Her Wicked Plan

31. Leo

The clock ticking echoes through the lobby, and the sound of thin book pages slowly turning by the women sitting in chairs filters through the air. All the noise, paired with the insistent tap of my pointer finger against the desk, floods my mind.

I’ve been on edge since Myles agreed to come here to help Dr. Bennett. Not for his safety around these women— he can handle his own and keep it professional.

But what has my anxiety rising is him and Veronica meeting. The only thing I was worried about was him slipping up around her and saying some shit. Granted, Veronica could do the same thing.

She could easily run her mouth to Myles about what we have been doing. Myles only knows we have kissed from our brief talk, but he doesn’t know how deep Veronica and I are into this.

And yes, as much as that scares me, there is something else. That wicked grin she wore after I told her he was coming here flashes through my mind. She told me she would need the rest of the day to plan. Plan what? A way to make me jealous of Myles?

“Dr. Madden.” One woman saying my name pulls my attention. “As much as our eyes love your presence, can you please stop with the tapping? It’s distracting me from my book.”

The request makes my finger immediately stop moving. I find the lobby quieter without focusing on the issues that may arise. The clock isn’t nearly as loud as I thought it was. Jesus. I feel like I’m strung out. I may be losing my mind.

“I’m sorry,” I apologize. I would use her name, but I can’t remember it. Had I ever even known it?

“What’s got you all crazed?” A woman who sits opposite her asks.

“A friend is coming in to help Dr. Bennett.” My eyes meet hers.

“And you’re afraid of what?” She lightly shuts her book, her finger between the pages to keep her place. “Us scaring him?”

“No.” I shake my head, then mutter under my breath, “Not you.”

The two patients share a knowing look, smiling at one another, before one says, “If it were up to me, I would have ensured Veronica was locked away while your friend visits. Who knows what she’ll try to do.”

“Dr. Bennett should have made her sentence longer for what she did to the new girl.”

“You’re right! The last time someone attempted murder behind these doors, they spent, what, a month in solitary? It isn’t fair that she only got a week.”

“That’s enough,” I dismiss their conversation with a harsh tone. I don’t mean for it to come out that way, but it slipped out without permission.

Both sets of eyes scan my features. “Sorry, Doc.”

I answer them with a look of gratitude that they dropped the topic. The last thing I want to consider is Veronica’s solitary time. But if the girls are right in saying that someone else served a month, then why did Veronica get so lucky?

My phone buzzes, and Myles is letting me know he has arrived. I inhale a deep breath as Edith slides into her desk chair. “Calm down, Leo. He’s going to be fine.”

“I know.” I shrug nonchalantly, although the old lady sees past my bullshit.

A small beeping sounds from behind the desk when Edith presses a button, unlocking the front door. It gets pushed open by the person on the other side.

Stepping into view is Myles with a duffle bag thrown over his shoulder. He examines the room, the two women sitting on the couches, whose jaws dropped at the sight of him.

His blonde hair is longer than it used to be and is styled messily. Most strands are pushed out of his face while other wavy pieces fall over his forehead.

Those piercing blue eyes find me instantly, and that worry that consumed my body disappears. The corners of his lips go ear to ear as he approaches me and pulls me into a hug.

“There he is!” He pats my back before pulling away. “Man, you look like shit.”

The girls giggle in their seats. “It’s good to see you too, Myles.”

“I thought you said this place wasn’t driving you crazy.” He ruffles my hair, assessing my features.

“It isn’t,” I say, shaking my head. “Haven’t had the best time sleeping, that’s all. Let’s get you checked in. Then I’ll show you where you’ll stay for the weekend. Dr. Bennett has a couple of meetings before seeing you.”

Turning around, I flash Edith a smile. Trying to match the one she is giving me. “I just need your friend to sign a few things.”

Myles nods, picking up a pen and signing his name wherever Edith points. “This place isn’t like I thought it would be.”

“That’s what many people say.” She grins. “Now, do you have any weapons or sharp objects on you or stowed away in your bag?”

“No, ma’am.” He shakes his head.

