Page 5

Waverly

T WO WEEKS LATER, I noticed Gio was back on my schedule. It was for a home visit the next day, but I was still certain it was too soon. I pulled up his most recent x-ray, surprised to see he’d actually gone in yesterday to have new ones taken, and I frowned. Way too early to do anything significant.

And I had a feeling he knew that. So why did he want me to come to him now?

There were no additional notes from Dr. Kraft, so I sat back in my chair and pondered all the reasons the drop-dead gorgeous Gio Rossi might need me to come to him, and pay my exorbitant rate .

Outside of anything professional, I could come up with nothing.

A knock on my open door drew my attention to my colleague, Kelsey.

I smiled. “Hey, Kels.”

“Hey, your ten o’clock is here. I offered to be the messenger since I’m heading into a consult.”

“Oh, great, thanks. Um, do you have a minute to give me a second set of eyes, actually?”

“Sure.”

I showed her Gio’s x-ray.

“Right there,” I said, pointing to the x-ray. “See this area? There was a full-thickness tear of the subscapularis, and I’m concerned it’s not healing enough.”

Kelsey examined the x-ray for a few moments and frowned.

“Uh, oh. Why the face? It’s bad, right?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s not the injury. I mean, you’re right, this was a bad tear, but according to this x-ray it’s healing, but should still be rested. Heavily. Why the concern about the speed of recovery? Insurance issues?”

“No, insurance is fine.” I let out a heavy sigh. “Never mind. I’m over thinking this case and part of me just wants it to be over and done with.”

“Are you having trouble with your patient?” Kelsey asked.

“Yes. No. Yes, I don’t know,” I replied.

“Is he making you feel unsafe?” Kelsey asked, her tone darkening.

I waved my hands. “Oh, no. Nothing like that. You know what? Never mind. I think I’m just overly tired. I’m sorry to waste your time.”

“You don’t have to apologize for anything. I’m here any time you need me.”

“Thank you,” I said, grateful she didn’t press any further. I was still trying to figure out how I felt about Gio and would hate to drag Kelsey through my work/life imbalance drama. I was probably already bound to face the ethics committee, and I’d hate for her to have to testify against me.

“The x-ray looks good, Waverly. I mean, this guy’s shoulder is jacked, but I don’t see any red flags for now but hit me up any time you need another set of eyes. And remember,” she said, lowering her eyes. “You can talk to me about anything .”

“Thanks, Kels. I appreciate that.”

I headed into my next appointment, trying my best to put Gio out of my mind.

* * *

The next day, I pulled up to the sprawling house in Felida, and after grabbing my bag and walking up to the porch, I rang the doorbell. Gio mentioned he was staying with friends while he rehabbed, and my initial thought was, ‘nice friends.’

The home was in a custom neighborhood with giant lots, no less than three-car garages and beautiful landscaping that showed every single person took pride in where they lived. They also all appeared to have money.

The door opened, pulling me out of my thoughts and a beautiful blonde woman appeared before me like a vision. “You must be Waverly,” she said with the soft lilt of a British accent.

“Ah, yes, hi. I am.”

“I’m Maisie. Come on in.”

I stepped inside and followed her through the house toward the back. I nearly tripped over my feet by the clear opulence of the home, although, the décor was absolutely warm and inviting. It was like someone had taken all of my favorite things and put them in this giant house.

I was in awe.

“Jesus!” I heard Gio snap.

“Calm your tits,” another deep voice snapped back.

“Oh, they’re at it again,” Maisie said with a sigh, calling out. “Gentlemen, we have a visitor. Best behavior, please.”

We walked into the great room and a tall man with long, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail at the base of his skull was picking up glass that was shattered next to the chair Gio was currently sitting in, his leg still in a cast, raised on an ottoman in front of him.

“Waverly, this is my husband, Ha...uh, Connor.”

Connor smiled, setting the glass on the table beside him and reaching his hand out to me. “It’s nice to meet you.”

I shook it and nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

“Thank you for making the house call.” Connor nodded toward Gio. “He’s dealin’ with a lot of pain right now, so gettin’ him in a car would have been tough.”

I smiled. “Ergo, he would have given you hell if you tried.”

Maisie let out a quiet squeak as she tried to stop a laugh.

Connor, on the other hand, didn’t cover his chuckle. “You’ve gotten to know him, I see.”

“I’m sittin’ right here!” Gio growled.

“I’ll just finish cleaning up this glass,” Connor said. “Then we’ll leave you to do your thing.”

“Can I get you something to drink, Waverly?” Maisie asked. “Water, tea, coffee?”

“Water would be great, Maisie, thank you.”

“All done,” Connor said just as Maisie set a glass of water on the coffee table.

“Just give us a holler if you need anything,” she said, and they left us alone.

