Page 55 of Bloom: Part 1

“Bloom, talk to me. If we’re going to do this relationship like you want—”

“Only I want it?”

“You’re right. Likewewant, then you have to be honest with me. Don’t hide things from me.”

“It’s weird. I woke up in your closet and couldn’t remember what I did the night before. The thought of you looking at me like I was some sort of freak made me run.”

“I stayed the night in the closet with you. Didn’t that say anything to you?”

“I’m not too good at reading cues, Logan. My mind tells me one thing, and it’s hard to believe something else.”

“Well, we’re going to have to change that, aren’t we? I need you to listen to me, okay?”

He nodded.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I still have reservations about starting a relationship with you. You’re a unique person, but I know it’s not your fault. You’ve been through some tough times. Your psychiatrist said I’m bad for you, by the way.”

Bloom’s back shot up straight. “He said what?”

“We talked. I asked him about you when you went missing.”

“My relationship is none of his business.”

“But it is. He’s your psychiatrist, and I need you to continue seeing him.”

“But I don’t like to. He makes me feel uncomfortable, and his methods differ from what I’m used to.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t like when he puts me under hypnosis.”

“Have you told him that?”

“No. I mean, he’s the expert, so he should know best, right?”

“There are different methods in psychotherapy, and if you’re uncomfortable with one, your therapist should find another way. Next time you tell him you don’t consent.”

Bloom smiled. “You’re like the smartest person I know.” The smile dropped, and so did his gaze. “I’ve never been to school. I can’t read well. Does that bother you?”

“No, but if you want to do something about that, I can help.”

“I knew I wasn’t wrong about you, despite what Crowe says.”

“What did Crowe say?” I frowned. So many people were against this relationship.

“I don’t think he likes you very much.”

“Why? We haven’t even met officially.”

“Because he knows I want you to fuck me.”

Jesus. He didn’t mince words. Oddly, I found that attractive in him, even if half the things coming out of his mouth were offensive. Was I truly doing this? Being with Bloom would require patience.

“What you do and with whom you do it is your business. You’re an adult.”

“That’s exactly what I told him, but he keeps treating me like the little boy he found years ago.”

“He found you?”

---