“Any jewelry that you need to remove?”

“Nope.”

“Great! Leo, he is all good to go with you.” She grabs the clipboard and sets it in front of her.

“That’s it?” Myles asks. “Do you not have to check my bag for contraband?”

I rub my hand over my mouth while my eyes slide from my friend to Edith.

“I trust Leo, which means I’m trusting you, Mr. Landry.”

He sets the pen back down. “Alright, man. Lead the way.”

Turning on my heels, I head for the door, and as soon as my hand wraps around it, a female voice is heard. The girl sitting on the couch calls my name. My head twists to the side, finding her smiling deviously.

“I think you have every right to be worried.”

“Damn, man, you have all the ladies swooning.” He laughs once we are alone in the hallway where our rooms are.

I hit him in the shoulder. “Shut up.”

“Just saying.” He shrugs.

We stop outside the room next to mine. Since it was already unlocked, I let him open it. It has the same layout as mine, except that his bed has dark blue covers instead of dark gray sheets. He walks in, staring around the room in awe.

“Well, shit. I would be okay with working here too, if this was where I’d be sleeping.” He slings the duffle bag off his shoulder, tossing it onto the bed. Hands go to his hips as he twirls around. “If this is what the bedrooms look like, I want to see your office.”

Shaking my head with a laugh, I step out of the doorway and into the hall. I gesture for him to follow when I hear the taps of familiar heels approaching us. Wonderful.

I peer over my shoulder to see a certain redhead coming our way. That sweet smile set on her face, the bright red lipstick, is a new touch.

When Myles steps out of the room, he follows my gaze and mutters a curse under his breath. He secretly nudges my side to get my attention, but I ignore him.

“Leo.” Scarlet”s smile widens as she greets me. “And you are?”

My friend steps forward, extending a hand. “Myles Landry.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Landry.” She shakes his hand for a moment before they let go. “I’m Nurse Scarlet. I hope you find the facility welcoming.”

I choke back a laugh that only Myles seems to notice. Instead of acknowledging it, he keeps his eyes on her. “It already feels that way.”

A blush covers her cheeks at his flirting. “As much as I would love to stay and chat, there was an incident in my unit.”

“Is everything alright?” My eyes scan over her body, knowing that the last time there was an issue, she got hurt.

Scarlet notices. “Everything is okay. There are no wounds on me; however, there are on another patient. A fight broke out. A pen was involved.” Her face twists briefly before brushing whatever thought she had away. “It was nice meeting you, Myles. Leo, I’ll see you around.”

We say our goodbyes, Scarlet leaving the hall as Myles and I stand in our spots. He lets his gaze linger on her backside as she walks away from us.

Escaping the awkward silence, I head towards the door to my office. Myles quickly peels his eyes off the woman who is no longer in the hall and follows me silently until the door closes behind us, and we continue our walk.

“You didn’t mention how smoking hot Nurse Scarlet was.”

“I told you she was attractive.”

“A red vixen,” he says cooly. “Maybe if things don’t work out with the two of you, I could have a chance.”

I open the door, Myles winking at me before entering. He walks further into the room, his steps slowing as he approaches the window. With the lake in view, he stands still for a beat, probably mesmerized by the water itself—the way I always seem to be.

Pulling out of the trance, he looks over to the bookshelf on the left side of the window. His finger presses against the shelf, swiping the dust that has been collecting since I took over the office.

“They went all out for you, huh?.” He wipes the dust on his pants, making his way towards the chair for the patients.

Veronica”s chair.

I don’t bother correcting where he is sitting because she isn’t here. I’m also unsure if she will be angry to find him in this chair or if it is only the one in the common room, she has claimed.

“I’m sure all the other doctor”s personal offices are just as nice.”

“You’ve said you had trouble sleeping.” He changes the subject. “Why?”

I let out a deep sigh. “This is just a lot. Being here. Hearing what my patients went through and what they did, it’s all messed up.

He nods in understanding, even though he doesn’t get it.

“I’m serious, Myles. If only you knew what some of these women did to end up here, you’d have trouble sleeping, too.”

