Curing Doctor Vincent (The Good Doctor Trilogy Book 1)

by Mason, Renea

  The doctor placed more bacon on the plate. “Marco, and even Sebastian for that matter, are true friends.” He then offered me another piece of the meat with the same careful gesture.

  I took it, resisting the urge to lick his finger, and then laughed. “You do take BFF to a whole new level. I can honestly say I don’t have anyone I could have enlisted if I were in your shoes.”

  It was the doctor’s turn to chuckle. “It’s not like I just floated the question out there. Both of them were relentless about trying to get me laid. I even dated someone, trying to fool them and everyone else for that matter, but no woman wants to deal with my hang-ups.”

  Marco reached over and grabbed the orange juice and poured some in a small glass. “If you hadn’t picked a fucking psychopath to pretend with, you might have pulled it off. Man, you’re a shitty shrink.”

  The doctor shot him a condemning stare, and pointed at him with the spatula. “That’s it. No bacon for you.” He turned back to me. “So, after I came clean over beers one night, the truth about my marriage came out. Marco immediately volunteered.”

  I looked at Marco. “It was really that easy for you?”

  Marco sat forward. “Yes. I get to fuck a beautiful woman and help X at the same time; I didn’t even have to think about it.” He let out a little whine. “Ah, come on X, I take it back. You’re not a shitty shrink. Give me some bacon.”

  X chuckled. “I’m letting you fuck my woman, I think that’s enough. Get your own.”

  His woman? His statements of possession on some crazy level gave me comfort, and on another scared me to death. “What about Sebastian?”

  They both looked at each other. Marco snickered. “You could say…he had a little encouragement.” He jumped off the seat and made for the pile of bacon and scolded the doctor, “You’re just jealous and getting old and cranky. You’ll pay for that at your next workout.”

  “Marco doubles as my personal trainer. I figured it best; since I need his mind on my research, I’d better put his annoying habits to good use.”

  There was a friendly rapport between the two without a doubt. “How did the two of you meet?”

  The doctor smiled. “When the university called and asked that I take an annoying know-it-all under my wing, I never imagined what I was getting into. He was at the top of his class and already had two revolutionary patents. The kid thought he ruled the world.”

  “Kid? I was twenty-one. Besides, you’re only ten years older than me, or should I start calling you pops?”

  The doctor shot him a scolding glance. “Anyway, I think I’ve said before I’m a pretty good judge of character and even though I wanted to drown him in the Rhine at times, I knew he was loyal and one of the most brilliant minds of our time. So I kept him. Now I don’t think I could get rid of him.”

  “Was it the same with Sebastian?” I had to know.

  “No. He’s an esteemed physician here in France as well as a close family friend.”

  Marco spoke up, “I met Sebastian at the gym. I’m also his trainer.”

  “Wow, researcher, genius, personal trainer, is there anything you can’t do?”

  With his plate filled with bacon and a whole grain muffin, he stopped in front of me, bent down and placed a kiss on my cheek. “Sweetheart, you have yet to witness my finest talent.” He winked.

  I looked at the doctor. “And he’s modest too.”

  “Nobody’s perfect.” Marco placed a plate in front of me along with a small glass of juice. He leaned in so close I could feel his breath on my ear. “Eat up. You’re going to need your strength.” He then took a seat beside me.

  I swallowed hard, but the creaking of the front door interrupted my moment.

  “Hello, Xavier. Xavier, Xavier, where are you?” A female voice with a thick French accent called.

  The doctor folded his napkin and rose. “Excuse me. I have to greet our guest.”

  I glanced over at Marco. “Isn’t Sebastian coming for breakfast?”

  He chewed, swallowed, and then wiped his mouth with a napkin. “That’s him, well his other half anyway.”

  “That can’t be him. That’s a woman’s voice.”

  Marco started to choke on a laugh. “No. That’s not him. Though it would be really funny if it was. That’s Miriam.”

  “Miriam?”

  He gulped. “His wife.”

  “Wife!” The word came out as a bellow. I quieted my voice to a forced whisper. “Oh my God. He’s married. I can’t believe… I didn’t… Oh God… I’ve wrecked someone’s marriage.”

