Word of Honor, Book 2 by Tiana Laveen Page A

standpoint, so that you can watch those triggers, to not set him off. When he first walks through this door,” he said, pointing behind him, “you need to listen and not do a lot of talking. That was my advice. After a while, when it feels right, then, begin to engage him more. Aaron is struggling with this. This is life altering for him.
    “Just watch out for certain cues. If you sense him getting angry, back off. He will self correct. If you sense him wanting information or answers, oblige him. If he wants space, give it to him; do not push him. If he wants to leave, we will have to respect that as well. Other than that, just be yourself… because that’s who he fell in love with, Mia. No hardcore rehearsing or briefing needed…He fell in love with the real you … so, that’s who he needs to see tonight…”

    A ARON STOOD OUTSIDE the door with a gigantic bullfrog caught in his damn throat. He hadn’t been out of the watchful eye of the prison system in what felt like an eternity, but here he stood, outside the door of the place with his small luggage bag in tow, and a shiny, thick wedding band on his left ring finger. A guard stood behind him and one above him on a different floor—two black men with hard, serious expressions on their faces. He was certain they’d push a bullet in his ass faster than he could turn in a circle and say, ‘Boo!’
    He exhaled, closed his eyes for a second or two, then rapped on the door. Just as he had been told ahead of time, Dr. Owens opened it.
    “Come on inside, Aaron,” he said solemnly as he turned his back and walked towards a couch that sloped in the middle. He immediately paused, his eyes growing large as he sought her, searched for her… She wasn’t in sight, but her scent mingled with the natural odors of the place…
    She was close, so close! His damn body craved her, mixing in with his angst and hatred for her all at once. He was sickened by the experience; his head throbbed with complete confusion and his skin jumped from his worked up nerves. He paused and inhaled the air so hard, he nearly passed out. On a swallow, he began to back away, as if ready to flee. But then, he closed and locked the door behind him, losing his sense of time and place. Slowly but surely, he looked around the apartment, checking out his unfamiliar yet tranquil surroundings, then walked near Dr. Owens, his bag in tow.
    “Go ahead and place your stuff wherever you wish for now.”
    Aaron looked about, deciding the floor was just as good as any other place. He reluctantly released the handle of his sports bag, and it made a small thud as it hit the floor. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he rocked back on the soles of his dark brown loafers…
    Fucking loafers on his size twelve feet… they were what Dr. Owens provided, and told him to replace his combat boots with. He wasn’t certain why; this was no damn date…
    “You look much different in civilian clothing,” Dr. Owens chuckled as he took a seat. “You look really good, Aaron, especially for a man that supposedly wasn’t trying.”
    “Thanks.” He didn’t miss the man’s sarcasm.
    “Nice haircut… I see you left a bit of a shadow on your face. Why is that?”
    Aaron looked away.
    “It’s okay; you don’t have to answer. Anyway, Mia is here. I asked that she give you and me a moment alone before she comes out.”
    Aaron nodded in understanding, though he couldn’t help but wonder where she was hiding out at… and then he noticed a shadow by a backroom door…
    A dark shadow against the light, yet inviting, so inviting…
    She moved about, her ear no doubt up to the door. For a split second he felt sorry for her, but he got over that fairly quickly as his thoughts morphed into incensed bursts.
    “Here is the deal, Aaron. You’ve agreed to this, so I need you to understand that this is about you and her talking and discussing whatever it is that each of you need and want to say. It’s an open forum. With that