It’s not the real reason I’ve been losing sleep.

“That eases my fear of having to sleep here,” he jokes, making himself more comfortable in the deep blue cushioned chair. “I don’t want you to get super stressed about it. We both know how you get when you’re stressed. It’s not good.” He picks at a piece of string on his pants. “Remember that it’s okay to take time to recoup.”

Leaning back in my chair, my elbows rest on the arms while my hands clasp over my stomach. “I know. And I’m doing just that. At the end of the month, I’m going to take a trip home for my mom”s birthday.”

His eyes light up. “Am I invited?”

“You call my mother and ask her that.” I laugh. “The answer will most likely be yes. She loves you like a son.”

“I think she might love me more than she loves you,” he teases.

Knock, Knock.

The abrupt sound cuts off my train of thought. Whatever comeback I would throw at him stays deep in my mind as I stare at the closed door. Maybe Dr. Bennett finished up his meetings early.

“Come in!” I announce.

The door opens. It isn’t Dr. Bennett standing there but Veronica Rollins. A mischievous smile tugs at her lips as she leans against the door frame. Innocent eyes sparkling in my direction.

My eyes roll down her body, taking in what she is wearing. Gray sweats and a white tank top. A soft groan forms in my throat over the fact that I can clearly see her nipples through the thin material. Which means Myles can see them as well.

“I’m so sorry, Dr. Madden. I didn’t realize you had company.” Her eyes leave mine to stare at the back of Myles’ head.

Bullshit. She knew he’d be here.

At the sound of her voice, Myles turns his head to see who is speaking. I watch as Veronica waves her fingers, causing him to spin back to me, his eyes wide.

“What are you doing here, Veronica?” I peel my eyes away from Myles and back to her.

“I told Edith I needed to speak with you. She let me through the door.”

I can feel Myles’ eyes on me. Begging me to look at him, and when I do, he mouths that’s her? And I nod my head discreetly in response.

“I understand we don’t have a session planned for today, but I wanted to talk.” She fully steps inside, shutting the door behind her. Making her way over to Myles’ chair, her hand finding the top of the seat.

“Can’t it wait until our next session?”

She ignores me, lowering herself until her lips are by Myles’ ear. “You’re in my seat.”

He blinks, the words settling in, and then the next second, he scurries to the other chair. She gives him a kind smile, one I’ve never seen before. She extends her hand to him, but he moves back a bit. Amusement glows on her face.

“I’m Veronica. Dr. Madden’s patient.” His eyes dance between hers before dropping to her chest. Fire ignites inside me, knowing he sees her hardened nipples. The next place he looks to is her hand. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite. Do I, Dr. Madden?”

“Veronica,” I warn.

Myles swallows hard, his Adam”s apple bobbing up and down. His hand shakes a little as he lifts it to take her hand. “Myles.”

With his hand still in her, she glances over at me. “Is he always this scared?”

“I’m not scared!” Myles mutters while he pretends he isn’t shitting bricks right now.

“Yes, you are. Your hand was literally shaking, but no, he isn’t always this scared. You bring that out in people.”

She lets out a laugh, letting go of his hand. “I’m glad, but...” Veronica turns back towards Myles, “You don’t have to be afraid of me. I won’t hurt you.”

“I know.” He sits back in the chair, acting cool.

“This isn’t the best time for you to be here.” My eyes bore into hers.

“Obviously.” She sighs. “I can’t talk to you about my problems with him here, doctor-patient confidentiality and all, but maybe I could come back later?” The seduction drips from her voice, and I can practically see Myles” eyes grow bulging at her tone.

“I think we can discuss whatever problem you’re having at the next session,” my response makes her pout. “Now, please leave us alone.”

“Okay.” She stands from the chair. Peering down at Myles, who was not hiding the fact he was staring at her breasts, she says, “It was very nice to meet you.”

“You too.” He offers a warm smile.

She walks towards the door, but before she reaches it, I stop her. “Veronica?”

“Yes?” She turns on her heel, hands behind her back, and those doe eyes piercing into me like daggers.