  “Settle down. Has anything turned out like you expected since you got here?”

  I paused. “No.”

  “Then what makes you think this is any different?”

  Just then a squeaking caught my attention—like a bicycle tire on polished floors. In the doorway appeared the most elegant woman I’d ever seen, nestled in a wheel chair. The hum of the electric motor drowned out the shrill sound of the tire as she grew closer. We made eye contact and the woman gasped.

  “Oh Xavier, she’s beautiful.”

  What was going on?

  “I told Sebastian to trust you. Xavier, you have always had exquisite taste. That’s one of the things that Lydia, God rest her soul, loved most about you.” She pressed the steering stick and parked her chair just in front of me. She didn’t look like she needed the chair, all of her limbs were intact, but the bag tied to her chair hinted at hidden problems.

  “Let me get a look at you.” She raised her hand slowly and it trembled as it would in a woman three times her age. Her smooth, creamy fingers wrapped around my hand as it continued to shake. “I can’t thank you enough. You have my undying gratitude.”

  I wasn’t sure what to say. What was I missing? “I’m sorry, but I…”

  Dr. Vincent interrupted, “Forgive me, Miriam. Elaine only arrived two evenings ago. I didn’t realize you would want to meet her, so I haven’t exactly explained everything.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “Oh my…my dear…I can’t imagine what you’re thinking.”

  “I have to admit, I’m a bit confused.” I shifted in my seat.

  “Elaine. Even your name is lovely. I’m Sebastian’s wife.”

  I tried to object, but she silenced me.

  “This must seem so strange. Let me explain. Lydia and I were best friends since before we started grammar school. Our families were very close; I called Lydia sister. When she brought Xavier home to France, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. When I met Sebastian at one of my shows, the puzzle was complete. Then tragedy struck, first with me and then with Lydia. I’m sure Xavier explained Lydia’s passing. Right Xavier?” She shot him a scolding look.

  “Yes. She knows.”

  “Well, several years before Lydia took ill, I developed an extremely rare and progressive form of MS. Most forms of Multiple Sclerosis are manageable with the new drugs on the market, but my condition is terminal.”

  I covered my mouth with my free hand to contain my gasp. “Oh, no. I’m so sorry.”

  “Oh, don’t feel bad. There are worse ways to go. And I’m already cheating the fates. The textbooks said I should have died last year. Well, excuse my language, but fuck them. I’m not done yet.”

  I admired her spirit. I don’t know that I could be so strong staring into the face of death. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t pity me, beautiful one. I’ve had it all—money, fame, fortune.”

  Marco set his fork on the plate. “Miriam was a prominent actress and sex symbol here in France. All Parisians know her face and her…”

  “Marco! Yes, well it’s hard to be a sex symbol with a colostomy bag dangling from your hip, but I still do appearances and fundraisers. I try to keep active.”

  “That’s wonderful.” I couldn’t help but smile while her shaking fingers grasped mine.

  “Now darling, the part that Xavier forgot to mention. After years of me harassing him to move on, and Lydia would have wanted it that way
, he finally confessed to what he had planned for you. I know about his…ahhh…limitations and Lydia’s love of men.”

  I cleared my throat. It was all so unbelievable.

  She continued, “The one thing I love more than my next breath is my husband. He works day and night saving lives. He cares for me and I couldn’t ask for anyone better. But in my condition, I can’t give him what he deserves. As you can tell, I barely have the strength to squeeze your hand, and my legs no longer hold me. I’ve lost sensation over most of my body and the tubes make it impossible to feel sexy. He tries to help me but…I’m not stupid, Elaine. He’s a beautiful man in the prime of his life and I’m fighting to hold on, but I don’t know how much will be left of me in the end. There isn’t much left now. He has never been selfish with me; I wanted to return the favor.”

  Xavier moved beside me. “I told her all about you.”

