Page 52

Story: The Unseen

Austin

That went better than expected. A light tasering, a cuddle starting with some light wrestling, and a heart-to-heart. Who knew getting a girlfriend could be so fucking easy? You just have to wait for someone to chloroform you. And yeah, I said girlfriend. I could do a TedTalk about finding your soul mate because if they exist, then Olivia fucking Daniels is mine.

Her public persona may be so sweet it could rot your teeth, but the girl is dark. She’s not afraid to break the law, and by that, I mean federal law. She’s racking up a hefty number of years behind bars for the shit she’s pulled just this week. But hell will freeze over before I let that happen.

If I know her well, she’s about to freak out in about two minutes. So I’m going to leave her for a few hours to come to terms with what she’s done, what I’ve said, what is going to happen, and then I’ll head back.

I swing open the door to Dr. Alfie’s with such force the handle whacks against the wall.

“Austin Black. You are a fully grown man capable of opening a door properly without whacking it and scaring the shit out of me and the other patients. Close it properly.” Mia stands, hands on hips and looking fucking good in a tight pencil skirt and loose blouse with one button below decent.

How the fuck Alfie hasn’t put a ring on her yet is beyond me, not that I’m interested. There’s just one girl for me, andthat’s exactly what I need help with. I’m almost certain that the loose blouse is for Alfie’s benefit.

“Morning, Mia.” I grin, heading straight to his office.

“He has a patient, Austin. You can’t just barge in there.” Mia hisses as she moves around her desk toward me, her heels clipping against the floor.

The other patients are watching intently, obviously enjoying the show.

“I said no. Sit down and wait your turn. Which, by the way, is Friday. You’re two days early.”

“Yeah, no can do. This is an emergency, Mia.”

I push through the door, holding my hands up in surrender the moment I see Dr. Alfie’s face of thunder.

“Austin. So glad to see you’re alive. I’m a little busy right now.” He points at his patient, who is holding a soggy tissue to her nose. “So, if you could kindly speak to Mia about making an appointment.”

I turn to his patient. “Miss, I realize you’re in the middle of something here. But I will pay for your next ten sessions if you leave right now.”

I pull out a wad of cash that I’d picked up from the office and start counting bills. Her bug eyes flit between me, Mia, and Dr. Alfie.

“Austin, no. We’ve talked about this. You can’t just barge in here on a whim when it suits you.”

“Did I say ten appointments? I meant to say ten appointments plus three months’ rent.”

“Deal,” the mousy woman states with such certainty.

“Verity, you do not have to do this, and of course, your session today will be comped,” Alfie interrupts.

“Verity, pleasure to meet you. I’ll pay Mia upfront for your sessions. If you could leave your details with her, I’ll send over the money for the rent. Let her know how much it is as well please.”

“Thank you. Austin, is it?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Alfie rolls his eyes, folding his arms over his chest. I know he’s unimpressed, but you can tell he’s keen as a bean to find out what’s been going on.

As Mia guides her out of the door, she looks past me to Alfie. “Sorry, Dr. Adams. I tried to stop Mr. Black here.”

“Not your fault, Mia. Thank you for taking care of Verity.” He’s so polite, but I see the way his pupils dilate.

I take a seat on the couch, making myself comfortable.

“Austin, I don’t need to tell you how fucking inappropriate that was,” he hisses. “My other clients are just as important as you and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity when they come here.”

The vein in his forehead is protruding quite comically, which is a big indicator to me that I need to look contrite and keep my mouth shut.

I nod. “I’m sorry. But I just got out of the basement, and I need your help. It won’t happen again.”