My pulse rises. I blurt out, "He didn't do anything."
Her face turns stern. "He broke his ethical oath to his profession."
"He didn't!"
"Did you sleep with him?" She arches her eyebrows.
"None of your business," I hiss.
Her tone stays stern, but softens. "Blue, I know this might be hard to understand, but a therapist can't sleep with their patients."
"You act like he sexually assaulted me. He didn't! And I went after him! If you want to blame someone, blame me!" I cry out.
She sighs. "It doesn't matter if you gave him consent. He should have resisted your advances and transferred you to another therapist."
"He tried, but I didn't want another therapist! He's the only one who can help me! And he did! I haven't..." I turn toward the window, my jaw shaking so hard it hurts, and my vision turning blurry.
"You haven't what?" she pushes.
"Nothing."
"Please tell me."
I shake my head and wipe my face. "The only thing you need to know is that I'm safer because of him."
Silence fills the car.
I try to get control of my emotions. The city passes by in clean lines and glass. People move along the sidewalk, unaware of how easily routines fracture, or how the world just shifted.
Aunt Kora lowers her voice. "You need to know something."
I turn toward her. "What?"
She hesitates, then states, "I think it's impossible for your parents not to find out what happened."
My breath catches, and I have to force it back into rhythm. "Why?"
Disapproval fills her expression. She exhales through her nose and claims, "Mikhail Volkov is Red's attorney."
"Mikhail?" I gape at her.
"Seems like Demi went behind my back and stuck her nose in your business," she sneers.
My parents will know.
Mikhail will get Red out!
If Mikhail is involved, Uncle Obrecht knows.
He'll tell my father!
"My father will kill Red the minute he gets out of jail!" I fret.
"I think it's wise you tell them. I'll come with you and help," she offers.
"They don't know yet?" I ask, surprised.
Disapproval passes in her expression.
