Surviving Doctor Vincent: The Good Doctor Trilogy Book 2 (11 page)

“Wait...” He placed his hands on the counter and his brow furrowed. “Xavier said you came here willingly. Is that not true?”

I laughed. “No, he’s right. I did. But Xavier has a way of blurring lines, and realization doesn’t set in until much later, leaving you wondering what on Earth you’ve done. He’s so...intense.”

It was Sebastian’s turn to laugh. “That’s one way of putting it. I tell him he talks too much.”

“Him and his words. I couldn’t agree with you more. What about you? Do you take time to warm up to someone? You always seem so introspective.”

He licked his lips; retrieved an egg, cracked it with one hand and allowed the whites and yolk to plop into the pan. They sizzled on the hot surface.

“How do you like your eggs?”

I raised an eyebrow. Was he avoiding the question? “Over-hard.”

He smiled and winked. “As for being reserved... Yes, judiciousness was an essential for part of my training and well...Miriam...she always stole the show.” He pushed the egg around the pan with his spatula, retreating into his own thoughts again.

“You can talk about her. What little I knew of her, she was an amazing woman.”

He lifted his head slowly and stared at me. “I’m happy you got to meet her. I know our encounter must have been awkward, given she asked you to sleep with me.” He shook his head and chuckled, “But that was Miriam.”

“I’m happy I got to meet her too. So her vibrant personality made you so quiet?”

“It contributed. She was a lot like Xavier; saw the world in ways others don’t, and much like him, she thought out loud for everyone to hear. The real culprit is probably the years I spent training for French Intelligence—a profession that requires constant discretion.”

“How did you go from the secret service to medicine?” He lifted the egg with the spatula, placed my breakfast on a plate, along with a fork, and handed it to me. “Thank you.”

“I had just accepted my residency when I was recruited. I met a profile they were looking for. I went through special training with the military, but ended up assigned undercover to an organ harvesting case at a prominent hospital in Paris. The assignment allowed me to continue my medical duties while gathering the information.”

“So you were a spy?” How sexy was that?

He laughed. “More like an investigator. I got pretty good at getting to the truth, but I retired when Miriam fell ill.”

“Will you come out of retirement now?”

He sighed. “Well...not officially, but Xavier, I think has plans for me.”

“He always has plans.” I willed myself not to roll my eyes.

“But only for those people he cares about. With him, you’re either the target, the protected, or the inconsequential.” He scooped the other egg up and placed his portion on a plate before taking the seat next to me.

“Xavier wants you with me because I’m military trained.” He cut into the egg and paused. “I have a question for you.”

I finished chewing and then responded, “Yes.”

“How do you feel about Xavier’s plan to make you his subject?”

“I honestly don’t know. He’s convinced using their rules is a sure way to protect me.”

He looked at me. “I have my reservations.” He brushed a strand of hair from my shoulder. “Maybe I’m being overprotective. Maybe I selfishly want you here with me at the cabin, all to myself, but I can’t see anything good coming from you getting closer to that organization.”

“I can’t say that I’m not nervous, but the sooner we can end them, the better.”

“Yes. What about the other requirements?”

“What do you mean?”

“Elaine...” He sighed. “Xavier said you have to be submissive to him. Can you honestly do that? More importantly, do you want to? Xavier gets caught up in the chaos and sometimes forgets to think of the more subtle aspects of his actions. I want to make sure the moment you’re on your knees, it’s because you want to be, and not because you feel you have to. Do you trust him enough to give in? Your submission needs to happen because you want him to take control, not as an act but for real.”

“He already has control of me—I’m here aren’t I?”

“That’s different, and yet, elements of the idea are the same... At some point when he suggested you leave with him, you decided to go, correct? Would the outcome have been the same had he kidnapped you? Even though you love him, there would be anger and resentment.”

“No, you’re right, that situation wouldn’t have been the same.”

“Then your surrender has to be the same with this. When he takes command, you need to find a place within you to trust him. You trusted his protection when you came here. Trust him to protect you from whatever he might do to your body. Otherwise, nothing healthy will ever come from losing control. If you don’t, or have any concerns, refuse.” He leaned over and placed a kiss on my cheek. “I don’t think Xavier would do anything to intentionally hurt you. How you embrace his authority will make all the difference. Not only in your long-term perception, but also in your enjoyment.”

