Emily’s stomach started to tighten when he told her about the counselor, and it got worse the longer she was with the woman.
Grey introduced her to the lady, and she knew she wasn’t a good person from the way she was eyeing him.
Susan’s gaze followed him as he walked out of the room before focusing on her.
“So, why don’t we have a seat, dear?”
Emily sat on one of the chairs, and Susan turned hers more to face her.
“Do you know why I’m here today?” Susan asked.
“I guess to talk about things.”
Susan nodded. “Yes, that’s right. Mr. Warner is worried about you.”
Emily nodded.
“Can you tell me what happened to get him so concerned?”
Emily shrugged.
“We can start where you feel comfortable.”
She shrugged again.
“You have to try, Emily.”
Emily tightened her lips.
“Listen, Mr. Warner is paying me a lot of money. I know I don’t want to upset him if we don’t make any progress.”
Emily didn’t know what to think of that. She didn’t think he’d be mad, but she didn’t know for sure. “I was a slave.”
She could tell she surprised Susan.
“Really?” She scribbled some things down. “How did that make you feel?”
Was this woman for real? She acted almost excited.
“Emily, answer me.”
She pressed her lips together.
“Okay, I’ll give you some options. You felt fear, embarrassment, anger, confusion, shame?”
Emily shrugged and watched Susan’s lips thin in aggravation.
“Did it make you feel dirty?” Susan asked.
“Dirty?” That was something she hadn’t thought she felt.
“Well, yes. Some women who go through what you did feel like they deserved it, and they’ll never clean again.”
“No one deserves what I went through.” Emily’s stomach tightened, and she closed down more.
Susan sighed. “Can you tell me about this unusual relationship between you and Mr. Warner?”
“He’s my friend.”