Page 77 of Doubts & Fears

“Mine,” he mumbled, throwing a leg over me.

I sighed and snuggled into him, relishing every bit of his declaration. I’d take it for as long as I could. And if the only way I could get more intimate with the Kings was to talk to Dr. Marcel, damn it, I would.

Something shifted inside me last night as Alek and I talked, and when I walked through my bedroom door the next morning, I knew what I needed to do. My fingers brushed over the soft knee-high socks Nikolai had carefully laid out on my bed.

A flood of memories of us shopping together had my heart pounding. The thought of him going through my drawers and picking out something as simple as an outfit did strange things to me.

My fingers shook as I pulled up the number in my phone. It rang twice, and as soon as the voice on the other end spoke, I blurted out. “Hi, my name is Kinsley Taylor, and I’d like to make an appoint—”

“Ms. Taylor, may I put you on hold so I can connect you with Dr. Marcel?”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I’d rather you not do that. I’d like to make an appointment, if that’s okay. It’ll have to be a phone appointment, though, because I’m in Seattle.” I rushed on before I could change my mind.

“Of course. Can I put you on hold while I consult his schedule?”

“Yes, please.”

My heart beat so hard as I waited. What was taking so long? Would he refuse to speak to me? The thought alone had me gulping. Nervously, I waited for what seemed like forever. Finally, she came back on the phone.

“Dr. Marcel can call you later today. How does 3:00 p.m. your time sound?”

“That’d be fine, at least I think so. I’m not sure what the plan is for me today. I mean, it’s Nik’s day, and I think he’s taking me somewhere, but I’m sure he will be fine with it.”

As I rambled on, my nerves getting the best of me, Owen’s warning rang loud and clear in my head, and I pushed it away.

“Nikolai King?” she asked curiously.

“Yes, ma’am. Maybe I should check with him first.”

I wavered a bit, and then Marcel said, “I’ll ensure that he doesn’t mind, Ms. Taylor.” His clear, rich voice caught me by surprise.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you were there.” I swallowed hard. “Very well, then I’ll give you my email address for the paperwork.”

“The paperwork? Does this mean that it’ll be an official therapist-patient relationship?” he asked, his tone even.

“Seeing as I’m currently neck-deep in relationships that border on inappropriate and are unofficial, I could use one that is official, so yes. Please send me your fee schedule as well.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“If you want me for your patient, then it’s necessary. If you send it now, I can get it filled out and sent back before the call.”

“Very well, Ms. Taylor. I’ll call you later. Have a good day with Nikolai.”

I hung up and looked at the clothes once more. He had picked out a solid rib-knit overall dress that hit mid-thigh and paired it with a white long-sleeved, form-fitting shirt. Next to the bed sat a pair of white tennis shoes.

It was cute, and I smiled as I put it on. Parting my hair down the middle, I skillfully wove it into two rope-braid pigtails. With a touch of clear lip gloss, my lips glistened.

I smoothed the skirt down and walked into the dining room. His eyes lit up, and he gestured to my chair. My eyes found Ivan’s where he sat, and I gasped loudly at his swollen right eye and busted lip. Heart panging, I walked over and hugged him to my chest.

“Are you going to force Ivan to make an oath as well?” Alek asked.

I ran my fingers in circles on Ivan’s back. “No. Somehow, I feel like this is all on you. You’re the oldest. Aren’t you supposed to be the responsible one?”

“Great, another woman who insists on babying the baby,” Alek said sarcastically.

“I think my brother is jealous. What do you think?” Ivan asked, snuggling into me. His hand lingered down toward the curve of my ass.

“I’d have to agree with that assessment, my love. He simply doesn’t understand the nuances of birth order. I really think he should let me make him an appointment with a professional.”

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