#Chapter 13 – Dual Relationship

Finally, after what feels like an endless list of my credentials, I get Victor talking about his goals for the sessions use the opportunity to quietly freak out.

I put my hand over the phone’s receiver and turn my face away, breathing deeply as my mind spins, trying to figure out my next step. I should, of course, immediately end the call before Victor tells me anything real about his life, his relationships, his intimacies.

This is a textbook case of a conflict of interests. I definitely shouldn’t be Victor’s therapist because I’ve figured out his identity but he hasn’t figured out mine – it creates a power imbalance.

Oh, and because we’ve slept together, and because he’s trying to steal my children, just to name a few other reasons.

“s**t s**t shit…” I mutter under my breath. I know I should hang up the phone but…

Something inside me nudges me, telling me that fate has delt me a sweet hand here. Perhaps, just perhaps, I shouldn’t ignore this so quickly.

Everything in this custody case is weighted in Victor’s favor – at least in legal terms. The minute it becomes clear that I intentionally kept Victor’s children from him, not giving him a chance to acknowledge Ian and Alvin as his sons and heirs, the court will turn in his favor.

But now, suddenly, I have access to Victor’s deepest secrets, fears, even his plans for the future. It’s unethical, of course, but…are ethics really the most important thing when he’s trying to take my kids?

If Victor were in my place, he’d take every advantage that came his way. Alphas like Victor don’t think codes of ethics apply to them, swiping them away like cobwebs whenever they pose an inconvenience.

My eyes narrow as my heart hardens. Fine. I’ll play by his rules.

“Hello?” I hear the gruff voice echo from the phone, which I’ve forgotten is in my hand. I return my attention quickly back to the call.

“Mmmhmmmm…” I say, pretending to think deeply. “That DOES present a…conundrum for you…” I say, grimacing and hoping that I’ve responded coherently to whatever it was he just said.

“I agree,” says Victor, sounding satisfied, “I’m glad you recognize that it’s a complicated issue.”

“Certainly, certainly,” I confirm.

we’re on the same page. I will consult my

is conflicted, half greedy and victorious, half anxious

a deep breath and exhale slowly, gently returning the phone to its cradle. God, only twenty-four hours, and my world is completely

cracks open and Tyesha pokes her head in, flashing me a questioning thumbs

smiling. “It all went fine. I think he wants me to take

high-five. “I think it’s going to be an interesting case for you, and that you have exactly the skills and expertise necessary to really

her a small smile, guilt still rolling in my stomach. Ha, if only she knew. But this will give me leverage, information I can use to turn the tide my way. It’s the smart thing to do, even if it’s not

begins to growl softly, and I feel a small pleasure at this new adventage. Victor should not forget that I, too, can be ruthless.

and c***s her head to the side. “You okay, Evelyn? I thought

to demonstrate that I’ve been tired. “It’s just been…a

moment, and then gives me a big smile. “Great, the client has confirmed that he would

hands in

want to reveal their identities, despite all the nondisclosures you’ve signed

that this doesn’t ruin my career – I

say, carefully prying. “He spent most of his time interviewing me about my credentials. I didn’t get much out

Ty says, “it’s a pretty standard relationship

say, nodding and letting Tyesha continue without too many interruptions. People tend to tell you more if you give them the space to

every time they talk. He’s having trouble controlling his emotions, she’s breaking her commitments, especially her promises about

say

wander aloud, as I hoped she would. “He let something slip, in his intake interview – something about losing his temper and becoming the

knows,” she says, smiling. “I’m sure

and smirk. “Can’t wait to dig in. Hey!” I say suddenly, thinking of something. “I have the rest of the day off and, for once, I have no

to her feet. “Who is this date with? Is

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