Page 7 of Torch
We moved, and watched as he headed around to the spray bays to the side of the clubhouse. That was Has-Been and Rocket’s domain normally, but I had no idea if any of them were working right now. Everything was on hold while we waited to figure out who the fuck was after us.
“Oi prick, you coming or what?”
I backed away from the door, my mind racing once more, the brief reprieve our shenanigans created dissipating fast.
“I’m gonna go see if Lissa can fit me in.”
“Don’t let Ice hear you say that, man.”
I rolled my eyes, and headed for the gates, catching up with Nick and Damo, who were the prospects manning them for us. Ironic really, the idea of the gates being there for our protection, but really they were trapping us with the one person who was genuinely out to get us.
“Hey, you going out?” I returned a brief bro hug from Nick, and fist-bumped Damo. I knew they’d have to try and stop me leaving, but I was hoping this one thing would get me out without having to beg the Pres for a fucking pass.
“Thought I’d go see if Lissa’s free.”
They exchanged annoyingly knowing gazes, like somehow it was just a given that I needed fucking therapy right now. Did everyone think I was a fucking pussy since I got stabbed?
“Seriously?”
They both froze at my tone, before Nick held up his hands.
“No offence, man. It’s just the only reason anyone comes and goes right now. Every time someone comes this way, we’re betting on them going there, that’s all.”
“Whatever. Let me out, and keep it shut, yeah?”
Free from the compound, I crossed the road to Lissa’s therapy office, feeling some of the weight drop off my shoulders, just with the freedom of our entrapment with our tormentor. Fuck me, what the hell is wrong with my mind right now? No wonder I’m off to see a fucking shrink.
Cammy welcomed me, and checked the time.
“Lissa is just finishing up with a client, but she’s free after, if it’s her you’re looking for?”
I shrugged, feeling like a prick for even being here right now.
“Dunno. I was bored, or whatever.”
She grinned, pointing to the small kitchen behind her.
“Want a coffee or something? You could pretend that’s why you’re here.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Am I just some fucking joke to everyone these days?”
Her eyes widened, even as I asked myself why the fuck I was mouthing off at my VP’s wife and old lady. What did I think I’d achieve right now, apart from taking my shit out on the wrong damn person?
I sighed, opening my mouth to apologise, but Lissa’s door suddenly opened, and I heard her telling her client that she’d see them tomorrow at the same time. When I lifted my eyes though, I saw the last person I ever thought I’d fucking see again.My doc.
Grace
MyfirstsessionwithLissa was actually really worthwhile. She made me feel at ease so quickly that we chatted like old friends, and I got to the root of my issues pretty fast. I was pretty sure I’d just skate around them and never get to it, but she had a way about her that made me talk.
“You said before that you have a man you’re trying to avoid? Is he a threat to you in any way?” She looked worried as she stared over the small table at me.
“Oh god, nothing like that. Well… I mean, maybe a threat to my sanity or god, I don’t know... my bank balance. I should explain what I’m talking about. My last boyfriend, who didn’t seem like the usual bad boy type I go for, ripped me off. Emptied my bank accounts, ran up debt in my name, and left me homeless. I guess I’m trying to learn to avoid men like him.”
My cheeks were scarlet by the time I’d finished speaking, and I had no idea what she might be thinking about me right now. It was pathetic, right? I was an accomplished, well-educated woman, and I couldn’t even keep my money safe, let alone my heart.
“I’m sorry to hear that happened to you. You’re clearly taking the blame for it, but you know it belongs firmly with him, right? He abused your trust, and probably worked really hard to make himself seem worthy of it.” Lissa was sweet, but she wasn’t getting it.
“No, I just make really poor decisions when it comes to men. I get caught up in how hot they are, or how they don’t care about all the socially acceptable stuff, and just live their best lives. I get fooled by all of that rubbish, and it’s too late by the time I realise I should have just stayed away.”