Gio was focused on the TV which was on but the sound was muted.

I sat in front of him and smiled. “Lots of pain, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s been a shitty couple of weeks.”

“How about we see if we can change that?”

He met my eyes. “We still keepin’ this professional?”

“Yeah, Gio, we’re keeping this professional.”

He let out a quiet huff and I rolled my eyes.

“Let’s see your range of motion on that shoulder.”

We started to do some work and despite his grunts, groans, and general cussing, he had improved.

“How’s the pain when I do this?” I asked, stretching his arm over his head a little.

“It’s fine.”

“Can I get more than two words, please?”

“It’s all good, Fizzy. It doesn’t hurt when you do that.”

“Okay, so is it your leg that’s giving you the most pain, then?”

“Ah, yeah.” He shifted slightly, glancing at the TV again.

“What is so interesting on that screen?”

“Nothing, it’s the news.”

“Do you want me to turn it off?” I asked.

“It’s fine.”

I frowned. “Okay, we are just going to keep doing some light stretches, okay?”

“Yeah. Sounds good.”

“Hey,” I said, and he met my eyes again. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “It’s just been a rough couple of weeks and I’m being shitty. Sorry.”

I smiled gently. “I’m sorry you’ve had a rough couple of weeks. I’m going to see if I can’t make you feel a bit better right now though, sound good?”

He finally, finally gave me a small smile. “Yeah, Fizzy, that sounds good.”

* * *

Razor

Fuck , this whole keeping my true self hidden was killing me. Maybe even more than the pain from my injuries .

“I’m going to do another stretch,” she said. “It should feel like a stretch, okay? If it hurts, tell me right away and I’ll stop. Remember, we’re looking for stretching feelings, not pain.”

“Okay,” I said.

As she started to lift my arm above my head, she suddenly let out a gasp.

“Fizzy?”

She lowered my arm and let out a quiet cry.

“Waverly, what’s wrong?” I asked, glancing at her as she stared at the television screen. The news was on, but I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

“Um, sorry.” She’d gone white, like she’d seen a ghost. “Um, I have to go.”

“Fuck,” I hissed as she grabbed her bag. “What the hell’s going on?”

“Sorry.” She slapped at her cheeks, covered with tears. “You don’t have to, ah, pay me.”

“Talk to me, Fizzy. Why are you suddenly freaked?”

“Nothing. I’m good. Um, just forgot an appointment.”

“Don’t leave,” I growled.

She shook her head. “I have to go.”

“Goddamn it,” I snarled, cursing the fact I couldn’t chase her, as Waverly made a mad dash for the door, so I bellowed, “Hatch, stop her!”

“No!” Waverly squeaked. “No, I’m okay. I just have to go.”

“Just come back inside for a minute,” Hatch said.

“Are you forcing me to stay here?” Waverly snapped .

“No, darling, we’re just concerned,” Maisie’s gentle voice countered Hatch’s natural gruff one.

“Waverly, come back,” I bellowed.

“You are not my boss!” she bellowed back.

“I am today,” I countered.

“I’m so sorry. Please, I have to go.”

I heard the door close, and let out a frustrated snarl.

“What the fuck did you do?” Hatch snapped as he stormed back into the room.

“Nothing!”

“You must have said something!” he countered. “She was fine until you two were alone.”

“Okay, boys, let’s take it down a notch,” Maisie said, then turned to me. “Do you know what happened, love?”

I shook my head. “She was stretching me out, then all of a sudden, she saw something on the screen and freaked.”

Maisie picked up the remote and rewound the news, unmuting the sound.

“In national news, Damon ‘Cupid’ Mecham, a member of the Supreme Riders, a notorious white supremacist motorcycle club whose headquarters are in Denver, is finally set to stand trial after several delays, including a recent surgery. He was arrested five years ago in Monument, Colorado, for alleged murder, sex crimes, and gun running, and is currently being held in the Colorado State Penitentiary on two million dollars bail. Now, here’s Matt with the weather.”

“Would she know someone from an Aryan club?” Maisie mused, turning off the television completely. “She doesn’t seem the type.”

“Fuck!” I hissed, glaring at Hatch. “I need you to take me to her clinic.”

“Can’t do that, brother. Everyone’s locked down.”

“Besides, she probably won’t be there, love,” Maisie pointed out. “She just left. Weren’t you going to be her last client of the day?”

“Goddamn it!”

“Maybe Gina can do some recon,” Maisie said. “Put a call in and see if she can find out anything. I can give her a ring.”

“She’s locked down too, Sunshine,” Hatch pointed out. “Clutch isn’t gonna let her out of his sight until all this shit with the Spiders is done.”

“Right,” she breathed out.

