Chapter 58
Ipick up my cold coffee and take a gulp as I try to work through my to-do list. I have a feeling I’ll be up late, but it was worth it to visit the goats. And to see Bran-Bran again. But tomorrow is going to be a full day, getting Monroe and Brannigan up to speed.
“You wanted to see me?”
I glance up from my desk and smile at Ian. “Come in. Take a seat.”
Ian studies me suspiciously before entering and sitting in the visitor’s chair. I stand up and close the door. For this, we need privacy. And not just because we’re discussing a test subject. For some reason, though, the closed door makes my employees nervous.
“Do you need something?” Ian asks slowly as I sit down and rummage in my drawer.
With a sigh, I manage to locate the third notebook I have for Allesandro. Pulling it out, I set it on the desk and fold my hands over it. Frowning, I watch Ian carefully, unsure how he’s going to react to my information.
For once, I actually feel…nervous? That doesn’t seem right. But fuck. This is a major issue that needs to be handled delicately. I have to admit, Tennant’s very vocal instructions were slightly intimidating. And for once, not in the “fuck that’s hot” way.
Forcing myself to think about this professionally, I purse my lips, evaluating everything I know about Ian. Finally, I take a deep breath and roll my shoulders, trying to release the tension that’s been building.
“You had concerns about Sandro, back when he was Il Padrone of the Martelli Family. I’m here to address those with you, because we have a very delicate situation. It’s one, however, that I need you to handle. You’re the only one with the proper qualifications and experience to address it.”
Ian grinds his teeth before tilting his head toward me. “Alright, I’m listening.”
I tap my fingers on the desk, trying to think of how to phrase this delicately.
Finally, I throw everything I practiced out the window.
This time, it won’t be pretty, but it’s not Javi, the suave and reputable psychiatrist he needs to hear from.
No, it’s the monster that lives inside me and breaks free.
“Sandro is very mentally scarred. We’ve discussed that on a high level.
I want to impress upon you again, this is a man who was psychologically, physically, and sexually tortured as a child.
He was groomed. He was forced into a position and given no control.
He was taught that the only form of control came from demanding the loyalty of others, and to do that, he had to use techniques similar to what was used on him.
“I’ve not only heard first-hand accounts, but Sarah was able to give me access to records that, frankly, shouldn’t even exist. It’s enough to turn my stomach—and you know how fucking hard that is,” I spit out, fury enveloping me as the urge to piss on Sandro’s parents’ graves grows.
Fucking hell. If I could bring them back to life, I’d kill them as slowly and as painfully as Ely and I did to my own tormentors.
“I understand,” Ian responds gruffly. “I still don’t like it, though.”
“And you don’t have to. What you do have to do is treat Sandro with respect, and not suspicion.
As soon as his father was removed from power, Sandro did continue to fuck up, but he at least made sure he wasn’t physically harming his Boys.
He learned proper techniques. He engaged in aftercare with punishments. ”
I deliberately don’t mention the black room, as not everything needs to be addressed right now.
“He tried. That may not seem like much to you, but he truly does love his Boys. And now, he’s in a complicated situation. One where you need to step in and show compassion, understanding, and most of all, guidance.”
“What do you mean?” Suspicion drips from Ian’s voice, and it irks me. As protective as Tennant is over Sandro, I can’t help but identify with him as well. We may have taken different paths, but the horrors in our lives can be traced all the way back to our births, and how fucked up is that?
“Tennant and Sandro have engaged in a Daddy/Boy relationship. This occurred spontaneously, and wasn’t intended, from my understanding.
Originally, there was no plan for it to be sexual, but it has crossed into that realm.
This involved Sandro bottoming for Tennant.
This would have been Sandro’s first time in that position—willingly.
That takes a great deal of trust, and in my opinion, courage. I’m not sure many could do that.
“Yet, Sandro is committed to healing, and he’s committed to supporting this new Council. There’s a lot to work with him on—things that you won’t be involved with. But, he’s going to have questions. About what it means. Especially, as he’s Master and Papa Bear to Lio.”
Ian grunts before carefully stating, “It’s a complex situation. Kink and BDSM always are, though. And it’s a highly personalized experience.”
“I do not have the knowledge in this area. I’m not a sex therapist, and I’m certainly not a BDSM specialist. While I can provide some assistance, in this area, I, frankly, would be a hindrance. So, I’m asking, can you set aside your opinions on the past Il Padrone and work with Sandro?”
Cringing, Ian hesitates. “I’m not sure I can just…separate the two. Abuse…that’s serious.”
Rage fills me, and I blink rapidly, focusing on Ely’s technique to put it in a cage for now. I’ll let it out later, and rectify some situations. Killing Ian…would not be helpful. Even if I disagree with him.
“You’re right. Abuse is serious. So, approach Sandro as someone who has been severely abused, has made mistakes, and is trying desperately not to make any more.
Because that’s where he’s at. That’s who I’ve seen since I’ve been here.
I’m an observant asshole. I know it. But it means he’s not playing a game.
He’s serious about this. I need to know he’s safe with you. ”
Blowing out a breath, Ian just stares at me.
Time ticks along, as I won’t bend to him.
Not with something this serious. Finally, he slumps in his chair and presses his fingers against his temples, rubbing them like he has a headache.
Join. The. Fucking. Club. Unfortunately, I don’t have any flowery words to use, so he’s stuck with what I do have—the fucking truth.
“Alright. Fuck. You’re right. I don’t like it, but…I believe you. I’ll treat him with compassion and understanding. If necessary, I’ll bring Anderson in, too.”
“That…may not be a bad idea,” I muse aloud. Really, seeing their Daddy/Boy relationship in action may be useful for Sandro.
Ian rolls his eyes before standing. “Yeah, but not for the first meeting. I’m still going to make my own impressions, but…I’ll give him a chance.”
“Good. Because I cannot stress this enough, Tennant is a very protective Daddy…”
I let that hang there, so he can draw his own conclusions. Sometimes threats don’t need to be explicit. The imagination can work wonders. Surprisingly, he doesn’t pale, just laughs.
“Yep. I’m a protective Daddy, too. I know how it goes.”
With that, he walks out the door, even as my jaw drops.
I knew Ian was dangerous, but…damn. We may be faced with a bit of an explosive situation eventually.
I briefly consider giving the Council a heads up, before shrugging.
No sense warning them of impending chaos.
That would take all the fun out of it. Which reminds me, it’s time to make that trip to the animal shelter…