“Don’t do anything stupid, okay?” A warning glare passes over my face. “No fights. No trying to kill anyone. Behave yourself.”

Her lips curl into a sexy grin that makes my heart race. “I know what’s at stake, doctor. I’ll behave.”

When she is finally out of my vision, my eyes find Myles with a smug smile plastered on his face, causing my eyes to roll in annoyance. “That’s crazy pants you were telling me about.”

Letting out a sigh, I pinch the bridge of my nose and shut my eyes. This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen.

“Dude, she is hot!” he speaks again. “Like beyond fucking hot in a creepy way. Is that even a thing?” he asks himself because when I go to answer, he cuts me off. “You just told her not to kill anyone. Has she tried before? Now I know why you’re having a hard time being around her. I mean, damn! If I had the chance?—”

“Shut up.” I let my hand fall to the table.

“Oh, come on, Leo!” He leans forward, letting his elbows rest on his knees. “The way she looked at you and the tone in her voice? She wants you! You can’t sit here and tell me all you did was kiss!”

“That’s all we have done,” I lie through my teeth.

“Leo, how long have we been friends?” He doesn’t await my answer. “I can always tell when you are lying. Honestly, I don’t know why you would hide this from me.” He rubs his palms together. “We tell each other everything. You know I won’t tell anyone.”

“Fuck.” I sigh heavily, shutting my eyes.

“Tell me all the details.” There is amusement in his voice.

Opening my eyes back up, I can’t help but smirk with how eager he appears. I trust him with my life and shouldn’t worry about him telling anyone.

“Alright, alright.” Sitting up more, I lean into the desk as Myles does the same. It’s going to feel so good to talk to someone about this. “Obviously, we kissed.”

“Mhm.” He hums, waiting for me to continue.

“I’ve fucked her with my fingers and tongue, and she’s given me head.” I feel my cheeks flush as the words leave my mouth. This conversation makes me feel like I’m in high school all over again, telling my best friend what I did with a girl over the weekend. It seems juvenile.

“What else?”

“That’s it.”

“You haven’t actually fucked her yet?” he asks in a hushed tone.

I shake my head.

“Fuck, Leo! What’s taking you so long?” Before I can answer, the office phone rings.

Dr. Bennett is on the other line when I answer, letting me know he is ready to talk with Myles. After I hung up, I told Myles we could continue this conversation another time. Thankfully, he didn’t utter another word as we walked to Dr. Bennetts”s office.

Once I introduced him to the man in charge, I left them alone to discuss business and numbers. Stalking down the halls towards the common room and cafeteria, the anger I felt when she came into my office, knowing damn well he would be there, rose to a height I can’t tear down.

As I round the corner, I see Veronica leaving the common room, and when she notices me, she is quick to turn on her heel and walk in the opposite direction.

Trying to keep a steady pace, not wanting it to seem like I’m rushing to get to her, I head down the hallway to her. As I get closer, the number of people in the hall dies until no one is around. She is making her way back to her room. During this time of day, everyone is out of this wing. Doing something to occupy their time.

When I finally approach her as she is about to step into her room, I grab her arm and stop her from entering. Spinning her around, her back meets the cream-tiled wall. She looks up at me with blameless eyes.

“What the hell was that?”

“I’m not sure what you are referring to.” She shrugs, attempting to break free of my grasp.

“I told you to be on your best behavior when Myles was here.” I step closer, our bodies almost touching.

The back of her head rests against the tile, tilting her face to stare at me. “I think I was behaving just fine.”

“Bullshit, Veronica.” I huff out an angry breath. “He picked up on the way you were looking at me and the way you were speaking to me.”

“Oops,” she says sarcastically. Then I feel her hand trail up my side, continuously moving up, but I wrap it around her wrist with my other hand. “Looks like someone is mad.”

“I am mad!” I yell through clenched teeth. “I didn’t want him finding out about us, and you just had to pull that shit. Disobeying me like a fucking brat!” I’m now pinning her hands on either side of her head, and the tiniest smile forms on her perfect lips. “Why did you do it?”

