When we finish our conversation that afternoon, I return to my office in the East Wing, shut the door, and use my personal cell to call my old department head, Dr. Sently.
You know what happens next.
Now you’re caught up.
Leo wouldn’t let me give him back the key for the apartment or the storage unit. That last afternoon, when I took off the chainmail bracelet Leo had given me as my day collar and I put it in his hand…
I know the tears in his eyes and the agony in his voice will haunt me for the rest of my life.
That I hurt this man who I love almost beyond reason.
Except I love him enough to let him go so I’m not constantly pulling him away from Elliot.
Elliot needs him.
The country needs Elliot.
And it’s obvious Elliot neither needs nor wantsme. He damn sure doesn’t love me.
This bitch right here doesn’t need to be hit over the head with a clue-by-four.
