Page 77 of The Mastermind

Diane placed a hand on her heart. “Bless you. I love shopping centers too. I need the job, and I also love chatting with wonderful customers like you. Don’t worry, I’ll send those videos to you.”

“Thank you. Please send them here.” I wrote an email for her.

Sometimes investigating required me to twist the truth. It was like doing business. The mask I wore was necessary for the job. I wasn’t lying when I said I enjoyed shopping centers. I liked them now because of Audri.

The real truth was I needed to know who wanted to hurt Audri, and I would turn the city upside down to get to the bottom of it.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-EIGHT

REMINGTON

The next day,Audri knocked on the office door inside my hotel suite even though it wasn’t closed.

She stood in the doorway, looking more beautiful every day. I knew it sounded cliché, but it was true. This woman had altered me in such a profound way. It was as though she’d snuck into my brain and rewired me.

Smiling, she strode in, wearing a light blue blouse and dark wash jeans. “Should we head out?”

I yanked her onto my lap, one of my favorite places to have and hold her. We had done extraordinary things while she had been on my lap. Like that time I licked barbecue sauce off her body, or that time we played with chocolate sauce, champagne, wine . . . I loved that she had an explorative mind that challenged my own.

“Don’t be nervous.” I kissed her head. “Dr. Liz Finnegan is a highly trained psychologist with a specialty in hypnotherapy. I’ve done my research on her, and I know you have as well. Just try to relax, and you’ll do fine.”

Audri shifted, wrapped both arms around my neck, and kissed me lightly on the lips. “I need to know what I’m getting myself into. Not all doctors are wonderful doctors, you know. The bad ones can do more harm than help me.”

“I agree, which is why I did an extensive background check on her and the patients who had given her five-star reviews on the internet. They weren’t paid reviewers, but actual clients she had helped. I want my woman to receive the best treatment.”

“What would she prescribe to me if she discovered I have feelings for a psycho? He’s very handsome, brilliant, works a lot, accomplishes a lot, and gives me the most cosmic orgasms, which take me out of this world.” She tapped my nose with her finger. “I fear I might say or do something even more embarrassing while I’m hypnotized.”

“You might.” I grinned, wondering what the doctor would think. That’s all normal. I’m sure she’s heard everything by now.”

Audri studied me. “You have the most handsome face, you know that? Perfect lines and angles. A masterpiece for a mastermind.” Her fingers skimmed my jaw.

Her opinions mattered most to me. “I do now.”

She gave me a quick kiss and glanced at my computer screen. “What are you working on?”

I revealed the demo for the WaterFyre Rising video game. “Just adding some more details to the game.”

“How do you have the time to run your empire and work on this?” She stared at it. “It looks exceptional. Can I try it when it’s ready?”

“Absolutely. I’d like your opinion on it.” I swiveled my chair, pulled out a drawer from my desk, and retrieved a gold jewelry box. “I have a gift for you.”

“Oh . . . what for?”

“For a new beginning. Today is your first day of hypnosis. Whether or not it works for you doesn’t matter. What matters is that you recognize something is off and want to fix it. That’s a significant start to me.”

Her face softened. “Thank you.” She opened the box and held up a gold bracelet with several aquamarine stones embedded in the narrow band. She looked under the gold band where a smile line was etched at the center, and beneath it were the words:Your DLS.

A wide smile stretched across her face. “Did the jeweler ask you what it means?”

“She did, but she didn’t get it.”

“One acronym that stands for two things. Most people wouldn’t get my nerdy nicknames for you. As long as you get it.”

“I do.” I smirked. “I love the meaning and the names.” I put the bracelet on her wrist. “I want you to think of me every time you look at it.”

“It’s beautiful.” She stared at the bracelet while turning her wrist at various angles. “I love it.”

The computer mouse moved, and a screen showed properties around Providence and the surrounding towns.

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