“Because I wanted to.” Her mouth brushes across mine. “Also, I thought that maybe if Myles, who is very attractive by the way, knew about us, then maybe he would want to join us during one of our sessions.”

My eyes go wide at her suggestion. The anger grows so much that I’m not sure I could ever put it out. Or is that jealousy? One hand drops to meet her throat, pushing her head into the wall. “He won’t ever have you the way that I do. I’m not sharing you, Veronica. Do you understand that?”

“Could be fun,” she teases.

Applying more pressure against her neck, I roll my jaw and tilt my head. “I asked if you understood.”

“Yes, sir.” She gives in. “Are you going to punish me?”

“I should,” I answer almost immediately.

“Then do it.” The smile only grows wider as she fights for air. “Right here, Leo. Punish me.”

Swallowing hard, my eyes scan down to her lips. Turning my head to the side, I see and hear no one in the hall, and when I glance back down at the woman before me, her breathing has quickened in anticipation.

“Is this your room?”

“Yes.”

“Get inside,” I demand, releasing my hold on her.

Peeling herself off the wall, she enters the room with me following her. Veronica stands like a good girl and waits for my next instructions.

Sitting on her bed, the mattress unbearably hard, I gesture for her to come to me, and once she is standing in front of me, I pull down her sweats.

In one quick movement, she is bent over my knee with a gasp. My hand lightly rubs her bare ass; my heart rate is through the roof, thinking about being caught like this in her room with the door wide open.

Anyone could walk by and see us like this, but I’m so fucking furious with her. I need to get this out of my system.

“This is what happens when you disobey me,” I warn, bringing my hand down. The loud smack echoes throughout the room. “This punishment is minor compared to what I really want to do to you.”

The palm of my hand meets her skin again, in the exact spot as before, causing her to flinch. Dipping my hands between her thighs, my fingers slide into her folds with ease.

“Such a fucking whore.” I tsk, finding her clit. “Look how wet you are from a punishment.”

Taking my fingers away from her, earning a whine from her lips, I smack her ass again. She hisses at the pain, which only makes me grow hard.

“You’re one to talk, Leo. I can feel your dick pressing into my stomach. Does punishing me turn you on that much? Maybe I should disobey you more often.”

My palm meets her reddened skin again before I wrap her curls around my fist and yank her up. Her eyes face forward, and my lips coast along her temple. “You don’t want to know what I’ll do to you if you disobey me again.”

“That sounds more like a challenge than a threat.” Her voice is taunting. “With how you act sometimes makes me think you should be locked up here. With all your empty threats...”

I tug at her hair harder until she is forced away from my lap and loses her balance. I make sure she lands with her back on the bed. My hand meets her throat, shoving her roughly into her mattress while my fingers dig into her skin.

“Empty threats? You’re really testing my patience, Vee.”

“Maybe . . .” She tries to suck in a breath. “It’s because... I want... to see you break.”

Lowering myself down to her, the tip of my nose touches her. “The only person who is going to break is you because you won’t be able to handle the things I’m capable of doing to you.” She opens her mouth to speak, but I cut her off, pushing her head harder into the mattress. “Did you learn your lesson?”

She rolls her eyes as she thinks of a response. Finally, she settles on shaking her head no. This girl doesn’t know when to quit. Bringing a free hand down, I spread her legs and smack her pussy harshly.

Her jaw drops at the immediate pain mixed with pleasure. With my hand still on her throat, I lift my fingers to her jaw, moving her head to the side. My mouth hovers over her ear. For a moment, all I can hear is her trying to breathe.

“Let me ask you again.” I nip at her skin. “Did you learn your fucking lesson?”

“Yes, sir.”

“See.” I pull back from her face. “It wasn’t that hard.”

Veronica’s eyes stay on me as I remove myself from her. She props herself up on her bed, letting me have a full view of how wet she is. Every part of me is begging to get down on my knees and taste her. When my eyes lift back to hers, there is lust flooding her gaze, but I will not give in.

Not this time.