#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.

chat and that we’re on the same page. I will consult my schedule and

at the receiver in my hand. My mind is conflicted, half greedy and victorious, half anxious that I’ll get caught, lose

breath and exhale slowly, gently returning the phone to its cradle. God, only twenty-four

her

went fine. I think

me a high-five. “I think it’s going to be an interesting case for you, and that you

a small smile, guilt still rolling in my stomach. Ha, if only she knew. But this will give me leverage, information I can

a small pleasure at this new adventage. Victor should not forget that I, too,

to the side. “You okay, Evelyn? I thought you would be more

front and stretching to demonstrate that I’ve been tired. “It’s

face me. She checks her phone for a moment, and then gives me a big smile.

hands in my lap.

want to reveal their identities, despite all the nondisclosures you’ve signed and will continue to sign.”

quick prayer that this doesn’t ruin my career – I love my job. But again, my

me about the case?” I say, carefully prying. “He spent most of his time interviewing me about my credentials. I didn’t

standard relationship crisis, only made particularly complicated

without too many interruptions. People tend to tell you more if you give them the space

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

say softly, vaguely, letting

self-loathing in there too,” she says, looking off into the distance and letting her mind wander aloud, as I hoped she would. “He let something slip, in his intake interview – something about losing his temper and

she says, smiling. “I’m sure you’ll

of something. “I have the rest of the day off and, for once, I have no kids on a Friday afternoon. Do you want to stay for a bit? Have a glass of wine with me before

feet. “Who is this date with?

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