Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
“What if those stressful memories return?” Dante traces the scars on my knuckles where I’ve broken the skin. “Won’t it be harmful for her on a psychological level then?”
“That’s what we’ll be working on during our sessions.” She checks her watch. “Just as we do exercises to strengthen our physical body, we can do exercises to strengthen our psyche.” Standing, she straightens her skirt. “We’ll practice techniques for working through trauma and prepare you to deal with it when your memory returns. My job is to help you process it.” She holds out a hand. “My secretary will email your appointment schedule.”
Dante helps me to my feet. We shake the doctor’s hand and thank her, even though I’m not a hundred percent convinced that hypnotherapy is the answer.
Dante guides me from the room with a hand on the small of my back. His bodyguards, who wait in the doctor’s reception area, follow us from the building. More men surround us outside.
A bearded man wearing a black T-shirt, sleeveless denim jacket, and faded jeans waits next to the car in the parking lot. He opens the back door when we approach.
I shoot him an uncertain smile. “Thanks.”
He looks familiar. I’m sure I should know his name.
He doesn’t smile back, but his eyes crease in the corners. “Ulysses. You’re welcome, Mrs. Morici.”
When we’ve settled in the back and fastened our seatbelts, Dante puts an arm around my shoulders and pulls me against his side. “Hey.” He searches my eyes. “How are you doing?”
“Honestly?” I lean my head on his shoulder. “I don’t know.”
Instead of replying, he kisses the top of my head.
On the way home, I consider what Dr. Chad has said. The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced whatever triggered my amnesia took place when I disappeared from the gunfight Dante mentioned.
Whenever Dante brings up the subject, it leaves me agitated. My palms turn clammy, and my heart starts beating with heavy, painful thuds in my chest. We only spoke about it twice—once when he told me after finding me and the second time when we discussed how much to share with Dr. Chad.
As patient-psychiatrist confidentiality prohibits the doctor from sharing any information with the authorities, we agreed that I’d tell her everything I knew about my disappearance and to share any memories that should return. Dante was adamant that my health was the priority. He wanted what was best for me, even if that meant divulging incriminating information of his clandestine operations.
In case of an investigation, the doctor could be subpoenaed to submit clinical records, but Dante only said he’d deal with the situation if it ever happened. When I objected, he assured me he’d get rid of my files and not of the doctor. He’d said that tongue-in-cheek, but it still made me nervous. If anything happens to the doctor just because she treated me, I’d never be able to forgive myself. I made sure Dante understood that.
The part of my memory that’s intact hasn’t forgotten who my husband is and what he’s capable of. I always knew he was a dangerous man. I never shied away from the truth. The darkness of his nature didn’t prevent me from falling for him. We’re destined to be together, the ties that bind us larger than life. I knew it from the moment I first saw him, and I think he knew it too. We’ve always combusted like fireworks when we got together. Yet there’s also a deeper bond, an indestructible tie you can only share with a soulmate.
As I snuggle against him, borrowing warmth and safety, I know without a doubt my feelings for him have never changed. My love for Dante has been a constant in my life. I’m grateful for the strong emotions coursing through me because they give me strength. Being close to the man I love is enough. As long as I have him, I can handle any curveballs life throws at us. But I need to be sure he feels the same way. Dr. Chad was right in many things she said. I’m frightened that my amnesia will change Dante’s feelings toward me. So far, he’s been nothing but supportive and kind, but I need to be sure he still desires me.
At home, he helps me out of the car and opens the front door for me. I can’t fault him on his gentlemanly manners. Yet the minute he locks the door behind us, he presses a platonic kiss on my forehead before putting distance between us.
“Can I get you anything, darling?”
His golden gaze is fixed on me with such a hefty intensity that I can almost feel the weight pressing down on my shoulders.
I place a hand on his arm, enjoying the hardness of the muscles beneath his jacket sleeve. “I can help myself, but if I do need something, I’ll let you know.”