Page 8 of Volatile

He motioned her into the office and shut the door. “Someone like what?”

“Never mind.” She sat down, crossing her legs. “Ivy’s at work so she had her lackey bring me today. As if I can’t be trusted to be on my own.” Lily fidgeted, uncrossing her legs, then going back to her original position before ending up tucking them underneath her. “Sorry, just one of those days.”

Jon smiled. “Fortunately you’re here and can talk about it.”

Lily snorted again, and he tapped his fingers on his chin, debating which direction to take. She was frustrated, which also made her more open. If he handled it correctly, this could end up being a productive session.

“Do you want to be here, Lily?”

“No.”

“Then why are you?”

She looked at him briefly before dropping her eyes down. “I’m sure you know why. My sister’s not giving me much of a choice.” Her voice cracked at the end, and she rubbed her throat.

“There’s always a choice.”

He stood up and walked to the counter to pour her a glass of water. He could sense her eyes on him, scoping him out, pondering if he was worthy of her trust. Jon went over, standing before her, his height dwarfing her as she sat curled in the chair. She flicked her eyes upward and accepted the water.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He remained for a moment, noticing her shoulders drop and body visibly relax. Then he returned to his seat.

“I’m surprised Ivy hasn’t shipped me off to someone else yet. You don’t seem the right... type.”

“How so?” She shrugged, taking a sip of water. “Is it because I’m a sex therapist?”

She sputtered, quickly lowering her glass. “A sex therapist? Wow, Ivy must really think I’m messed up.”

He smiled slightly. “No, I don’t think—”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s never going to listen to me anyway. I’ve already told her over and over that I’m fine.” Her face brightened. “I know! You could tell her that too. Tell her everything’s okay. You’re my shrink. Hopefully she’ll listen to you. Then I can have my life back again.”

“You want me to lie?”

Her jaw dropped. “You think there’s something wrong with me too?”

Jon let out a long breath, scooting his chair closer. “Lily, I don’t know you well enough to make such a determination. Considering you barely spoke during the initial session, how can I form an opinion yet? But strictly based on my first impression? No, I don’t think there’s something wrong with you, but I also don’t think everything’s okay either.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip. He saw a sliver of opportunity and he had to take it. “Tell me about the bruises.”

“You wouldn’t understand.” An almost indiscernible reaction took over her body, a slight lowering of her chin that made him feel for her. He knew that look.

“Try me. You may be surprised.” After giving her ample time to speak, he said, “Lily, look at me.” She raised her eyes and kept the contact longer than he expected.

“Ivy won’t understand,” she whispered before breaking the connection.

“What’s said in this room stays in this room. I can promise you that.”

She nodded. “I love my sister, I really do. I don’t want to hurt her or upset her. She does so much for me, but I just wish that....”

“She’s concerned you’re in an unsafe situation.”

“I’m not. I swear!”

“So, tell me your side.”

“I love him.”

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