“Listen,” Hatch said. “It might not have anything to do with this Cupid asshole, but if it does, he’s in custody. He can’t hurt her. So, for now, just keep your head down. I can put a prospect on her if that makes you feel any better. No colors, they’ll take one of the sedans, someone no one will have on their radar.”

“Yeah, okay,” I bit out. “But I want the report.”

Hatch sighed. “We’ll see.”

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means, we’ll fuckin’ see,” he said. “I’m not havin’ you runnin’ half-cocked into some sort of situation that could fuck up your leg more. So just trust me to make sure she’s safe. Yeah?”

I let out a frustrated grunt .

After a few tense seconds, he leaned in and said, “Razor, I need you to say the fuckin’ words.”

I scowled at him. “Fine. Yeah. Whatever.”

He looked at Maisie, then at me. “Deal with him,” he growled, then stalked out of the room.

“Not sure how I’m supposed to deal with a grown ass man,” she sassed to dead air.

The air didn’t respond so she focused on me.

“You two are two bullheaded peas in a pod, aren’t you?”

I let out a huff, and she smiled.

“Are you hungry?”

“I could eat,” I said.

“PB and J?”

“With milk?” I asked hopefully.

“I’m not a monster, darling. Of course it’ll be with milk.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Maisie.”

“You’re welcome.”

She went about making me a snack, while I plotted.

* * *

Waverly

The next morning, I headed to work after a night without sleep. I had a packed schedule and honestly didn’t know how I was going to manage, but after bailing on Gio yesterday, I had no choice but to work today. I couldn’t afford to take another day off.

By lunchtime I was fried. I was working with an elderly client in the main room, helping him with his balance after a fall. He’d had a hip replacement, so we were working on getting him more mobile without his walker. All fine and good until a commotion out the window caught my eye.

“Jim, can you give me just a second, please? Keep doing those stretches.”

I stepped over to the window and let out a quiet, “Shit.”

Gio Rossi was climbing out, or rather, attempting to climb out of, what looked like a ride share car. And he was currently losing a valiant battle with the door.

“Um, sorry Jim, I’ll be right back.” I had one of the other therapists take over for me and rushed out to the parking lot. “Gio!”

I watched as he raised his head and frowned, and I made my way to him.

“What are you doing?” I demanded.

“A little help here?” he begged.

“Give me a second,” I said, and went back inside to get a wheelchair.

I helped him into the chair and then wheeled him inside and into my office. Closing the door, I crossed my arms and shook my head. “What’s going on, Gio?”

“No, we’re not doing that. What the fuck happened yesterday?”

I took a deep breath. “I’m very sorry. That was so unprofessional. I’m embarrassed to admit, I had a panic attack. It came out of nowhere—”

“Bullshit. You panicked when you saw that biker on the television. His name was Cupid.”

“What?” I gasped, then settled myself down. “ No, it was just an everyday, normal, run of the mill panic attack.”

“Waverly,” he growled.

“What?”

“Who’s Cupid to you?” he repeated.

“No one.”

“Sit down, Fizzy, we’re gonna talk.”

“I have patients.”

He cocked his head. “Cancel them.”

“Are you seriously not going to leave?”

“I’m seriously not going to leave,” he said. “And I’ll make a fuckin’ scene if you don’t sit your ass down and tell me what the hell’s goin’ on.”

I picked up my desk phone and told the receptionist to move my next appointment to another therapist, then sat down and focused on Gio. “This is highly inappropriate.”

“Noted,” he said. “Spill.”

I bit my lip. “Are you sure you’re not part of the Mafia?”

“The Family ,” he corrected with a cheeky smirk. “Stop stalling.”

“Back in college, I had a friend, Julie. She was dating a jackass named Aaron Short. Julie invited me and Lennon, um, my best friend to a party. Long story short, I was drugged and raped by two bikers while I was there. I don’t remember much of it.”

“And this Cupid guy was one of them?”

“Yes. He was let go because of lack of evidence but I guess they found some.”

“Who was the other guy?”

I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter. He’s been dealt with. His genitals were removed. They found him just recently, actually.”

“What’s this Aaron asshole’s deal?”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

“No one’s ever asked me that before.”

“I’m not fuckin’ surprised.”

I shivered. “Um, well, apparently, Aaron had been dealing drugs for the Supreme Riders for a year and owed them money for a batch he swears was stolen. The party was just a way to make some of that money back while also letting the Supreme Riders victimize whoever they wanted.”

“Fuckin’ asshole.”

“Indeed,” I whispered.

“I’m so sorry this happened to you, beautiful.”

I couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down my face as I nodded. “It’s done. I’ve had a lot of therapy to deal with it. It’s just when his face showed up on the screen yesterday, it flooded back. I’m really sorry.”

“If you say sorry one more time, I’m gonna lose my shit, Fizzy. You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.”

