“I’m not in hiding. That’s absurd. At this rate, though, it might be a good idea to go into hiding because your friend is mental.” I was growing more exasperated by his refusal to help. So much for logical thinking.
I didn’t like that he was asking me questions about my past as if it was his business, either. Never mind he was spot on with the past abuse. I may not have been in hiding like witness protection, but Iwasliving under an alias.
Which, again, wasn’t his business. His questions were hitting too close to home. On second thought, reaching out to Marcel might not have been the best idea. Owen had told me several times that the players behind what happened to us girls were powerful, undetectable, and, worse, they were the type of people who, if caught, would not be punished.
They were politicians, world leaders, and other men and women of the elite. That was the reason I became Kinsley. Or so I thought. My eyes went to the safe. The letter would have that information. I sighed.Would I ever be ready?
I brought my attention back to the conversation. I needed to get him back on track and away from my personal life.
“I did quite a bit of research on you all, and your practice is extremely specific. You’ve probably seen your fair share of victims over the years. Will you speak to Alek, or should I try to get clearance to see Daddy Diplomat?”
“Slow down. Are you feeling like a victim?” His voice grew serious.
“I’m no victim,” I exclaimed fiercely. I’d never be that again.
“Okay, well, I think part of the problem is that Alek is used to getting a different reaction from women.” His demeanor changed again, back to a more casual tone.
“Ha, well, not this woman.”
“Contrary to what you might believe, he can actually be charming, and most women like him.”
“It’s not that difficult. Yes or no? Can you help me?” I asked, feeling like he was giving me the runaround.
“Well, seeing as you’ve stated quite emphatically that you aren’t a victim, and me being a victim’s advocate and all, I’m not sure how much help I can give you with Alek. Now, if you have some hidden trauma, I could absolutely help you with that.”
Just like a psychologist to turn my words around on me. I’d refused to speak with one over the years, despite both Doc and Owen repeatedly asking me to.
Hidden trauma, ha. He didn’t know the half of it.
My hidden trauma was mine, and I never wanted to share those secrets with anyone. It was my little way of rebelling and maintaining control over my life.
When I didn’t respond after a moment, Dr. Marcel went on. “From what I’ve been told, you seem to be holding your own with Alek. Although he seems insistent on taking you out on a date at least once.”
“Yeah right. Well, you might want to be on standby for him because his fragile ego is about to take a hit. I guess having friends in high places or, in this case, medical professionals, will ensure he’ll get the help he needs to overcome rejection.”
The rich sound of his laughter echoed through the phone. “I’m beginning to see why Alek is feeling challenged.”
“Perfect. This was a waste of time. Sorry I even bothered,” I grumbled, feeling frustrated.
“My office is always open to you. I’ll tell Samantha no appointment is necessary.”
Hanging up, I sighed. I stumbled to my room yawning. I’d stayed up for nothing. I was about to drift off when my phone chimed. Checking it, I was surprised to see it was a message from Dr. Marcel.
MARCEL:
Ms. Taylor, this is my personal cell. Please feel free to use it after hours if you need to discuss anything. Side note, Alek’s dating style is typically a one and done. Meaning he only goes out with a girl once. He loses interest rather easily. Go out on a date with him, and he’ll more than likely disappear after.
I huffed and blew the hair out of my face. There was something seriously wrong with these men.
Chapter 17
Aleksandr
Certifiable
The following week after Kinsley came to the club, my brothers and I met to discuss her case. Deep dives into the other girls on the list had been completed, and there was nothing suspicious in their backgrounds. No unanswered questions, such as we had with Kinsley’s.
We were in the process of doing a thorough analysis of Owen Taylor and had hit a few snags. Which only increased our interest in uncovering the connection he may or may not have had with Mikhail Romanov.