“Are you some kind of BDSM expert?” I chuckled.

He smiled. “Expert, no. Never lived the lifestyle. Miriam had adventurous tastes in her younger years. We spent many weekends in the sex clubs of Paris. Unlike Xavier, who has seen much, but experienced little, when it comes to sex, I’m quite the opposite.”

“Really? It’s always the quiet ones. So this isn’t your first...” What the hell was this? “Your first...”

He interrupted. “Foursome? No. Polyamorous relationship? Yes. Miriam loved to show off my prowess at the clubs, but the scene was usually the two of us, as her adoring fans watched. Occasionally, she would invite other women to our bed.”

“Is that what this is?” I tried on the unfamiliar term. “A polyamorous relationship?”

“The four of us have agreed to only see each other exclusively, so yes.”

“Well, Marco hasn’t agreed to anything.”

He laughed. “I have no doubts about his decision.”

“He could have any woman he wanted.”

“Exactly. He wants Xavier’s woman.” He took a drink of orange juice.

A pressing question filled my mind, “So do you... I mean, I know Xavier hasn’t, but do you two...you know?” God, why was I having such a hard time asking the question?

“You mean, do we sleep with each other?”

Relieved he understood my unarticulated request, I sighed. “Yes.”

“We haven’t. You’re right. It would be a bit much for X, but Marco and I have...discussed the possibility.”

The room heated up one hundred degrees. My face flushed.

He stared into my eyes. “What’s the matter, Elaine?” He turned my chair and forced me to face him.

“Nothing.”

“Sex is a beautiful way for people to connect.”

“Yes, I know but...”

“The only boundaries necessary are the likes and dislikes of the participants. We get to define what they are. Does the idea of two men making love repulse you?”

“No.”

“What about two women?”

“No.”

“Have you slept with a woman?”

The line of questioning made me blush. “No.”

“Do you want to?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t met a woman who has made me want to try. But I’ve seen photos, even in the gallery, they were beautiful and erotic.”

“Have you watched two men?”

I looked at the table, averting my eyes.

“You have. Who?”

“Well...they didn’t have sex, but my two friends from high school, kissed. It was a dare, but something about how I felt seeing them...”

“Would you like to watch us? Would you like to watch me fuck Marco?”

“I...I’m not sure how to answer that.”

“Or maybe you want Marco to fuck me, while I’m inside you and my face is buried between your tits. Or have Xavier feast on your delicious pussy while you watch us? None of my suggestions have to happen, but I want you to think about what you desire. I want you to carefully consider your interests.”

I swallowed hard. I hadn’t considered any of his ideas a possibility. “OK. I guess...because of Miriam, the thought never occurred to me that you were bisexual. And Marco...”

“I didn’t indulge while I was with Miriam. She wasn’t comfortable seeing me that way. But when I was in Med School, our hours were long, and we often slept at the hospital between shifts, there wasn’t time for dating and stress was high. One of the other doctors and I came to an agreement. So I’ve had a male lover. I’ve never identified as gay, because I love women. But there’s something liberating about being with a man. Sex with a man is my guilty indulgence. Not something I want everyday, but on occasion... Marco, I think he’s still trying to decide who he is. And I’m trying to determine your limits.”

“I honestly don’t know. I’ve already gone so far beyond what I thought I was capable of. The only thing I know for certain is that I don’t like pain.”

“I remember you saying that in the gallery. Not everyone is able to make the connection between pleasure and pain. But there are all sorts of other tactics, to draw out pleasure, to heighten the experience.”

“Really?” My eyes narrowed with suspicion.

His hand grasped my thigh and pulled me closer to him. “Anticipation is the most powerful aphrodisiac.” He slid his hand up the inside of my leg. “I want to wake up next to you and start the morning by whispering all the things I want to do to your body in your ear. Then make you wait.” He leaned in, kissed my neck and groaned against my skin.

