19. Hans
CHAPTER 19
Hans
I should be suffocating from Xander’s tight hold, but I only want to burrow beneath his skin to get closer. “You think she’ll leave us?”
Xander kisses the top of my head. “No, I don’t. What I think is that she needs a bit more time. We’ll go to my house today and get you both settled. I have a good psychologist you and Maggie should start seeing right away.”
I press my palms to his sides and move back to peer into his face. “Why do we need to see a psychologist?”
“She specializes in cults. Works with survivors, deconstructing their faith. You and Maggie need coping mechanisms. As much as I wish I could be everything for you, I can’t help with that part. I have a lot of rage for The Covenant. You need to speak to someone who can be objective without holding so much hostile anger.”
“You’re a very sensitive man for a brute.”
Xander and I look up at Margarete as she appears in the doorway with a tray of food.
“Given the close surveillance you’ve had your whole life, your stealth is impressive,” Xander remarks.
Maggie ignores him and approaches the bed, placing the tray of food and hot tea in front of me. Xander adjusts us so I’m sitting up, keeping his arms around me.
The bed shifts as Maggie sits on the corner. “I’d like to see the therapist.”
“You would?” Xander asks.
“Yes. I talked to Azadeh, and she made me realize I need help. I want to lose every ounce of guilt that keeps me from being happy.”
Xander beams as he looks at her. “You sure?”
She nods. “Yes. You should go, too, Hans. I think you have a lot to work out. As great as the sex is and as loving as Xander has been, they messed with our heads.”
I push off the bed, ignoring the food and my ravenous stomach, and kneel before her. “If you want us to see the therapist, we’ll see the therapist. But I need a promise from you.”
Maggie’s smile is like the sun rising. “What would you like me to promise?”
My throat constricts. “That you won’t leave.”
Maggie lowers herself to the floor with me, cupping my face and pulling me close for her kiss. It’s light and so gentle that I barely feel it. “I love you, Hans. I’m never leaving you.” She turns to Xander, offering her hand, which he takes. “I want to explore this. The three of us. To discover the possibilities. It might take me time, but time is something I’m willing to invest. Xander, I need something from you. I want you to tell us who you avenged. Why is The Covenant such a point of contention for you?”