  She released my hand. “He did and it’s perfect. I never wanted Sebastian to find comfort with a prostitute for obvious reasons, and I couldn’t stand it if he fell in love. But a week of carnal indulgence is what he needs. Every man does. Elaine, I’m asking you to sleep with my husband. Allow him to indulge in the pleasures Xavier and Marco have planned for you. He’s exceptionally talented. He told me you got a taste last night.”

  I wasn’t sure if I could close my mouth. Marco was right; nothing ever went as planned here. I turned to my side to gauge his reaction and he winked and mouthed, “Told you.”

  “Miriam, while I…”

  “Just say you’ll do it. Unlike Xavier, I can’t stay and watch. I need to have my memories of us. Please, make sure he enjoys himself. You won’t be disappointed.”

  I hung my head in disbelief. Speechless. I really had to wonder if I wasn’t in a coma somewhere, and this wasn’t some weird manifestation of all of the naughty novels I had read.

  She patted my leg. “Perfect. Xavier, can you help me to the door? My driver can take it from there.”

  “You’re welcome to stay for breakfast.” He moved one of the chairs in her path so she could turn the chair around.

  “No, thank you. I have a few errands to run. Sebastian said he’d meet you at the gallery. What a magnificent place to start.”

  As he followed her out of the room, he responded, “I thought so. Should help set the mood.”

  I turned to Marco. “The gallery?”

  “Yes, Lydia owned a gallery of erotic art and artifacts. Xavier thinks there are several pieces you’ll appreciate.” He picked up a slice of bacon from my plate and handed it to me. “Eat.”

  I bit off a piece and chewed. “You know this is all fucked up.”

  He laughed. “Yes, it is. Aren’t we lucky?”

  “I was thinking more like crazy.”

  Chapter Six

  Collector

  After breakfast, I gathered my things for the day’s festivities and headed to the car. The driver opened the door and helped me into the limo. Moments later, the doctor and Marco slid in on either side of me. Dr. Vincent pressed a button and a shaded panel slid into place obscuring us from the driver.

  The engine hummed and the door closed, but it was the doctor’s breath on my neck that held my attention.

  “You smell so delightful. Like honey and sunlight.”

  I took a deep breath and reminded myself: this was all about sex. Nothing more. “Thank you.”

  He shifted in his seat and faced me. “You should be thankful for my hang up.”

  I turned toward him, wrinkled my brow and stared into his sapphire blue eyes. “Why is that? It doesn’t seem to make you happy.”

  He leaned in closer, almost as though he would kiss me. “Why would you care about my happiness?”

  Two could play his game. The attraction between us was dangerous and his close proximity only fueled the foreplay. I turned toward him, spreading my legs slightly and moved in closer, never releasing his gaze.

  “But what if I want to see you happy?”

  He laughed. “That’s nonsense.”

  Marco remained quiet while I rebuked the doctor. “I’m insulted.”

  “Whatever for? We hardly know each other. Lust is one thing. It’s superficial, honest and brief. Happiness, joy, love—those, my dear, are bonds that can’t be broken and last an eternity.”

  “Who said anything about love? I just want to see you happy.” I glanced out the window.

  He placed a finger under my chin and forced me to look at him again. “So naive. So foolish. That’s the very definition of love. It’s not hearts and flowers. It’s caring about someone else’s experience more than you care about your own.” A wicked smile spread across his face. “Elaine, are you making a declaration?”

  Normally, I would have challenged him, but embarrassment flooded my cheeks. I might have been younger than him, but I was far from a child. His condescending tone and too-close-for-comfort comment was overshadowed by his hand clutching the back of the seat in a vice-like grip with our mouths only inches apart. In that moment, when I stared into his soul, I made my vow. I would break his resolve and teach him that his games had consequences. He was not the only one capable of seduction. I neither confirmed nor denied his ridiculous claim.

  “Oh dear Elaine, you do intrigue me, but you know what would delight me right now?”

  “No, Doctor, what do you want?” Would he do it? Could this be it? Surely, it could not be that easy.

  “You can tell me how much you want me,” he whispered.

  Stan was right: there wasn’t anything small about Dr. Vincent, including his ego.

  I laughed, while maintaining our standoff, and enunciated the word, “Never.”

