Page 29 of Mind

“Put a guard at the door to the room. No one gets in that’s not family or one of our friends. Get the note over to Thomas Redding and his team. They need to be on this ASAP.” He clicks off the phone and tosses it on the bed.

“Austin never leaves your side when you’re not with me.” His voice is menacing, and I can tell that Protective Unreasonable Chase is about to make a show-stopping appearance. “He will not get to you. I will spend every fucking dollar I have to keep you safe,” he grits his teeth so hard I can hear him grinding them. I put a hand to his jaw and lean down to kiss away his anger.

“Whatever you say, baby. I’ll do it. Now, I need you,” I grind my hips against his ever present erection. It had softened a bit during his call, but is growing again as I roll and press into it. With a quick move, I rip the tank off, twist an arm around my back and unclasp the lacy bra. With effort, I grip his hands, the ones that are clenched into fists by his side, pull them up, and place them directly onto my bare breasts. They squeeze reflexively and Chase thrusts his hips between my thighs. So good.

“That’s it. Now, take what’s yours, Chase.” His eyes blaze fire at the words of ownership I chose. My guy is beyond possessive. He doesn’t consider me his property, per se, but he does consider me his, because I’m his other half. Without him, there is no me and vice versa. We’re the best parts of each other.

Chase leans up and places a firm hand around my neck, lifting my chin with his thumb. “I’m going to fuck you so hard you never forget who takes care of you, baby.” He kisses me rough, wet, and deep. I give it back to him with everything I have. He knows what I need and gives it to me over and over. Reconnecting physically, when I’m struggling emotionally, is exactly what will get me through today. Tomorrow, on the other hand is a new day, and one I’m not looking forward to.

Chapter 9

Gillian

“Gillian, my dear, it’s so good to see you,” Dr. Madison says as his arms encircle me. It’s like hugging your brother or someone you love dearly. That sense of familiarity and peace sink deep into the tortured parts of my soul. Unfortunately, it also makes me miss Phillip and his big bear hugs. I squeeze Dr. Madison harder trying to convey all the hurt and turmoil that’s plaguing me, without having to get into the nitty gritty of it.

“I think that’s quite enough,” I hear Chase grumble from behind me. I pull away, having forgotten that Chase was close.

Dr. Madison holds me at arm’s length then looks over my shoulder. “A friend of yours, I presume.” His voice carries a twinge of sarcasm yet still a hint of humor that always makes me feel comfortable revealing my deep, dark, secrets. Before I can answer, Chase grips me around the waist and pulls me back against his chest. Dr. Madison’s eyebrows rise and his lips curl into a familiar frown as he clasps his hands together confidently in front of him.

“This is Chase Davis, Dr. Madison. My fiancé,” I finish.

“Fiancé?” his tone is surprised. Probably because the last time I was here I made it clear that I was swearing off serious relationships for the rest of my natural life. I nod and he gestures for me to take a seat in the big comfy chair, the one I usually crawl into like a kitten. “You can wait outside Mr. uh…”

“Davis, Chase Davis,” he says with an air of authority. He’s used to that name carrying some serious clout. Unfortunately, Chase is going to be sorely mistaken when he realizes that Dr. Madison doesn’t care about trivial things such as status. He’s in the business of mental health not wealth.

Chase looks at me and then at the doctor. Instead of leaving, he walks around and takes the chair next to mine, props his ankle on the opposite knee and brings his hands into a steeple under his chin. “No, I think I’d like to stay. Can’t be too careful with my woman,” he says and I roll my eyes. Oh, the doctor is going to have a field day with this one.

Dr. Madison sits down and crosses his legs pulling a yellow notepad onto his lap. “Your woman?” He quirks a brow again. “Interesting. How do you feel about beinghiswoman?” The doctor turns toward me.

“Uh…” I pinch my lips together not knowing how to answer that.

“She feels perfectly fine about it, right Gillian?” Chase answers for me in the only way he could…with finality. I don’t think he could accept anything else. His pride would probably crack and break right here like a porcelain doll hitting concrete.

The doctor turns towards Chase. “I didn’t realize this session was couple’s therapy. When Gillian called, she said she had some personal things she needed to work through.” He attempts to continue, but Chase cuts him off.

“I don’t think I like your tone, Doctor,” Chase’s eyes narrow and he leans both elbows onto his knees.

“Excuse me if I’ve offended you. I think we got off on the wrong foot,” he says in a perfectly reasonable tone.

Chase looks Dr. Madison up and down. My therapist is hot. There’s no denying it. He just is. Maria and I often joke, calling him Dr. McHottie. His dark blond hair is styled to perfection. The Dockers and dress shirt he’s wearing are in pristine condition, even though I know I’m the last patient of the day. The doctor’s hazel eyes assess both Chase and me until he crosses his arms and brings one hand up to his face, curling a knuckle against his lips.

Chase visibly bristles. He’s unbelievably cute when he’s jealous. “Why do you have to have a male doctor anyway? Aren’t there women you could talk to?”

I laugh out loud, slip off my heels from work, and curl into the chair. Both Chase and Dr. Madison look at me like I’ve lost my marbles. Probably because I have. “Chase, sometimes, baby, you are too much. Do you see what I’m dealing with?” I ask the Doctor. Chase’s brows rise and his eyes widen.

With a small smirk the doctor responds, “I do. Looks like you’re spiraling right into familiar patterns,” he says, and I nod knowing he’s referring to my fetish for controlling men.

“Chase doesn’t realize he’s trying to control the universe, Dr. Madison. When it comes to me, he just, well, he loses his shit,” I say deadpan as Chase whips his head to me, his gaze expressing his frustration.

Chase stands up abruptly. “Excuse me?” Chase walks over to my chair, and pulls me up to a standing position. “I think we’re done here,” he growls. His hold, the way he’s claimed me in front of the doctor is not lost on my therapist.

“Sit down, Mr. Davis.” The doctor’s tone is forceful yet respectful. “It seems we have only just begun. If you want Gillian to be herself, feel safe, calm and whole in your world, you’re going to need to work with us, not against us. Emotional health is necessary for any loving relationship to flourish and succeed. Do you want Gillian to be whole?” he asks in a way that Chase can’t deny.

“Of course I do. Nothing means more to me than her.” I hug him tight and untangle myself from his arms and go back to my chair. He does the same, only a scowl mars his handsome features.

Dr. Madison adjusts his long body in his own, high-back, worn, leather chair. “Now, Gillian, why are you here?”

I take a deep breath and start to go through everything. During the middle of my story, when I get to the part about the stalker blowing up Phillip, Chase reaches out and clasps my hand. He traces the infinity symbol on my hand as I grip his hand tight. My rock.

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