“Well, I kind of blew up your appointment yesterday.”

“You had a good reason.” He sighed. “I’m gonna have to find another therapist.”

I bit back more tears, forcing a nod. “Right, yes. Of course. Yesterday—”

“Not because of that,” he said, his tone one of frustration.

I frowned. “Then, why? ”

“Because I don’t want to keep this professional anymore.”

Standing, I walked around my desk and sat in the chair facing him. “Gio, this is classic transference. I’ve been working on your shoulder for a little while now, and as you’ve healed, you’ve naturally equated that—”

“Bullshit,” he said. “I fell for you before you started working on my shoulder and that feeling was driven home when you panicked, and I couldn’t do shit about it because you ran.”

“Wait, what do you mean you ‘fell for me’?”

Before he could answer, my door flew open and I heard my receptionist call out, “Sir, you can’t go in there.”

“Ha... uh, Connor?” Gio hissed. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Connor looked a lot different than he had yesterday, but still just as handsome. He wore a black beanie covering his long hair, dark jeans, a black hoodie, and a pair of tennis shoes that seemed uncomfortable to him somehow.

“Let’s go, Gio ,” he said. “Sorry he bothered you, sweetheart. We’ll keep a tighter rein on him.”

“Fuck. Brian,” Gio hissed.

“Who’s Brian?” Waverly asked.

“No one,” Gio said. “I forgot I had another appointment.”

“Let’s go, bud,” Connor said.

“Be right there,” Gio said. “Just give me a few minutes.”

Connor gave him a look much like a dad admonishing a kid and I bit my lip, not exactly sure what to do, but in the end, he let out a quiet growl and closed the door.

“Is Connor your dad?” I asked.

“Not by blood,” Gio said. “My dad was killed when I was a kid, and he kind of stepped in as a father-figure. It’s a long story.”

“Oh, my god, I’m so sorry.”

“Long time ago, Fizzy.”

“Still, some wounds don’t really heal completely.”

He met my eyes. “No, they don’t.”

“I’m not talking about me.”

“Well, I am.”

“I’m fine.”

“Good to know. I want to take you out.”

“Oh yeah?” I challenged. “You gonna pick me up and open my door, and do all the things?”

“Fuck.”

“Hm-mm, how about we go back to keeping things profess—”

“Goddammit, Waverly, this is bullshit.”

“Does anybody ever tell you no?” I wondered out loud.

“I’ve got four older sisters, so it happens all the time.”

“Do you listen?”

“Not typically, no.”

I chuckled as I stood. “Ah, therein lies the problem, huh? Wait, four older sisters?”

“Yep. It’s like I have five Italian mothers.”

“Wow.”

“Wow, indeed,” he agreed. “Sit down, Fizzy. ”

I raised an eyebrow. “No.”

“All kidding aside, just take a seat for a minute,” he said. “Please.”

I sighed and sat back down, waiting for him to speak.

“Will you admit there’s a mutual attraction here? Something outside of a professional connection?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know you, so I can’t say that there’s a mutual attraction here, outside of our professional connection of course.”

“You like me,” he said.

“I don’t know you.”

“Yeah, but you like me,” he retorted. “You might even like me more than I like you.”

“You’re a crazy son of gun, aren’t you?” I sassed, refusing to answer his question.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t make me wrong.”

“I really think I can help you. I just don’t want to muddy the waters.”

“Then we’ll keep it as professional as we can while getting to know each other. Can we do that?”

“I really wish you were an ugly troll,” I breathed out. “And it would help if you were an asshole.”

Gio laughed. “Jesus, you’re funny.”

I sighed. “I know. It’s a curse.”

He grinned, sliding his cell phone out of his pocket. “Give me your cell.”

“Are we there?”

“Hell, yeah, we’re there. I want you to call me if you have another panic attack,” he said. “I want you to call me if you’re scared, or happy, or what the fuck ever. Or you can text me or sext me or whatever. ”

“There will be no sexting,” I avowed, putting my phone number in his phone. “Ever.”

“Fair.” He chuckled. “I’m an in-person kinda guy too.”

I shivered. “Okay, stop.”

“Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“No, you’re making me... never mind.”

“Making you what, Waverly?”

I let out a frustration groan. “Gio, just drop it.”

“I will when you tell me.”

“You’re making me,” I added, “horny” in a whisper as I scowled, shocked that I’d just admitted any of that out loud. “And I’m at work .”

He gave me a crooked grin. “My job here is done.”

“Evil, evil man.”

“Make sure you charge me for today. And yesterday.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Like hell I don’t,” he countered. “Charge me.”

I sighed, standing again. “Fine.”

“And you use that phone if you need me. Anytime.”

I nodded, pulling open the door. Connor stepped inside, looking like he might murder Gio, before wheeling him out of the building.