by J. A. Kerr
They thought they knew him. They wanted physical intimacy but Nick never gave them that. His reputation came first, but he hinted it was a possibility if they got well. He suggested when they were better and no longer his patient...anything could happen. He liked to play with their minds. Often this was all he had to suggest to end the transference. Most of his patients knew deep down they would never be well. Katie had been the exception. She was a determined lady and sought him out in prison. Now, they were no longer in a doctor and patient relationship their previous barrier was removed. Her new doctor, a woman, didn’t interest her. She told him how much she missed him. She made no reference to his current situation or the fact he’d committed a crime. Katie blocked out irrelevant factors, it was part of her illness. Once fixated on someone she was actually quite dangerous, but Nick could control her. Better still, he could use her in so many ways. Her flat was the perfect base. He gave her the bait and she took it unquestioningly.
Nick was very pleased with himself. Katie would be the perfect suspect for the police. One symptom of her illness was blackouts. Nick had seen it with his own eyes; talking one minute...unconscious the next. Her other unfortunate trait was stalking. She’d come to the prison a few times to see him but Nick had refused, knowing it would drive her obsession. Katie, for all her faults, was clever. She’d tricked her current doctor into believing she was better. Nick had attended the private facility she stayed in as her psychologist. Psychiatrists and psychologists often worked together in treating a patient. Nick employed a part-time psychiatrist for his practice. He was unable to prescribe the medication often required for his patients, hence his skill with hypnotherapy, but that’s where Jason, his part-time colleague, came in. Nick would have all his patients attend Jason for their medication. He always agreed with Nick’s recommendations. The system worked beautifully. Katie’s parents wanted the best for their daughter and Nick’s reputation put him in that arena. He was happy to travel to her secure facility. The attending psychiatrist had seemed relieved to have his help. Katie was a handful. She must have felt abandoned when he didn’t make their usual appointment. Once Katie understood what had happened she contacted him through his legal team. She was very resourceful. He started to manipulate her then. He cruelly quashed her request to correspond with his reply.
Katie, you must accept you are in no position to do that. If you work hard with your doctors and get better then perhaps your situation will change. You must start gaining their trust. That may lead to day release. If making good progress, eventual discharge will allow you to lead a normal life. Forget about me and concentrate on getting well. You must get your life back on track.
Katie had been silent for a few days and then she wrote telling him she was following his advice and as soon as she was able she would visit him. Nick smiled, she certainly had perseverance. She was discharged after fifteen months to the care of her parents. Twelve months later she had convinced them to rent her a flat. Katie worked part-time in her father’s office doing administration. He kept his eye on her and she got out of the house. The work experience went well and gradually everyone around her relaxed. Katie had recovered, they thought. They no longer followed her every move. In fact, in her last letter she had said she might consider a boyfriend. Katie was actually falling for her own illusion of normality. Nick knew it was time to reel her in. She had followed the plan to perfection. He had somewhere to go and the thought of being with Katie excited him. Not because he was attracted to her but because she was a perfect suspect for the police.
She had the necessary credentials. Firstly, she was convincing. She’d managed to fool her doctors she was better when in fact she was the same; extremely dangerous. However, only Nick knew this. Her obsession with him could only go one way: bad. Nick was playing along but as soon as he withdrew from Katie there would be fireworks. He’d do that over time. Push her buttons to showcase her instability after he set her up. He’d make sure they found her DNA. His hacker would load the files on Siena and the twins onto her computer. He would use her car. Yes, he had a lot of work to do with Katie. In the end the police would ignore her pleas of innocence. They would look at the facts. Katie was mentally unstable and a stalker with motive. Then there would be the proof and overwhelming evidence. Something he was happy to supply.
Chapter 35
The Braille Club Undone
The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Guy decided the only way to understand how a swingers club operated was to experience one. The idea made him feel uneasy but it was business after all.
Niven
The following weeks were harrowing for Niven as the trial progressed; she was headline news. She gave several press releases but the media was always hungry for more. In the end, she told the police everything; beginning with why she hadn’t testified against Toby at his trial. Fear. She was terrified of him. He controlled her through fear and her parents were complicit. However, she had always known he wanted to hurt her. She told police he stabbed Maria on purpose. The media storm that erupted was nothing compared to Niven’s feeling of peace; finally, justice for Maria. A bitter court battle was developing between herself and her adoptive parents, but Anna Dunbar had been ferocious in her pursuit of the truth. She left no stone unturned and the jury where in doubt about Toby’s obsession with Niven. Niven knees were like jelly as she sat with Matt’s hand in hers. She drew strength from his presence and as the trial progressed it seemed to exercise both their demons. He never wavered in his support. From that first day until now, he’d been there for her. Although the process was painful, when the juror’s verdict cleared Niven, it went some way to heal them and the rift keeping them apart.
