“Why wouldn’tyoulet me have it?”
“Unlike my client, I don’t trust you.”
“You don’t know me.”
“Neither does he. However, he seems to think he does after reading your research journals and the reviews from your patients.”
“That seems very naive.”
The Beast leaned forward, closing the gap between us. “Maybe he realizes you have more to lose from trying to run.”
“What….” I licked my dry lips. “What do you mean?”
“He knows everything about you.”
“And?”
“He knows your immense love and overbearing responsibility to your parents and your younger brother.” Tilting his head, he added, “You wouldn’t do anything to cause them pain, would you?”
I sucked in a ragged breath. “Are you threatening…my parents and my brother?”
“Just stating facts. I mean, it would seem your love for your parents would be a great motivator for your decisions.”
“They are.”
“Are you sure? I mean, you told my other associate money wasn’t an issue.”
“It’s not.” When the Beast tilted his head questioningly at me, I scoffed, “I make well over six figures a year at my practice.”
“And how much of that will be tangible when your father’s care becomes too expensive?”
I blinked at him. “Excuse me?”
“Your father’s care is becoming overwhelming for your mother. While your parents did financially well, over the years, the combination of your oldest brother’s mental health hospitalizations and your younger brother’s care has wiped out their savings.”
“You…” Slowly, I shook my head back and forth. This wasn’t happening. He couldn’t possibly know that much about my parents or Silas or Sammy.
“So you’re going to blackmail me into treating your client?”
“How would you be blackmailed when it benefits you and your family?”
“Because your client isn’t giving me money out of the kindness of his heart.”
“He’s still making it worth your time.”
Once again I rubbed my aching forehead. This time the Beast asked, “Let me get you some Tylenol or Motrin.”
“I can’t since I haven’t eaten anything.”
“I had our chef prepare the exact meal you’d requested this morning at the hunt.”
My heart beat faster at the level of his care. But once again, I reminded myself that this man drugged and kidnapped me. “That would be great if I could force food down considering my stomach wasn’t in shreds from being kidnapped.”
“Perhaps an injection of pain medication?”
“No!” I shrieked. When the Beast tilted his head at me, I replied, “No, more drugs. Please promise me that.”
“If you promise to behave.”
