Chapter 48 Demi
Demi
Damnit. Damnit. Damnit. How did I not see this coming?
I don’t know why, but I didn’t think her having been my therapist was even relevant anymore.
I didn’t know there was a two year rule for therapists, but after Raegan explained it to me, I get it.
She didn’t take advantage of me, though.
If anything… I took advantage of her by running into her favorite bar and proposing a relationship with her of any kind before she was able to do so ethically.
Admittedly, if she had, I’m not sure I would’ve made a different choice. The truth is… I wanted her and I would have done anything to have her. I can’t help but worry that I shouldn’t have done it. If I hadn’t, she wouldn’t be in this mess.
“I’m going with you,” I proclaim after she’s told me all the details. Maybe I can help soften the blow, so to speak and help her save her license.
“Me too,” Hayes interjects.
“No. You don’t have to do that. I’m a big girl and can handle this bullshit on my own.”
“Excuse me, Angel. Yeah, you’re a big girl and I know you’re used to handling things on your own.
Hell… I made you do it for twenty years.
If you think there’s a chance, after all that time apart, that I’ll let you do this alone, you’re mistaken.
We’re bound to each other now. What one of us faces, we all face… together.”
Jesus Christ, that was a good little speech.
“What he said,” I add, my body tensing with the need to help protect her, especially since this is my fault. “Plus, I’m kind of dying to see if this chicken shit coward that reported you decides to show up so I can make an example out of them.”
“Slow down, killer,” Hayes murmurs, placing a firm hand on my shoulder until my body relaxes. “We don’t even know what we’re walking into. Let’s enjoy our day and we can talk about it later.”
He’s not wrong, but this whole thing has the hair on the back of my next standing straight up.
Something doesn’t feel right about this.
Who would even know enough about our situation to report it in the first fucking place?
“I get it, Hayes,” I retort. “But this is all my fucking fault. I forced her to cross the line with me and now she’s the one that has to pay the price?
It’s not fair. I knew this was a bad idea. ”
“Demetria, that’s enough.” Raegan’s tone is stern as she grabs my bicep and turns me to face her so she can cup my face in her soft hands.
“I didn’t do anything I didn’t want to do.
I knew the risk and I made the choice anyway.
That’s on me. I don’t want to hear any more of this blaming yourself crap. Am I understood?”
My eyes search hers, as tears threaten to force their way to the surface. I was ready to give them both up, then they came for me and I let myself believe we can do this… that we can make all of this work. Now, I’m terrified to lose either of them. I can’t.
“Whatever happens, we’ll get through it… together. Got it?” she continues.
“I-I understand,” I stammer.
“You understand… what, Demetria?” The direction is clear in her firm tone. I know what she’s looking for. “Try again.”
“I understand, Ma’am.” The threatening tears give way to run down my cheeks.
She presses a chaste kiss against my lips while swiping the teardrops from my face with her thumbs. “There’s my good fucking girl. Now, let’s enjoy the rest of our day, like our man suggested, yeah?”