She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to remember how it felt to have his hand on her stomach. She imagined it was his hand, not hers, and she took another breath.
This time it worked. She took another, and another, feeling herself begin to calm. She reached up to her face, wiping away the wetness and took one more breath. She leaned down to the gap again and called out, “SEOK!”
The door slammed closed, and a voice called out, “Hold on, Honora!”
It wasn’t a voice she recognized, but for a moment, just a moment, she thought it was Seok and Cai coming to get her. The disappointment was almost as acute as the relief she felt knowing someone was coming. The doorknob rattled, and the door flew inward, whacking her in the forehead and making her fall back on her butt.
“Why the hell aren’t there any lights?” the voice asked. There was the sound of the switch being flipped off and on, and off and on. The familiar buzz filled the room, and a dim light hummed into existence.
She squinted at the person who’d come through the door.
“Are you okay?” he asked, squatting next to her.
The door began to close behind him and she lurched forward, “Don’t let it—“ The door clicked. "Shut.”
“Why not?”
“It locks,” she replied. “I hope you have a phone.” She rubbed at the place on her forehead where she’d caught the edge of the door. There was a tiny egg, but it hadn’t broken the skin. She supposed she was lucky, considering the door was old and metal.
The man stood up, and tried the knob. It didn’t turn. “Huh.” He turned back to her. “I—I’m sorry—I got stuck in a conference call in Dan’s office. I didn’t realize you were locked in.”
She pushed herself to stand, and he followed suit. “In the dark,” she amended.
“In the dark,” he corrected.
She pulled her sleeve over her hand and wiped her face again. As the lights flickered and brightened, she could make out details she hadn’t noticed before. He was nothing like she expected a man from a military institute would look. Like Dr. Murray, he was outside of the mold of both professor and soldier. His hair was dark brown, and curled over his forehead and ears in need of a trim. He also wore a full beard, but with none of the fancy mustache waxing or trimming the hipsters used. His was an overgrown, shaggy beard growing down his neck and up his cheeks. When he stood, he towered over Nora, as tall as Apollo or Cai. But unlike the guys, his height made her feel crowded, like he took up all the space in the room, and she stepped back.
“My name is Jeremy Totten.” He spied the metal chair, and sat in it with a groan. “Sorry. You don’t mind do you?”
She walked toward the wall, making as if to lean against it, but noticed the cobwebs and other questionable substances stuck to it and chose to cross her arms instead. It was an awkward position, standing in front of someone sitting
“Do you mind handing me my bag over there?” He gestured to satchel near the door.
She uncrossed her arms and picked it up. It was heavier than it looked, and she needed two hands to lift it.
“Should I call you Dr. Totten?” she asked, watching the man open it and take out a laptop.
“Yes, that’s fine,” he answered distractedly. He put the case on the table and unfolded the top. He pulled out something like a blood pressure cuff attached to a wire. Clearly, it was not a laptop.
The device was oddly familiar. “Is that a lie detector?”
He glanced up at her with interest. “You’ve seen one of these before?”
“On tv.”
He nodded. “I prefer to call it a digital analysis of physiological changes which may indicate lying.” He chucked. “We may use it. I just want it ready.” He studied the room for an outlet and finding one, plugged in the machine. The screen flashed. He typed for moment and then sat back in the chair. It didn’t wobble for him the way it had for her.
He held up a finger and leaned forward again, opening a notebook he tossed next to the lie detector and then leaned back again. “Okay. So.” He paused, waiting.
She waited as well, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Right. Relationships.”
Nope.
She gave him the benefit of the doubt. He could ask broad questions, he could even question her more in depth about the answers she’d given Dr. Murray, but she was not getting personal with this guy. His entire aura intruded on hers, like he was going to back her into a corner and force confessions from her.
“After high school, how many long-term relationships have you been in?”
“One.”
“How do you self-identify? Heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual?”
“Heterosexual.”
Okay. These questions were easy enough. She wasn’t opening the windows to her soul by answering. She rocked from side to side, waiting for Dr. Totten’s to continue.
“Were your parents married?”
“Yes.”
“How long were they married?”
She calculated. “Three years.”
“Is your mother remarried?”
“I don’t know.”
“Is your father remarried?”
“I don’t know.”
The man asked an endless amount of questions about her parent’s marriage. An hour passed, and then another with her pacing, or rocking, or stretching her hands over her head. She was safe answering these questions, and when she didn’t know the answer, he seemed satisfied with her answering, “I don’t know.” She began to think she misjudged him.
Pressing her hands into her lower back, she arched backward and then side to side. She couldn’t keep standing much longer, and she needed to pee. She examined the walls to find a place less disgusting for her to lean. She finally decided the door was a safe bet, and began in that direction.
“Okay,” Dr. Totten called out, surprising her. He scowled down at his watch. “Wow. We’ve been at this a long time. I’d offer to let you use the bathroom, but since we’re stuck here…” He trailed off.
“What about Dr. Murray?” she interrupted. “Did you text him?”
