Page 4 of Master B-1901

Did she not fucking care about her patients? Was I so insignificant that she didn’t even remember the hell I’d experienced when I told her about it? I wanted to explode. To groan. To kick her out and tell her we’d talk tomorrow after I got to spend the night with my slave. I didn’t want her here. I didn’t want to be talking about this right now. That was asking for trouble.

“I was back overseas.”

Her hand came up, cutting me off before I could get out another word.

“Braddock—”

“Brad.”

“Brad.” She shifted on her cushion. “I want you to do me a favor. Close your eyes and count down from 10.”

“What?” My head shook. “I’m not in a session right now, Doc.”

“Master.” She leaned forward the smallest amount. My eyes connected with hers and a calming washed over me just like it did in our appointments. “Very good. We’re going to make you so much better.” Her voice was monotone yet soothing. Slightly slow. Beautiful. Hypnotic. “Count down for me. Let your body relax.”

“I don’t have time for this…I…ten. Nine.”

“Very good. Your anger is lifting. You’re feeling it leave you with every breath. Keep going.”

“Eight.”

“Yes. Your tongue is leaving the roof of your mouth. You can feel your jaw unclench.”

“Seven. Six.”

My body was getting tired as my actions became automatic at her orders.

“You feel safe. Happy.”

“Five. Four.”

“Listen very closely. You’ve never been overseas, Braddock.”

“Three.”

“You never served in the military. You had your family duties, but they were under the supervision of your father. You’re a Pierce. You run your line. You have since your father’s death nearly four years ago.”

“Two.”

Had my tone rumbled and been harsh? No. I was calm. I was as light as a feather.

“You’re smart. Even though you won’t remember what I’m saying, you’re getting better every day. Forget all these episodes. Let go of the fears or memories that are holding you back. You’re elite. You know what that means.”

Did I? Did I know the significance of that?

“One.”

“Open your eyes, Brad. Look at me.”

Light flooded in as I took a deep breath and smiled. I met Melissa’s stare, but she didn’t look happy. I couldn’t tell what her emotion was.

“Better?”

“Yes.” I nodded, feeling my lips draw down as my smile faded. Wait. Did I feel better? Something was off. Different.

“Back to me.”

I brought my attention up to meet her gaze.

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