Page 26 of Kill Me Sweetly

“Oh wow, thank you.”

“Can you come by tomorrow morning at nine? We can get the paperwork done, and you’ll be good to go.”

“Perfect.”

I took a deep breath once Darby left. At least this place was shaping up. As soon as Lizzy had Darby and Wesley under her wing, I’d be able to focus on things at home.

Speaking of, I hoped today was a success. Angel’s doctor friend, Aziza, was coming there to see Four. Maybe she’d be able to start breaking down his walls.

I just really wondered what horrors she’d find, because there was no doubt in my mind that Four was in a never-ending nightmare.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

JJ

Dr. Aziza Bakir was stunning.Like for real, as soon as I opened the door, I thought a model had gotten lost on her way to a photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz. But nope. She appeared happy to be there, held out her hand, and introduced herself.

“I’m JJ,” I said like an idiot. It wasn’t that I wanted to fuck her. No, I was one hundred percent gay. But she was stunning. Her long brown hair was shiny like in those shampoo commercials; she had flawless olive skin and dark eyes. She wore simple jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, nothing fancy but yeah, I could recognize art when I saw it.

“May I come in?”

“For fuck’s sake, JJ.” Angel pulled the door open all the way. “Hey, Z. Ignore JJ; he’s a moron.”

“Excuse me.” That certainly got me out of my daydream.

“She’s not meat.”

A wave of guilt washed over me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to ogle. I’m super gay, but you’re very lovely. I was taken aback, actually. For a few reasons. You think psychiatrist, and you envision a stereotype Hollywood has created.”

Aziza smiled. “What’s another reason?”

“Oh, you’re Angel’s friend. With his ugly personality, I didn’t think he knew beautiful people.”

She burst out laughing, and it only got louder once she took in Angel’s scowl.

“You’re delightful, JJ. I like you.”

“Well, shit,” Angel mumbled.

Once she’d calmed down, she patted Angel’s arm. “You know I love you. Now where’s the patient?”

“Kitchen. We just finished lunch, come with me.” She followed behind Angel, and I followed behind her.

Nick and Noel had their laptops out on the breakfast bar. Maxwell was reading the newspaper, old-school style, and Four was staring at the table. Mason had left to trade off with Gabe at the hospital, so Gabe would be home soon.

“I’m going to guess that’s my guy?” Aziza tilted her head as she regarded Four.

“Yep. So, want to go somewhere quieter?” Angel asked.

“Please. But I don’t want to be alone with him. Without knowing the trauma and the triggers and minefields in his mind, it’s wise I have people on hand to help if he lashes out.”

“Angel and I can be with you.” I walked over to Four and took his hand. “Come on, Four. We’re going to go talk to the gorgeous woman I think Angel is paying to be his friend.”

The twins snorted at the same time, and I was delighted by the annoyance evident on Angel’s face.

Aziza was whispering something to Angel, but I was focused on Four. I’d noticed all morning that his eyes would wander at times, almost as though he wasn’t as dormant as I’d thought. Maybe more time with us meant he’d be able to break free of whatever prison was holding him hostage.

“If he can sit in that chair there, I’ll pull mine up to be closer and face him.” Aziza motioned to the two wingback chairs on either side of the large sofa.

---