“Yeah,” he answered, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “He still hasn’t replied. He probably assumes we’re good.”
It was creeping closer and closer to five o’clock. “I need to leave by five. He knows, so he should be back soon.”
“Why don’t you take a seat, and I’ll try this puppy out?” He stood, gesturing to the chair.
She hesitated, realizing he meant the polygraph. “I didn’t realize polygraph tests would be part of this study.”
“They haven’t been,” he began, flashing a white-toothed smile at her. “It’s why I’m here. He’s thinking of adding them to the interview process.”
“Won’t it affect the subject variables. Those who have been interviewed with the polygraph and those without?”
He crossed his arms and leaned against the table. He seemed surprised. “It does. But we’re making adjustments.” He held up a band. “I need to start connecting you to the machine.”
She sat in the chair, her palms sweating. She rubbed her forehead, wincing when she came into contact with the small egg. Dr. Totten pressed a number of sticky electrodes onto her skin, wrapped a band around her chest, and then fixed a blood pressure cuff on her arm. He spun the machine to face him and leaned his elbow onto the table, making it creak.
“I’m going to ask you a number of questions. Please answer honestly.”
She nodded. She would honestly answer, “I’m not telling you,” if he said something she didn’t like. Seok’s watch had flipped upside down, so she began to flick her wrist to see the face.
“Keep your arms on the chair please, so you don’t displace the electrodes.”
“What time is it?” she asked.
He frowned. “Five.”
“Unhook me please, I need to go.”
Dr. Totten’s phone chimed. “It’s only a few questions, Nora. And I’m sure that’s Dan. You�
�ll be done by the time he opens the door.”
“Will you check, please. Make sure?”
“I’m sure it’s him. Let’s move on.”
“No.”
“What?”
“No. I’m not answering any questions until you reassure me Dr. Murray is on his way. If not, I want you to call my friends, who are waiting for me on the first floor, and ask them to let us out.” She made a move to tear off the electrodes. “It’s my birthday and I’m done.” And I need to pee.
“You’re in a polyamorous relationship.” He flung the question at her, and she sucked in a breath.
“Do you believe this relationship will negatively impact your career?”
She stared at him, shocked. His mouth continued to move as he spat out questions, her brain processing each one.
“Do you believe this relationship will negative impact your partners’ career?”
“Do you believe your partners are happy in this relationship?”
“Are you sexually active with each partner?”
“Have you coerced your partners into this relationship?”
The last question forced her into action. With shaking fingers, she removed the electrodes on her skin, and placed them on the table.
“I’m not done. Tyler has given us a lot of interesting background on your current relationship. You’re so interesting, Nora. A polyamorous relationship? One girl and five guys? Sister to a mass murderer? I have so many questions.”
He stood, reaching for the electrodes as if to place them back on her. She held up a hand, unwrapping the cuff on her arm.
“I’m not answering any of those questions.”
He frowned. “You’re going to have to Nora.”
She shook her head and held out her hand. “May I please borrow your phone?”
He crossed his arms. “How does it work?”
She stood up, going over to the door and hammering on it. Seok and Cai would come for her now. It was only a matter of minutes before they did.
Dr. Totten moved behind her, crowding her again. “I mean. Are you all, together together? Are they bisexual? Tyler said one of them is applying for law school. I know this is Vermont, but what if he wants to practice somewhere else? It’s some pretty kinky shit. Wouldn’t fly in Virginia, that’s for sure.”
She shook her head.. “And one is a social worker?” She could feel his heat against her back. “Works with at-risk kids? Is it a front for something? You trying to get him to bring young kids into your fold?”
She spun around, surprised to find he was inches from her face. “That’s sick!”
He smiled, pleased with her reaction for some reason. “Not a child molester then.” He leaned forward. “Just a whore.”
The blood left her head, leaving her lightheaded, dizzy. She reached for something to hold her up, shocked he’d dared to say it to her face, but somehow… not. Others would say the same thing, wouldn’t they? She should get used to the word.
The door pushed against her back, and she tripped forward. Dr. Totten gripped her arms, his fingers tight. “You’re cute,” he whispered quickly. “But I can’t say you’re worth sharing.”
He stepped away, leaving her unbalanced, and she stumbled forward.
“Five-ten!” Dr. Murray’s voice called out. “Not bad, huh?”
She turned, catching Dr. Totten’s gaze. He stared at her while answering Dr. Murray. “Not bad at all.”
“Nora.”
She tore her eyes from the man. He held out a white box in his hand. “Your new cell phone. And…” He handed her an envelope. “…your birthday present. Thanks again, Nora.”
She nodded, clearing her throat.
“Your friends are waiting upstairs for you.” She intercepted a loaded stare between him and Dr. Totten as he held the door open, waiting for her to pass by.
She cleared her throat again, getting his attention. “Get the lock fixed on that door. And clean this place before my next interview. It’s disgusting.” She hurried past him, not waiting for a response. Safety was upstairs. Caring, comfort, protection, love was waiting for her.
