Page 75 of Sinful Scars

“In what way?”

“Well…” I fiddle with the loose thread, trying to come up with a way to explain my situation without sounding completely mental.

“This is a safe space, Elle.”

I nod, taking a breath.

“He’s all I can think about. I know it’s probably just some kind of trauma response, and I’m just attaching myself to him. But honestly, it feels like we have something deeper than that. Something that’s…real.”

“And this is the man who admitted to stalking you?”

“See, that’s what I mean. It sounds bad when you put it like that, but I feel like he’s just keeping an eye on me. Knowing that he’s out there, watching me… Well, it almost feels comforting.”

Dr. Mills scribbles more notes down in her book, and I brace myself for what she’s going to say.

I know how crazy I sound, but it’s the truth.

“It’s interesting that you’re able to place so much trust in this man, considering the issues you’ve had trusting and opening up to people in the past.”

“I guess. I mean, if he planned to hurt me, he would have done it already.”

“That’s not necessarily how stalking works, Elle. Just because he hasn’t hurt you yet doesn’t mean he won’t, and quite frankly, a lot of his behavior should be concerning you.”

“I know,” I sigh, feeling guilty for not mentioning the fact that I’ve also slept with this man.

I thought having a licensed professional tell me that this man is dangerous would burst the bubble I’ve been living inside of ever since the kidnapping. That I would walk out of this office with the intention of going straight to the police, or at the very least Lucia.

But the thought of never seeinghimagain has my stomach twisting, and I know that I would only be lying to myself if I made such promises.

“Our time is up.” Dr. Mills shuts her notebook, the sound snapping me out of my thoughts. “I’ll see you on Monday?”

My head’sfull as I leave Dr. Mills’ office. I’m always emotionally drained after a therapy session, and the only thing that makes me feel better is a long soak in the bath with a glass of wine or two.

My cousin insisted on me going to dinner with her and Mikhail tonight.

I rummage around in my bag for my phone as I leave Dr. Mills’ office.

When I find it, I notice a message from Lucia.

Maybe something came up with Vivi, and she is canceling.

No such luck. She is confirming the time.

“Great…” I shoot her a quick reply to let her know I’m on my way.

I really hope that Lucia hasn’t decided to divulge everything about my mystery man to Mikhail. Though knowing Lucia, it’s likely Mikhail already knows the extent of what’s been happening and will likely spend most of the evening insisting on setting me up with round-the-clock security.

I love my cousin dearly, but she can’t keep a secret to save her life.

The entire walk over to Lucia’s townhouse, I mentally rehearse ways to get out of the dinner, right up until the point that I’m knocking on the door.

“Elle, you came.” Lucia offers me a somewhat strained smile.

“You did invite me.” I step over the threshold.

Her answering laugh is forced, and I frown at my cousin.

“Is everything okay?”

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