Page 27 of Carved in Ice (Made of Steel 3)

“Hate him how? Like you want to put a bullet in his skull like your foster father’s?”

“No.” I shook my head. “Not like that.”

“Why?”

I was somehow guilty even though I hadn’t done anything wrong. “Because I would never want anything bad to happen to him.”

“Because you love him?”

It felt like my heart was about to beat out of my ribcage. “Because I care about him. I want him to be happy.”

“I think it’s important for you to talk out your feelings with your childhood friend, Alison,” Dr. Miller interjected. “If for no other reason than closure.”

“I don’t need to talk to him.”

“I agree with, Dr. Miller,” Eli said. “Maybe you could benefit from some closure.”

“I’m not allowed to speak with him,” I said. Eli knew that.

“Not allowed?” Dr. Miller asked. “Is that how it feels? Like you’re not allowed to do certain things in your current relationship?”

Oh. My. God. “Are you even a psychologist?”

“I can assure you that I have my credentials.”

“You’re manipulating everything I’m saying. You’re jumping to wild conclusions for no reason. This isn’t helpful. At all. And I’m done.” I stood up and marched toward V’s bedroom door before Dr. Miller could say another word. I was going to kill V.

Chapter 12

Wednesday

I pounded on V’s door with my fist. No answer. Son of a bitch. I grabbed the handle and it shocked me. Ow!

It was like Athena knew she couldn’t talk with Dr. Miller there, so she had electrocuted me instead. I looked up at the camera mounted in the hallway, gave her the finger, and resumed my pounding until my hand started to hurt.

“Summer.” Eli’s voice was soothing.

I slammed my palm against V’s door.

“Summer.” Eli’s hands on my forearms were even more soothing.

“He’s trying to ruin my life,” I whispered. “Why is he doing this to me?”

Eli’s gentle kisses on my neck made me melt backwards into him.

“He’s hell-bent on ruining us.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Summer.” He wrapped his arms protectively around me and kissed my shoulder. “I promise.”

I closed my eyes and let myself relax. Eli’s strength was radiating into me and I was able to breathe a little easier.

“Dr. Miller is gone,” he said with another gentle kiss against my skin. “And I asked him not to come back. I’ve never been to a therapist, but that seemed a little invasive and pushy. And don’t worry, I’ll handle V.”

I nodded.

“But I do want to talk about what he said.”

“Can it wait until tomorrow? I’m exhausted.”

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