Chapter 48 Javi
Pursing my lips, I stare at the closed door with frustration.
This…will be a challenge. All my research indicates this test subject is a unique combination of stubborn and vulnerable.
And distrustful. Very distrustful. Still, I promised I’d fix everyone and I fucking will.
But I deserve a treat after this. Maybe someone off my kill list? That would cheer me up…
Straightening my back, I knock, waiting for the quiet, “Enter”.
I open the door, unsurprised to see Lio and Roman curled around each other.
While some may consider this to be an unnatural codependency, I disagree.
Codependency can be toxic, but, in some instances, it’s a positive.
They have found something in each other that makes them stronger together.
It allows the Council to work in an effective manner as well.
However, I would prefer my first visit with Roman to be alone. Thankfully, Lio can read the room.
He leans over and kisses Roman on the cheek before sliding off the bed. “I need to go see Benjamin for a moment, but I’ll be back.”
I bite back a laugh at the warning glare he gives me as he passes.
While I may have been accepted by him to a certain degree, trusting me with Roman is out of his comfort zone.
The slight hesitation to stay is there, but thankfully, he keeps going.
I know full well that if I fuck up, Lio will make me pay.
It’s exciting working with such forceful personalities…
Nothing like a little threat of death to get the blood pumping.
“What do you want?” Roman demands flatly, all trace of good humor gone.
Walking closer, I perch on the edge of the seat next to him, not wanting to loom, but realizing there’s no way in hell he’ll ask for me to sit.
“To talk. You’ve gone through significant trauma and it needs to be addressed.
If you’re not comfortable with me, we can find you someone else.
But, the one thing I refuse is to let anyone in this organization flounder. ”
“Why would you care?” Roman’s face screws up in disgust. “It’s not like you know us.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But I take my commitments seriously. That means, I have an obligation to make sure everyone gets healthy. I know Lio is highly concerned about you. Hollis and Carter as well. Therefore, I wanted to check in and see what I can do to help.”
“You could leave…” He lets it hang there, but I don’t react. Bratting is natural, and I’m not easily distracted, much to his disappointment.
“That’s not possible.” I shrug as I sit back, making myself comfortable. “However, how we use the time is up to you. Honesty is the most important part of mental health, and I won’t let you sidestep things.”
“Oh, really. Honesty is important? Then tell me…are you really a serial killer?”
I raise an eyebrow, almost amused by his brashness. “I fit the textbook definition of one, yes.”
“Then why would anyone think you’re fit to be a psychiatrist?” His dismissive tone is meant to piss me off, but I merely shrug it off, watching him flush in frustration.
“Perhaps it’s my hobby that makes me so good at what I do. What matters is that I’m at the top of my field, and I’m committed to helping. However, this only works as a partnership.”
“Then you may as well wait for hell to freeze over, because there’s no way I’ll let you get inside my brain.”
Humming under my breath, I rapidly go through several ideas, tossing them all aside. I don’t want to use emotional blackmail with him. Nor do I want to strong-arm him into it. This will take a far more delicate approach.
“Let me ask you a question.”
He folds his arms, raising an eyebrow as he shrugs. “Sure. Whatever.”
“Do you agree that what you went through was scary?”
Roman scoffs, shaking his head. “I’m strong.”
“That’s not the question. Was. It. Scary?”
He presses his lips together, turning his head away from me. There’s a slight hitch in his breathing, but he’s not going to give me anything…not today. But that doesn’t mean I can’t lay the groundwork.
“Think on it and I’ll check in later. I’d certainly say that both you and Lio faced horrors together…
Just as Hollis faced the unimaginable, and others, too.
Right now, both Lio and Hollis are facing those demons again.
It’s a scary process, but you’ve survived the worst already.
I’m here for when you want to take that next step.
I promise you—I won’t make you walk the journey alone. ”
With that, I stand and head out. He’s going to need time to process, and sometimes, a well-aimed sentence is enough. And if it’s not…well, then I’ll go to plan B.
At least, we established honesty today. Even if he doesn’t want to admit it, he’s curious enough about me. He’ll make me work for it, but I will help him, and good luck to whoever stands in my way…