She emerged from the stairwell into the harsh first floor light. It was still a beautiful day. The sun forced its way through the narrow windows, flooding the hallway.
All five guys waited for her. Matisse was elegant in a black jacket and slacks, his dark hair slicked back from his face. Seok was punked out, hair gelled to perfection with clothes clashing perfectly. Cai managed to be both cool and casual in a simple fleece coat and jeans, and Ryan finally appeared relaxed and happy, laughing at something Apollo said. They turned to her when the door closed, calling to her, talking over one another, and reminding her of golden retriever puppies, eager and enthusiastic. She ran toward them, the horrible day wiped from her mind like it never existed.
They were here. They wanted her to be happy. They were happy.
Fuck Dr. Totten. He didn’t know anything. She would protect these boys from whatever ugliness there was waiting for them. She would make sure they knew, every minute of every day, she loved them. She knew her heart, and what it told her.
And she trusted them with hers.
About the Author
Ripley Proserpina spends her days huddled near a fire in the frozen northern wilds of Vermont. She lives with her family, three magnificent cats, and a dog she doesn’t deserve.
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Books by Ripley:
Midnight’s Crown:
Briar: http://amzn.to/2FVK4IH
Shadow of Thorns
Diadem of Blood and Bones: Coming Soon!
The Searchers:
Finding Honor
Finding Nora
Finding Valor
Finding Truth
Demon Matched:
Matched with a Demon
Wishes and Curses:
Wrath and Ruin
Revolution and Rising: Coming soon!
Anthologies:
Married. Wait! What?:books2read.com/u/3GYVwL
Snow and Seduction: books2read.com/u/3yZWaJ
Valos of Sonhadra:
Whirlwind: http://amzn.to/2EBrRQj
Sneak Peek
There’s no need to wait for the next Searchers story. Here’s a sneak peek of Finding Valor, book three of Nora’s story.
Needing Answers
Ryan Valore drummed his fingers on the countertop. He’d waited on hold for—he checked his watch—five minutes to speak with the Dean of Admissions at Calvin Coolidge School of Law. The letter on the counter next to him, the one which he’d received a week prior, messed up all his well-laid plans.
His gaze sought out the worst words on the letter: wait-list, reservation fee. A hand smoothed down his spine, distracting him. His girlfriend of not-very-long, Nora Leslie, gave him a half-smile before sitting on one of two kitchen chairs.
Moral support.
“Mr. Valore?” a bored voice inquired—finally.
“Yes, I’m here.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Valore; the dean is occupied at the moment. I’ll give her the message you called, and she’ll return your call at her earliest possible convenience.”
“Ma’am.” Trying to hold off the headache threatening, he shut his eyes and rubbed his forehead. “This will be the fifth message I’ve left the dean. May I schedule an appointment to meet with her?”
“Of course,” the woman answered, and for a moment, hope sparked. “I’ll leave a message with her, and she’ll call to schedule your meeting.”
Swallowing a groan, he asked, “Can’t you please schedule the meeting?”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Valore,” she repeated. “The dean prefers to manage her own calendar. I’ll leave a message for her, all right?�
�
Phone calls were getting him nowhere. “Yes,” he ground out through clenched teeth. “Please do.”
Nora watched him worriedly as he ended the call, but he couldn’t manage a smile to reassure her.
“What happened?” she asked after a moment.
“Can’t get through.” Dropping the phone on the counter, he slammed his palm onto the countertop. “Dammit!”
Immediately, she came to his side, wrapping an arm around his waist and resting her head on his arm. Sucking in a deep breath, he felt his tension lessen with her presence.
“We should take a ride.”
“I can’t, Nore.” The topic change confused him. “I’m going to try the dean again in a while. Maybe I’ll annoy her into speaking with me.”
“That could work.” She nodded. “But it might be more effective to annoy her in person.”
Smart girl. Wrapping his arms around her, he stared into her upturned face. “You could be right.”
She hummed in agreement. “It’s not very far. An hour? All highway…”
“Let’s go.” After kissing her nose, Ryan sent off a quick message to his best friends and roommates. Apollo and Cai were out, and Matisse was asleep, despite the late hour.
Earlier in the day, he’d caught Seok creeping out the door, a troubled look on his face. When Ryan had inquired, he’d mentioned a new woodworking project and Nora, before slipping outside.
While Ryan typed, he followed Nora to the front door. She held out his jacket for him, and he smiled, putting in one arm and then another like a little boy.
“You’re in a silly mood,” he observed.
“I think I’m feeling a little sleep-deprived.” She yawned widely. “You guys are party animals.”
Chuckling, he unlocked the door and waited for her to get in before circling the vehicle to climb into the driver’s seat. Already, her eyes had closed, head resting on the palm of her hand. Her eyes were rimmed in dark circles he knew were his— and his friends’— fault.
Finding Nora: A Reverse Harem Romance (The Searchers Book 2) Page 14