An idea was forming in Niven’s head and it took all her to courage to approach Benedict. Her request was simple. She wanted Matt to join the Braille Club. Her last session with Guy, although never repeated, was not forgotten. She’d been blown away, her body and mind enveloped in sensation. With Matt she teetered on the brink of discovery. They had taken things slowly. Matt never pushed or pressured her, but she wanted more. She had enjoyed his company, his kiss and, most importantly, his touch. However, Toby’s attack on both of them left their relationship in tatters. Matt had needed all his strength to recover. There was no room for romance. He’d pushed Niven further and further away. She didn’t care about his scars or the colostomy bag but Matt wouldn’t let her in. She’d been more hopeful when surgery to reverse the procedure was successful, but it made no difference. Matt didn’t want her, either romantically or platonically, and the rejection had been unbearable. Niven did the only thing she could think of to protect herself. She ended the shattered relationship.
Working in a daze, the pain and hurt dimmed during the long hours she put in. She worked harder than ever, hoping Matt would change his mind. Hoping desperately he would rekindle their relationship, but he hadn’t. When Matt walked into the courtroom and sat beside her she’d been dumbstruck. He looked wonderful and smelled delicious. His suit was fresh and crisp but it was the return of his smile that Niven noticed most. Her heart hammered in her chest not because of the trial, but because of Matt. Her feelings for him hadn’t changed and if she didn’t realise it before, she did now. She was in love with him. The party at Siena’s sealed their reconnection. When she was in Matt’s arms nothing else mattered but she sensed his discomfort and his inability to get inmate with her. Niven had suffered the same demons and knew exactly how to cure them but it all depended on what Benedict decided. She could tell by his expression he was surprised. His face creased with concern.
“Matt wants this too?” he asked.
Niven looked him directly in the eyes. “Matt doesn’t know what he wants. I’m taking a gamble here, Benedict. Matt has become so withdrawn I’m not sure he can find his way back without some help. I’d like him to partner me. Are the sessions still ongoing?”
Benedict said nothing at first. “Niven, I agree that Matt can join the Braille Club sessions, but only if he want
s to. That aspect is non-negotiable.”
Niven’s heart sank and she turned away. Matt may not want to join and she couldn’t stand anymore rejection. Then she stopped; she had an idea.
“He’ll do it if you ask him.”
Benedict’s eyebrows shot up. His face was perplexed. “Do you really think it would help him?”
“I’ve no guarantees, Benedict, but I’ve got nothing to lose. Matt is the sole of discretion. The club’s secrets will remain intact.”
“I’m not worried about the club,” said Benedict quietly.
“I love him,” said Niven, her voice catching. “I’ll do anything to help him. Please. Please let me try.”
Benedict nodded.
Chapter 36
The Braille Club Undone
The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Guy found the swinging club to be informative. However, he shuddered at the thought of sharing. No. Never. He wondered at the psyche that not only wanted to...but encouraged it.
Benedict
The party had been a great success and a welcome chance to relax with friends and family. Benedict had almost forgotten what that was like. Dancing with his wife in his arms, he’d felt carefree for the first time in months. The doctors had found nothing conclusive now the tests were completed. They were putting it down to Siena overdoing things and stress. Both unsatisfactory explanations that filled Benedict with more anxiety. She’d been fit and well so far, but what if it happened again?
Lifting the bracelet he examined it closely. Everything seemed in order; he’d switched it on, the GPS signal was working and communicating. The bracelet had a sleep mode when not in use. It went on standby when Siena was in bed. The hours already programmed into the system and the alerts switched off. However, when she was up and moving the bracelet would be operational. If for any reason Siena remained unmoving for more than thirty minutes, an alarm would trigger. Benedict would receive a text. He’d tested the system and it had worked beautifully. Siena would put the bracelet into sleep mode at night but as soon as she moved consistently it reactivated. Should she collapse for any reason and no one was around, Benedict would be alerted with her exact location. The bracelet would provide much needed assurance for him, and Siena was fully on board.
The medical alerts of the bracelet were easy to see and Siena now carried a glucagon injection kit in her handbag as a precaution, but he still worried. He worried constantly. The twins would be nearing their third birthday. Where had the time gone? With Siena’s health at the forefront of his mind, Benedict worked mostly from home. Matt went to the office for a few hours every day and reported back to Benedict. His staff responded to Matt. He was a complete contrast to Benedict, and it sometimes irked Benedict that he was by far the most popular. Ava was proving her worth. He was still getting used to the fact she was dating his twin. However, as long as it didn’t interfere with her work, he accepted it. Alex seemed happy with Ava and they were talking of moving in together. He wished the same could be said for Matt and Niven. They were back in touch but Benedict wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. He saw Siena approaching with coffee and smiled.
Her bracelet glinted in the light. She wanted some bling as she put it, and the Swarovski crystals certainly delivered. The bracelet was very eye-catching.
Siena
“Your coffee, Sir,” she said in her best British voice.
“Thank you,” he replied solemnly, keeping up the pretence.
“Does Sir require anything else?” asked Siena, her face impassive.
With one tug he pulled her onto his lap and kissed her. Passionately. She didn’t resist. Their mouths locked together. With a thrill, Siena could feel his need for her. She had the power to do that to him, and he the same to her.
