Page 50 of Ravage

It’s gone deadly quiet.

What a shame.

Chapter 18

Avery

Even though I asked for it, I still have to admit it's a surprise. I wouldn't call itpleasantbut it's digestible at least.

"I'm really glad you are back, Avery."

I look at Dr. Smith from across the desk, his warm smile pissing me off. It's easy to tell it's a façade.

"Back in session with you or back from being tortured by mad scientists?" I ask sarcastically.

It took many hours of convincing the guys that it was a preferred option to return to Dr. Smith. One of the guards had sprung it on me late yesterday, giving us the heads up that from today, I'd be returning as one of Dr. Smith's patients. Grey was the most vocal about it, and while Damon stayed quiet, I could see his jaw ticking.

Unfortunately, seeing a psych is a requirement of Lilydale, one thatmostpeople can't get out of. While the three of them seem to be session-free, I don't hold the same power or confidence. And if our options are between Dr. Smith and Dr. Elsher, it's obvious who I'd choose.

I tried to pry for information aboutwhythey were so worked-up about Dr. Smith but no one gave me any answers. It can't be as simple as he's Damon's cousin, because that fact was already out in the open when I was seeing him previously for sessions. Still, every time he appears in conversation, I practically drown in the masculine hostility.

Dr. Smith shifts awkwardly, smile dropping slightly. Good—I've made him uncomfortable. The last thing I need is some nauseating, happy optimist who overlooks what happened to me. As much as I hate talking about it, it would be even worse to pretend it didn't exist—acting as if my trauma is not important enough to recognize. At least here, I can talk about it freely without worrying about the personal attachments. I know the guys keep encouraging me to share what I'm comfortable with, but it's their reactions thatkill me. They are hurting for me, angry, and out for blood.

I love how protective they are—I've never had that before. However, it dawned on me that having that kind of protection comes with a price. It's not justmyemotions that suffer—it's all of ours. And I don't want them to feel like they are drowning because of something that happened to me.

I want to protect them too. And keeping it locked away is the only way I know how.

"Yes, well…" he starts, tapping his pen on the notepad in front of him. "That's definitely a good point."

"I almost expected you to deny it," I say, sitting criss-cross applesauce on the chair. "Probably not professional to discuss your colleagues' secret side projects."

He laughs under his breath, surprising me. Placing his pen down, he pushes the notepad away and leans back into his chair. "Despite what you must think, I don't think they are professional at all. And I certainly don't wish to have them referred to as my colleagues."

My eyebrow shoots up. "You expect me to believe that you don't agree with it?"

"Of course not. You have every right to be weary and distrusting. But I'm not going to say I agree with it, regardless of what you think of me."

"You're Damon's cousin," I point out. "That means your family owns this place too."

Surprise appears on his face. "They told you that?"

I pause for a moment, wondering if I shouldn't have disclosed what I know. But it's too late now to backtrack, so I nod confidently.

"Alexander is your uncle, I assume. Isn't he the one organizing theresearchdownstairs? While also paying your salary?"

"If I supported his mission, I wouldn't have jeopardized my position here by doing what I did. And now that I have you face-to-face, I can apologize for it."

I'm not sure what he's talking about, racking my brain to figure out which incident he's talking about. "The meeting with Alexander and Whittingham?" I question. "I don't think they would have placed me in solitary confinement for long."

His eyes widen slightly, apparently taken aback at my reply. "I'm not referring to that. Though I do wish I had more input when it comes to such matters. Thankfully, Damon was able to step in."

There's a moment of confusion between both of us, and I get side-tracked by his comment.

"It's interesting that Damon has so much power and you don't."

Dr. Smith looks away, pondering my observation. "There are reasons. I'm sure Damon will fill you in if he chooses to do so."

I snort. Damon is a locked vault the majority of the time. But I already know—it's the immediate family connection. The issues about wealth.

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