Page 31 of Storm Warning

Although she wanted to protest, Riley knew better than to act on her feelings. If she gave the doctor grief, Maddox wouldlay into her but good. No one disrespected the Fortress doctors without serious repercussions from the boss.

Riley pulled her phone out and called the number Andre had given her.

Two rings later, Marcus Lang answered. “Lang. How can I help?”

“My name is Riley Sloan. I’m with Fortress, and I need an appointment for a counseling session.”

“I can talk to you in about fifteen minutes. Will that work for you, Riley?”

Her stomach knotted. “That would be great, sir,” she lied.

Lang chuckled. “Right. I’ll talk to you soon.”

She slid her phone into her pocket and turned to Sorenson and Andre. “I have an appointment in 15 minutes.”

“Good.” Sorenson tossed the medical detritus into the container set aside for hazardous material. “You and your teammates won’t leave this clinic until you have talked to the counselor, Ms. Sloan.”

Her temper flared. “Why does it matter so much to you?”

“Because I care about your mental health and your physical wellbeing.”

“Riley.” Andre said nothing else. Didn’t have to. She knew.

She sighed and turned to the doctor. “I apologize, sir. I’ll talk to Mr. Lang. I promise.”

“You’ll tell him everything.”

Riley hunted for a way out. There wasn’t one. “Yes, sir.”

He snorted. “How much did that hurt?”

“More than I’m willing to admit.”

The doctor pointed at her. “Be honest with Lang. You won’t do yourself any favors by holding back. He’s obligated to keep what you discuss to himself. Not even Maddox will convince him to divulge your secrets.”

“Yes, sir.”

He shooed them out of the exam room. “Go. I have other patients to see.”

Andre stood. “Do you mind if we use one of the recovery rooms for Riley’s session with Lang?”

“Of course not. You’re free to go after the session is finished. And Marsh?”

“Yes, sir?”

“I really don’t want to see you again for a long time.”

He grinned. “I understand, sir. The feeling’s mutual.”

“Out.”

Andre picked up his shirt and escorted Riley across the hall to the recovery room they’d used. He closed the door and dropped his shirt on the bed. He cupped her face in his palms. “Do you have anything to say about what I told Maddox about us dating?”

“No.” She prayed he wouldn’t change his mind. That would break her heart.

“No objections to dating me?”

Riley sucked in a breath and grabbed her courage with both hands. “No.”