Page 150 of The Assignment: Room 3

“He’s a horndog.”

“It’s weird for us to talk about this. Has he mentioned anything to you?”

“Of course. He’s Flex. There is no TMI boundary he won’t cross.”

“Oh good. I’m so glad he’s telling my boss all his sex woes.”

“I think we’ve been through enough recently that we can move past the I’m-your-boss stage. We’re family.”

“And people don’t talk to their family about their sex life either.”

“Maybe vanilla families don’t, but you know as well as I do that we’re all up in each other’s business at Venom. Even when we don’t want to be.”

“He’s still healing.”

“Yeah, but a big part of his identity is being your Dom. Removing that aspect has to be difficult for him right now. Just keep that in mind. I know we’re all hyper-vigilant about every twinge, ache, or pain he has, but the guy was a Navy SEAL. He’s a fucking badass.”

“I guess.” I know he’s right. Flex would handle anything I throw at him with ease, but I can’t get over my own hangups. “Anyway, I need to get going. Thanks for the pep talk.”

“Any time. Tell Gracie, Funkle Dally says hi. We’re still on for dinner this weekend, right?”

“Yep. I’ll let her know. She has all of you wrapped around her finger.”

“Guilty as charged. Never thought I’d see the day that Flex became a dad, but when I see him with her, it is just amazing.”

“I can’t argue with you there.” I shove some files into my purse and check my watch. “I’m running late. We’ll see you on Saturday.”

“Sure thing.”

I consider what he said about Flex being badass as I ride the elevator down. Logically, I understand what he’s saying and that it’s true, but every time I look at his scar, I’m back in that room, and Flex isn’t breathing. It haunts my dreams.

When I reach the lobby, I scurry to the revolving doors and out onto the sidewalk. It makes my skin crawl remembering the moment Michael spoke my name and kidnapped Gracie and me. I have to get over this because he’s not coming back, and I can’t live with the echo of fear every time I go to work.

I feel physically sick as I walk the few blocks to Venom, pulling out my phone to type a quick message.

Me: Is everything okay? Do you need me to come home? How’s Gracie? Did she go down for her nap?

Flex: We’re fine. Everything is fine, same as it was when you texted me thirty minutes ago. You don’t need to rush home. Gracie is sound asleep on my lap. We were watching Beauty and the Beast.

Me: She shouldn’t be on your lap. She could hurt your leg.

Flex: Are we talking about the same kid? She weighs nothing. I’m not some fragile little bird that’s going to break. I’m fine, Helena.

Everyone has been amazing, adapting to calling me by my real name. I think I’m the one struggling with it. Helena was the doormat that Micheal abused. When I became Celest, I got to reinvent myself. I got clean. I became a mom and a submissive. Iwantto be Helena again, but I just feel uneasy.

When I reach Venom, Viv is already waiting for me in the bar. “Well, if it isn’t the lovely Helena Maxwell.” She stands to greet me, pulling me into her arms.

I sink into her embrace, the weight of the world—my world—on my shoulders.

“Hey, Viv.”

“What’s wrong? Why did you wince when I said hello?”

“I don’t know. I’m still adjusting to being Helena again.” I take a seat, resting my elbows on the bar.

“You’re still the same person. It doesn’t change how any of us view you. You know that, right?”

“It’s not that. I think it changes the wayIfeel about myself. Helena is the reason Michael showed up and kidnapped me and my daughter. Helena is the reason Flex died in front of me.”

---