“I want you inside me,” she whispered huskily.
Benedict stood, lifting her to the ground. His breath was ragged as he pulled off her t-shirt and tugged at her jeans. His hands on her breasts made her moan. Her core clenched in anticipation before his fingers slipped inside. The desk was digging into her flesh until Benedict lifted her up. Parting her legs, he thrust inside. Delicious sensations rocked her. This didn’t happen often; what with the twins and the business. Siena was enjoying every naughty second and thrust her hips upwards. The intensity of her emotions was always a shock. Sexually, they were the perfect match. Siena could feel her release building and Benedict seemed to sense it too. He pushed her until she climaxed before he let himself do the same. They grinned at each other. Siena hopped off the desk and grabbed her clothes. Heading to the bathroom she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. Whenever she was intensely happy she thought of Niven. She didn’t know why. Perhaps because she understood how harrowing a court case was. However, Niven didn’t have the man she loved to support her. Siena knew without Benedict she couldn’t have got through the experience. Matt and Niven seemed closer at the party and she was happy her plan had worked.
She decided to leave her wedding until Niven’s court case was finished. She owed both her and Matt that. Apart from her earlier collapse, things were going well. She was happy and content. The doctors put it down to stress and Siena had taken their advice to take it easy. Working with Benedict from home suited them both...and the sex was fantastic. The twins were in nursery. Siena’s life was less hectic and with the bracelet she wore now operational, she hoped Benedict would stop worrying. Reeva was fascinated by it. She was such a magpie. Siena often found her jewellery in Reeva’s room. She wanted to try the bracelet on but Siena shook her head. Her lip had trembled but Siena was firm. Her bracelet was off limits but still she saw Reeva’s gaze fix on it constantly. She wondered if she should give her the spare to play with but knew Benedict would object. The bracelet had cost thousands of pounds with all the technology it contained. She made a note to ask Benedict for a duplicate without the gadgets, for Reeva’s birthday, and smiled; Reeva’s face would be priceless.
Chapter 37
The Braille Club Undone
The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Guy contacted the members expressing an interest in the Swingers Zone. All were high profile members who disliked their demands being ignored. The Braille Club never catered to egos. Money and power were not a currency it either recognised or dealt in.
Matt
Matt stared at Niven incredulously. “I can’t believe what you’re telling me.”
Niven’s head dipped. “I know it’s difficult to take in at first, but it is the truth,” she said earnestly.
“A secret club...here?” he asked, his arms gestured at their surroundings.
“Yes,” replied Niven.
“What kind of club is it?”
“Matt, you know my story. Toby’s attack left me...damaged. I’ve been in and out of therapy ever since. Desperate, I turned to the Braille Club as a last resort and...” Niven didn’t continue. Her checks were flushed and Matt could see how nervous she was.
“And,” he gently prompted.
“It helped me,” said Niven shyly.
Matt let out his breath, suddenly conscious he had been holding it in.
“I think it could help both of us, Matt,” said Niven, not meeting his gaze.
“You didn’t answer my question. What kind of club is it?”
“Will you come and experience it for yourself? Will you trust me?” This time Niven’s gaze was direct and pleading.
Matt was uncomfortable but curious. He tried to get his head around what Niven was saying. Why had Benedict and Siena kept this hidden from him? He felt a little betrayed Benedict hadn’t told him...but then, he doubted he’d ever be the confiding type.
“Yes,” he said, surprising himself.
“Are you sure, Matt?” asked Niven. “You have to want to do this, and not just to please me. It won’t work otherwise,” she said seriously.
Matt wavered. He didn’t know what he wanted. Having Niven back in his life had helped him. He had stopped running away from his feelings. His heart lifted when he
saw her and twisted when they parted. However, he’d made such a mess of things. He’d hurt her and he hated himself for it. His depression had made him cold and cruel. There was no way to know if it would return. That was the only reason Matt had stayed away until he’d seen the papers. Niven’s stricken face on the front page had resonated deep inside him as the article told of the impending trial. She needed him. He remembered how she’d lit up when he entered the courtroom. Strong emotions coursed through him as the trial progressed. Listening to the full horror of what Niven endured made him hang his head in shame. They had never spoken of it to each other. He’d been so consumed; he had nothing left for Niven. No compassion or support. His actions haunted him.
“Matt?” said Niven.
Her anxious voice interrupted his thoughts. “Niven, I wanted to explain...about before,” he said quietly.
Niven’s face changed. Her expression was apprehensive, her eyes sad. “You don’t need to explain, Matt. Out of everyone, I think I understand.”
“No, Niven, you’ve been through so much and I wasn’t there to support you. I’m ashamed at how I treated you...” he said, his voice wobbling.
Niven laid her hand over his and squeezed. “Don’t, Matt,” said Niven fiercely. “You didn’t let me down. If anyone is to blame it’s me. I put you in danger.”
Matt shook his head. “It wasn’t your fault, Niven. He was a sick...” He broke off unable to articulate what he wanted to say. “I’d kill him if he wasn’t already dead, for what he did to you,” he said angrily.