  A grin, laced with mischief, pulled at the corners of the doctor’s mouth. “Fine. Have it your way. Marco, lift her dress and tell me how much she wants me.”

  Marco complied, exposing me to his gaze. He placed a palm on my heat. “She’s dripping, X. I think she likes you.”

  I did want him, but he was out of control. I let out a breathy sigh, which I prayed caressed his just out of reach lips, as Marco ran his fingers through my wetness.

  “What if I don’t want you?”

  Marco slid a finger between my folds and slipped inside me.

  I gasped.

  The doctor’s gaze was intense. His dilated pupils, flushed cheeks and halting breaths betrayed him. “But you do. Remember, you can’t lie to me. It might be Marco inside you, but never forget to whom you are making love. Marco, show her.” He reached down and stroked his cock through the fabric of his black dress pants.

  Marco inserted another finger and set a rhythm that was certain to undo me.

  I gasped. Marco reached up and fisted his other hand in my hair, yanking my head back, exposing my throat. The jostling of the car drove him deeper inside as I felt the doctor’s hot breath caress my ear. “He’s fucking you with my permission. This week you are mine. No matter how good he feels, it’s my face you’ll remember.”

  I bit my lip. Marco drove me hard. Slamming his hand against my clit with each stroke. With each slap a grunt escaped. “What do you want from me?”

  “Your passion.” He licked his lips. “And anything else you are willing to give me.”

  Marco removed his fingers and replaced them with his mouth. His tongue slid between my folds on its journey to my clit.

  I bit my lip and “Fuck,” escaped on a breath. It felt so good.

  The doctor moaned, while gripping himself through his pants. “God, that is so fucking sexy.” He adjusted himself. “Come for me.”

  Marco’s fingers rejoined the action. Son of a bitch, he was good.

  One more thrust and the doctor’s wish was fulfilled. My back arched further and I gripped the seat. Marco tightened his grip on my hair and a squeal tore through me, while my body clenched down on Marco’s hand.

  Marco mumbled, “So fucking tight,” as he forced entry through my ecstasy, urging me deeper into bliss, only to stall with soft caresses from the inside out.r />
  “I…ah… I’m…I…I’m” The flood of pleasure over came me and I closed my eyes, savoring the feel of Marco’s work.

  The doctor finished for me, “Beautiful. That’s what you are.”

  Through my deep breaths and lust-filled head the words escaped, “If beauty doesn’t make me worthy of your touch, Doctor, what will?”

  He didn’t pause. “It’s not about worth. You are priceless. Like a piece of art or gem behind museum glass. Admired by all. Exquisite. Treasured. Collected.”

  Such pretty, dangerous words.

  Marco removed his hand and lowered my dress.

  I took the seat beside him. Patting Marco’s leg in appreciation, I uttered one word. I couldn’t let him do this to me. Allowing Dr. Vincent to become anything other than an interesting fuck would destroy me. I had to put a stop to it. “Borrowed.”

  “Come again?” The doctor shifted toward me.

  Marco snickered. “Give her a minute. One at a time, X.”

  The doctor leaned back slightly and shot Marco the most disapproving look. “What did you say, Elaine?”

  “I said, borrowed. You said collected. Treasured. I corrected you. A true collector does not discard a precious gem, never to think of it again. A collector preens over his works. Sets it upon a pedestal. Revels in the well-fought hunt. It’s the possession that fuels his dedication. You, dear Doctor, are not a collector, you are a library cardholder and I am the story of the week.”

  Marco laughed and squeezed my thigh. “I like you more every minute.”

  Xavier Vincent stared out the window. Silence was his only response.

  Chapter Seven

  Rainmaker

  The car pulled up to the curb of a quaint French boutique. The cold shoulder I’d received for the remainder of the ride, made me ponder the possible changes in the doctor’s plans. Was he so aggravated with me he’d send me on my way? The car door opened and his outstretched hand surprised me. I didn’t know which lines could be blurred. Sometimes touching seemed allowed, but only when it was a formality. Perhaps he wasn’t angry with me after all. The cobblestone street led to slate tiled sidewalks and to the window of Désir Secrets.