PHOENIX
Let’s start now.
Well. Great.
I hadn’t planned on that. I’d timed my trip to Kline and Associates to hit just before five o’clock—strategically ensuring a quick in and out. Minimal risk of another meltdown. Minimal time to be aroundher.
Honestly, I thought she’d tell me to take a hike. Maybe even slap me. I definitely didn’t expect her to let me back in, much less invite me to stay. And if, by some miracle, shedidagree to another appointment, I figured she’d schedule it for later in the week. Give us both time to pretend yesterday hadn’t happened.
But now?
I was locked in.
And backing out wasn’t an option—not when I already felt like she had me by the balls.
Andnotthe way she had in my dreams last night.
During my one pathetic hour of sleep, Rose Flower had done things to me that would’ve had most people calling their priest.
The woman was completely throwing me off. Everything about her—her voice, her face, the way shestaredat me like she already knew what I was hiding—twisted something deep inside me. And just being in a therapist’s office? That didn’t help. Why are these rooms always so damn small? Like talking about feelings wasn’t suffocating enough already.
Still, I reminded myself this was why I came back. Therapy. Progress. Freedom. That little paper with my name on it that said I could be left alone to live my life like a functioning adult.
I just… wish I’d had a minute to prepare.
But prepare for what? What was I so afraid of? I was a grown man who’d spent half his life in high-stakes combat. I’d faced things most people couldn’t stomach. Why couldn’t I sit on a stupid couch and answer a few questions?
Because Rose Florisrattledme. That’s why.
And because deep down, I knew I wasn’t ready.
Not to be seen.
Not by her.
I clenched my jaw and sat up straighter, silently coaching myself.You’re here for one reason: to prove you’re not intellectually or emotionally deficient. Cool. Calm. Collected. No blowups. No threats. No unraveling.
Just get through the hour.
Get the signature.
And get out.
I glanced around the room.
God, I hated this place.
“Let’s begin,” Rose repeated, pulling me out of my racing thoughts. She nodded to the couch, those big, almond eyes alert, ready. Not wary like she’d been the day before. Or, scared like she’d been after I flipped out.
No, Rose Floris was ready to stand toe to toe with me, and dammit, I admired that. There was strength behind her eyes, the kind that came from picking yourself up over and over again.
A strength I knew very well. A strength that, in all honesty, I didn’t know that I had anymore.
“Please, sit.”
I did as I was told and sat on the edge of the couch.
“Can I get you some coffee?”
