“You really think we need four? Do you have a way to get them all?” Doc looks up from the list, biting his lower lip in a purely irresistible way. I swear, it’s like being in school with him again.
He doesn’t realize how much he fucks with my mind, and I’d be bitter about it, but I know he’s not doing it on purpose. Taking a deep breath, I calm the need rushing through me and nod grimly.
“Yeah, we do. I want two individual therapists—Anderson and Connor are extremely skilled. Reid for couple’s counseling, because fuck knows, based on what I’m hearing regarding Allesandro and Cristian, that needs to be a priority.”
“And Ian? He’s…volatile. And unlikely to come into this type of situation.”
“He’s the best damn sex therapist I know. He’s also extremely kink positive, and well, they all need a lesson in kink here. Unless your Daddy wants to be the one to teach them?”
“Oh, fuck no. Daddy is mine.”
The jealousy wraps around me, but I shrug it off. I don’t want Soren, but fuck if I don’t regret not having at least experienced Doc. Still, in college, I wasn’t prepared yet for my role in life. If it wasn’t for Ely, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to even get there, much less make myself into the success I have. It’s why I can command the Council to listen to me, and if I have Doc’s agreement, then they will definitely pay attention—despite this fuck up.
“Then yes, we need Ian. I didn’t take this job just to make sure Hollis and Lio were taken care of; I’m going after the entire Organization.”
Doc’s eyes widen and he sputters, “I didn’t think you were serious about that!”
“You shouldn’t doubt me.” His eyes darken at the steel in my voice, but I don’t give in to my urges. Instead, I prod him further. “We need to be smart about how to do it. I’m assuming someone got to Stanley, because while we both know he was an asshole in college, this was beyond pale.”
“Not to mention, these are very successful individuals with waiting lists. They’re not going to be willing to just jump ship for the hell of it,” Doc mutters. “I don’t think they can be swayed like you were.”
Snorting, I shake my head. No, while some of these therapists are…unorthodox…none of them have my uniqueness. “Probably a good thing. But how do you feel about a little kidnapping?”
“Uh, I don’t think the Council will go for that.” Doc cringes. “That’s kind of a Martelli move, and they’ve been trying to reinvent themselves.”
Sighing, I tap the desk impatiently, thinking of other options before shaking my head. “I think we can get a couple based on finances, or the fact they're already in a unique relationship. But there’s no way we’ll get Connor without kidnapping, or a very strong incentive that goes beyond financial compensation. And we need him. He’s the one I want with Roman. The only one I would trust with Roman at this point.”
“Shit. I wish I could disagree with you…” Doc sinks further into the chair, despair rolling off him.
“Welcome to the fun.” I smile thinly at my new colleague, but he doesn’t respond with one of his own. Shrugging, I get another pad of paper out. “Let’s strategize. I want to be able to produce everything to whoever the fuck is now in charge.”
“Yeah, alright. Wait…how the fuck did Lio kill Stanley?” Doc pauses as he sits up straighter.
Laughing, I wondered when he’d get there. “He was given a knife. And before you ask, I’m putting that under your domain, since you’re still primary care for Lio. Good luck there.”
Doc groans, but doesn’t say anything. He knows it’s his fuck up to fix, and I don’t have time to hold hands on this. Lio shouldn’t have access to a weapon. Although, I must say, I can’t wait to see what the Boy does when he’s fully back in control of his faculties…
DADDY
Make sure you use the restroom before your meeting, that’s the last time you’ll be going until I allow it.
And don’t even think about not staying hydrated. I will be *very* disappointed if you don’t take care of yourself, Ash.
Iwince at the second text, because…I had considered it. I had water and coffee with my late lunch, that could have sustained me! But…Daddy had to use my name to show how serious he is. It’s a compromise we made after the few slip ups from our early days. Nobody else except James can get away with it, but Daddy didn’t want to continuously hurt me when he needed to make a point. So…Ash it is when he’s laying down a law that neitherDocnorBabycan ignore.
Leaving Javi’s office with his fucking impossible wishlist, I try not to sigh. I wanted him, pushed for him, and know he is right.
“You don't need to babysit me,” I tell James when I see him leaning against the wall outside the office.
“Your Daddy was very clear in his expectations.”
I roll my eyes. “He's notyourDaddy.”
“Don't be snippy. You know I don't play favorites, but…”
“But you help Daddy keep me in line. Yeah, whatever. I need a new best friend,” I mutter under my breath.
James snorts, but I ignore him as we head down to the other side of the house, where Jude’s office is.