“Are you saying you want to sleep with me?” I shot him a coy smile.

“Only after I wear you out.” He ran his hand through his hair. “God...we need to stop talking about this, or we’re never going to make the trip to town.” He patted my leg. “Eat. We’ll leave as soon as you’re done.”

* * *

A
fter readying myself for the outing, I returned to the kitchen. Sebastian leaned against the island, dangling his keys from one finger. He wore a black, tight-fitting T-shirt, and snug jeans, that accented one of his finest features. Dark shades shielded his eyes. He never looked so commanding.

“You ready?” He pushed away from the counter.

My throat ran dry, and flutters started in my stomach. All of which were ridiculous. I had slept with the man. But the one thing we had never done together was something normal, like a grocery run. Being so casual seemed strange with him.

“Yes.” I slid my purse onto my shoulder.

He paused for a moment drinking me in. “You look so beautiful in that dress.”

I blushed. “Thank you.” The garment was nothing special, a simple maxi-dress with delicate flower print.

He sauntered to me and snaked his arm around my waist, urging me toward the door. “Come on, it will be nice to get out for a while.”

* * *

F
or most of the ride there was silence between us. I stared out the window, taking in the landscape. Sebastian focused straight ahead on the road, his expression stoic.

He broke the silence on a sigh and glanced my direction. “Elaine, I want to spoil you with a good meal, a fine glass of French wine and then I’d like to continue our conversation from this morning.” His attention shifted back to the road.

I swallowed hard. “Do you think that’s wise?”

“Without a doubt. You should be just as comfortable talking about sex as doing it.” His teasing words were enough to keep my mind occupied all day. I swallowed hard, trying to ease my anticipation.

Witness

T
he BMW SUV made for a smooth ride, even while hugging the mountain’s twists and turns. About two hours later, we pulled into a parking place in front of a large, brick and stucco Tudor mansion.

“Come on, let’s see what trouble we can get into.” He shut off the engine. Sebastian jogged to my side of the car in record time and extended his hand to help me stand. I rested my palm against his, and he cupped my elbows, keeping me steady as I exited the vehicle.

I righted myself and smoothed my clothes.

He wrapped his arm around my waist. “Come on.”

The large wood and stained glass entrance sat nestled in a stone archway. The door opened. A young man, in his mid-twenties, dressed in a suit, greeted us. “Hi, welcome to Windor Manor. Do you have reservations?”

“Yes, under Corriveau?”

“Right this way.”

I don’t know why my mind waited until that moment to process the gravity of my situation. The realization was damned inconvenient. I had never heard his last name spoken aloud. I paused.

Sebastian turned and took my hand. “Elaine, are you OK?”

I looked up at him, gathering my wits. “Ahhh...yes. I’m fine.”

“You can tell me what’s troubling you at the table.” He laced his fingers with mine, and pulled me gently into the dining space.

“Your table.” Even though the host addressed Sebastian, he pulled out the chair for me.

Sebastian pointed to a secluded part of the restaurant. “Is there anyway we can have that booth over there?”

“Certainly.”

We followed the man to the booth. Sebastian positioned himself between the host and me, motioning for me to take a seat. I did as he suggested and slid across the leather bench.

I expected him to take the seat across from me, but instead he slid in beside me, settling his hand on my knee.

He looked up at the young man with the white pressed shirt and black tie, standing with his hands clenched behind his back. “I’ll have a Scotch on the rocks.” His gaze met mine again. “And you?” He smiled at me.

“Just a water, please.”

“William will be your waiter. He’ll be right with you.” The host rushed away into the kitchen, disappearing behind two swinging doors.

Sebastian rubbed his hand back and forth across my knee. “Now, why don’t you tell me what had you so rattled in the foyer.”

“Your last name is Corriveau.”

“Yes... But no worries, I’m not related to the ill-fated Corriveaus from Quebec.”

“No, that isn’t it. I’ve never even heard of them. I just realized...” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “How many times have we had sex, and I didn’t even know your last name? I’m sure it was in the file Xavier gave me about you and Marco that first night in Paris, but I had forgotten. I’ve never said your name out loud.”