#Chapter 13 – Dual Relationship

Finally, after what feels like an endless list of my credentials, I get Victor talking about his goals for the sessions use the opportunity to quietly freak out.

I put my hand over the phone’s receiver and turn my face away, breathing deeply as my mind spins, trying to figure out my next step. I should, of course, immediately end the call before Victor tells me anything real about his life, his relationships, his intimacies.

This is a textbook case of a conflict of interests. I definitely shouldn’t be Victor’s therapist because I’ve figured out his identity but he hasn’t figured out mine – it creates a power imbalance.

Oh, and because we’ve slept together, and because he’s trying to steal my children, just to name a few other reasons.

“s**t s**t shit…” I mutter under my breath. I know I should hang up the phone but…

Something inside me nudges me, telling me that fate has delt me a sweet hand here. Perhaps, just perhaps, I shouldn’t ignore this so quickly.

Everything in this custody case is weighted in Victor’s favor – at least in legal terms. The minute it becomes clear that I intentionally kept Victor’s children from him, not giving him a chance to acknowledge Ian and Alvin as his sons and heirs, the court will turn in his favor.

But now, suddenly, I have access to Victor’s deepest secrets, fears, even his plans for the future. It’s unethical, of course, but…are ethics really the most important thing when he’s trying to take my kids?

If Victor were in my place, he’d take every advantage that came his way. Alphas like Victor don’t think codes of ethics apply to them, swiping them away like cobwebs whenever they pose an inconvenience.

My eyes narrow as my heart hardens. Fine. I’ll play by his rules.

“Hello?” I hear the gruff voice echo from the phone, which I’ve forgotten is in my hand. I return my attention quickly back to the call.

“Mmmhmmmm…” I say, pretending to think deeply. “That DOES present a…conundrum for you…” I say, grimacing and hoping that I’ve responded coherently to whatever it was he just said.

“I agree,” says Victor, sounding satisfied, “I’m glad you recognize that it’s a complicated issue.”

“Certainly, certainly,” I confirm.

same page. I will consult my schedule and arrange a call for later

mind is conflicted, half greedy and

to its cradle. God, only twenty-four hours, and my

open and Tyesha pokes her head in, flashing me

in, Ty,” I say, smiling. “It all went fine. I think he wants me to

she says, offering me a high-five. “I think it’s going to be an interesting case for you, and that you have exactly the skills and expertise necessary to really help

Ha, if only she knew. But this will give me leverage, information I can use to turn the tide my way. It’s the smart thing to do, even if it’s not

softly, and I feel a small pleasure at this new adventage. Victor should not forget that I, too, can be ruthless. Joyce certainly never

my strange mood and c***s her head to the side. “You okay, Evelyn? I thought you would

to demonstrate that I’ve been tired. “It’s

phone for a moment, and then gives me a big smile. “Great, the client has confirmed that he would

hands

and anonymous, until he feels really comfortable. Some of these celebrities never want to reveal their identities, despite all the nondisclosures you’ve signed and will continue to sign.” She tucks her phone away and shrugs. “I get it,

this doesn’t ruin my career – I love my job.

about the case?” I say, carefully prying. “He spent most of his time interviewing me about my

what I know,” Ty says, “it’s a pretty standard relationship crisis, only made particularly

continue without too many interruptions. People tend to tell you more if you give them the space

almost every time they talk. He’s having trouble controlling his emotions, she’s breaking her commitments, especially her promises about their timeline for

one,” I say softly, vaguely,

she would. “He let something slip, in his intake interview – something about losing his temper and becoming the person hates – someone from his past, I think.” She blinks and comes too, shrugging and giving a

“I’m sure you’ll

the day off and, for once, I have no kids on

her feet. “Who is this date with? Is it

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