Possessive Doctor

But the anger won’t leave me. If I weren’t watching her, Hamish would’ve had her. I don’t know what the man would’ve done with her, if he would’ve hurt her more or just handed her over or what. But the idea of someone touching her…

It drives me fucking wild with rage. I wish I could go back to that moment and kill the man like I should have.

“What’s wrong?” Amber asks me after the doctor goes, leaving me alone with her.

I’m pacing the room. I feel like a caged animal.

“This is going to get worse,” I tell her.

She winces. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize to me,” I growl.

She looks away.

I let out a breath. “I don’t mean to be rough. I know you don’t mean anything by it. I know you don’t want to inconvenience me. But you have to understand, I don’t blame you for what happened. I blame myself.”

She looks up again. “What? Why?”

“Because I should’ve been there,” I say, my voice nearly a whisper. “I shouldn’t have let you go alone. At the very least, I should’ve had security watching you. I failed.”

She struggles to her feet. I walk over and stop her, putting her back down. “Brent. You didn’t do anything. What happened was my father’s fault.”

I help her back into the chair and kiss her gently. “I can agree with that.”

“Good. Then don’t blame yourself.”

I nod once but the doubts come back. I begin to pace again in front of the windows. “I need to speak with my family.”

“We can do that,” she says.

“All of them. Or at least everyone here. Things might get hectic and difficult. I need to make sure they’re on our side.”

“Do you think…. Do you think they might not be?”

I hesitate. I don’t want to lie to her and tell her everyone will drop what they’re doing to rush to her defense, but I know that’s not true. My parents might or might not. My aunt and uncle likely won’t. I have no clue what my cousins think.

Lora will be on our side at least, but I’m not sure that’s enough.

“I don’t know,” I admit.

“Okay,” she says, taking a breath. “I don’t want to be a burden.” I go to speak but she talks louder. “I’ll do whatever you think is best, Brent, but please promise not to take it too far. Don’t hurt yourself.”

I give her a level stare. “I won’t promise that.”

She bites her lip but nods.

“I’m going to call them together,” I say. “Just… prepare yourself. It might not be pretty. Dinner wasn’t fun, but this will be worse.”

“Just get us through it,” she says.

“I will.” I walk over and kiss her. “Stay here. Do not move. I’ll be back soon.”

I leave her there to go gather everyone together. I don’t know if this is the right thing to do or not, but I know it has to be done. Sooner or later, things will spill out and get out of control. I need to get in front of that.

What they think is going to matter. If we can’t stay here, I need to start making other plans. But if they let us stay, we can at least prepare everyone. Because like it or not, they’re in on this just because they’re staying in this place. Hamish is not going to be the last person to attempt to take Amber against her will.

She’s just worth too much.

At least my family has enough money and a million dollars won’t tempt them. At least, won’t tempt them very much.

We’re stuck here, and I need to make the best of it.

For better or for worse.* * *The family gathers in the great room. Mom and Dad lounge in the far corner on large chairs, both of them with martinis in their hands. Lora sits on the edge of the couch, her legs crossed, a little smile on her lips. Aunt Louise and Uncle Ron linger over near the door together, huddled up like they are discussing something interesting. My two cousins, Collin and Hannah, sit on the couch and kick their feet up on the coffee table. My mom shoots them a dirty look.

“Thanks for coming,” I say then look over at Archie. “Is there anyone else?”

He shakes his head. “Not presently.”

“I thought there’d be more.”

“We had more, but they all ran off when you get here,” Collin says. He’s a broad boy with red cheeks and red hair. He grins stupidly at me. Hannah nudges him hard with her elbow and he groans and glares at her. She’s petite, almost too thin, with sharp features and dark brown hair.

“Everyone’s here, dear,” Mother says. “Get on with it.”

Amber shifts uncomfortably beside me. I smile and put a hand on her knee then stand up. “Well, thank you all for coming. I’m sure you were all busy.”