Fall For My Ex's Mafia Father

A few horrible minutes pass when I consider what the hell will happen to me if people discover the Mafia Boss’s dead body in my room.

But, during those minutes, Kent’s breath softens. The horrible, crinkled look of pain disappears and his face takes on its normal lines. He’s still sweaty and exhausted but he was right. It passes.

“Are you…are you okay?” I venture after a few minutes of calm breathing.

He doesn’t open his eyes. “I’m fine.”

“Um,” I hesitate. “Are you sure you don’t want me to call someone? A doctor?”

He sits up on my floor, hooking his arms around his knees for support, and then straight at me. “I don’t need a doctor.”

I stare at him, and I’m sure he can tell by my face that I think he’s definitely wrong. He shakes his head and looks down – embarrassed, I think – and pauses before he speaks.

“It’s just…” he says, “something that happens to me. From time to time. It’s been happening for the past couple of years. At times of…stress.”

I sink to the floor, my back still against the door, putting the pieces together.

I can’t believe it. “Oh my god,” I say, not even thinking about whether or not I should say it. “You have panic attacks.”

glances up at me.

continue, “but not usually to this extent. But we learned, in my program, that when

can’t help it. I’ve never really been able to see

say quietly. “There are doctors that can help you with this sort

a doctor.” He says,

at him, a gesture I’m not sure I’d make if he were looking at

doctor,” I say, hesitating again. “Maybe I

head, his eyes open now.

my lips, frustrated. “I mean, I am a trained therapist. I wouldn’t think you’d

a little. “Yes, Fay’s little certificate,” he says,

can be a seriously debilitating mental condition –“ I say,

my doctor, Fay,” he says. “There

my instinct to follow his

“An anxiety disorder? A mental illness? Sissies make those up terms so they can have an excuse for why they’re

too, blocking the door with my body. “It’s not for sissies – it’s an important aspect

his hand flat against the door so that I’m trapped between him and the exit. “Do you