhodes come in. I did not open my eyes. The couch made a huffing sound and I knew he’d settled there.
“Callum. I’m very sorry. I want you to know Lev and I discussed this very moment last night and how it might play out, and we were both unhappy that we let the team guide us against our better instincts. We both knew it would not end well. I’m not making any excuses. I’m saying we owe you a great apology.”
I had my hands folded over my stomach. I kept my eyes shut. “I know. He already apologized.”
“You’ve sent him away now. Which is fair.”
My heart sped up at the bold statement. I had, hadn’t I? I’d sent Lev away. I had that power.
He’d pretended to be someone honest and true when he was, all along, matched to be my surrogate and lying about it. He would have been guiding me through my hands-on treatment during my heat.
Why did that make me feel so sad and angry at the same time?
“Would you like me to go as well?” Rhodes asked. “You are free to choose your own therapists.”
“No. It’s different because you’re an omega, and I guess I still trust you. I don’t want to start all over again from scratch talking endlessly and trying to trust some stranger.” A part of me also wanted to see the guilt on his face every time he looked my way. I’d keep him close.
“All right. You know you can say anything to me. You can vent all you wish. I just want you to know. No more lies, all right? I promise.”
I cracked one eyelid. He sat with his head bowed, his palms flat on his thighs, looking down at the floor. Good. He should feel bad.
I couldn’t think of anything to say. An awkward silence filled the room.
I kept seeing Lev, how concerned his gaze had been, how upset he’d seemed.
I broke the silence. “You know, I really liked Lev.”
Rhodes sighed. “He’s a good guy, even if you don’t think so right now.”
“How long have you known him?”
“About five years.”
“Have you worked with him before? I mean, has he been a surrogate for other patients of yours?”
“Yes.”
“Have you been in the room while it happens?”
