Total pages in book: 192
Estimated words: 189782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 949(@200wpm)___ 759(@250wpm)___ 633(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 189782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 949(@200wpm)___ 759(@250wpm)___ 633(@300wpm)
“Did he tell you he triggered it?”
“He said he approached you from behind.”
I nod. Leo and Kody come up behind me like that all the time, and I’m fine. But I keep that to myself.
“What if Monty is my trigger? I don’t believe he would ever physically hurt me. But deep down, I wonder if I fear him.”
“Can I be honest with you, Frankie?”
“I sure as hell hope so.”
“I’ve known you for many years.” He closes his notepad and sets it aside, bending forward. “I’ve always admired your inner strength. You’re wildly independent and tenacious and—I hope you don’t mind me saying—you are incredibly beautiful. You deserve someone who knows how to take care of a woman, how to touch you softly and fiercely at the same time, how to both claim you and set you free, and how to stand in the brilliant emerald glow of your soul without snuffing out your light.”
“Um…” I stare at him, stunned. “Thank you. That’s…”
“Monty isn’t good for you. He’s controlling, possessive, and selfish. The typical wealthy playboy with commitment issues and family secrets. I think you’re right to fear him. You’re better off without him.”
“Wow. Okay…” The tips of my ears burn. “Have you always thought that?”
“Yes. I’ve seen how his behavior affects you.” He gives me a reassuring smile. “You deserve someone who respects your independence, encourages your career, and supports your healing and reproductive rights.”
Ouch. Yeah, Monty doesn’t check most of those boxes.
Now would be a good time to tell him I have someone who does. Two someones. I don’t need to get into my sex life, especially after that weirdly flattering and slightly unprofessional declaration.
Leo and Kody will probably make our dynamic perfectly clear to Doyle during their sessions with him. But right now, I just want to focus on my support system.
“There’s something else.” I rub my palms on my jeans. “It’s about Leo and Kody.”
“Go on.” His eyes sharpen with interest.
“During our captivity, we became very close.” I draw a breath, my thoughts gathering. “We helped one another through a lot of harrowing, painful things. We escaped together, survived a plane crash, and now we’re facing a rough transition. They mean everything to me.”
“You developed a trauma bond. It’s a survival mechanism. A source of strength and support.” He tips his head, rubbing his jaw. “It’s normal to feel a deep connection with them after what you’ve been through.”
“I understand that, and while we share that special connection between the three of us, I feel it’s important for them to build a relationship with Monty. He’s the only family they have left, and they need stability. Monty can provide that. But it’s…complicated. Monty’s distrust and jealousy issues are getting in the way.”
“He feels threatened by your relationship with them.”
“For sure. But I don’t want him blaming Leo and Kody for our broken marriage. If they weren’t in the picture, Monty and I would still be separated. Leo and Kody have suffered their entire lives. They’ve never experienced the love and unconditional support of a tight-knit family. I want them to have that.”
“Family and relationships are crucial, especially after traumatic experiences. But these bonds can’t be forced. They must develop on their own.”
“I know.” Sighing, I look away. “I just want them to feel safe and loved.”
“You care deeply about them, and your desire to see them happy is commendable. But you must be patient.”
“Patience isn’t exactly my thing.”
He squints at me, staring too closely. The subtle shift in his posture suggests he’s gearing up to say something important.
“Most of our conversation today has been about Monty, Leo, and Kody. Their needs. Their well-being.” He dips forward, tilting into the space between us with elbows braced on his knees. “What about you? How are you feeling in all of this?”
I blink, suddenly aware of the tension in my shoulders and the tightness in my chest.
“I…I guess I haven’t thought about it. I’m grateful to be free. Each day brings a sense of wonder that I am alive and no longer have to fight every waking second to stay that way. But I survived only a fraction of the hell that Leo and Kody endured. They’ve never lived outside of the Arctic. Their transition is so much harder than mine. And Monty…” I blow out a breath.
“Your recovery is just as important. You’ve been through significant trauma, too. Do you want to talk about what happened with Denver?”
I swallow hard, already shaking my head. “Not today. The details are…ugly and overwhelming. I need to work up to it.”
“That’s understandable. How about we just talk about what you’re feeling?”
What am I feeling?
I sit back and pry open some of those doors. “I was held against my will for nine months. Six days ago, we did the impossible and escaped. We’re free, but I don’t feel free. Not like I did before the abduction. I’m constantly on edge, waiting for something else to go wrong. Like, at any minute, the devil will reach out of the shadows and drag me back to hell.”