I shrugged. “After Everly was committed, Barry ran off with his daughter, and Agnes left town so fast she didn’t even settle her estate. As soon as they were gone, I crumbled. It… It took a heavy toll on me. Although I was successful in ruining her, I ruined myself in the process.”

My mind wandered, stuck in the past. “My family had to step in and practically bullied me into getting help. They took care of me, helped me recover, helped me heal. So, when that toxicity was removed from my life, I never looked them up again. I left them behind where they belonged.”

I was shaken out of my thoughts by Alexis. She was absent-mindedly massaging my hand, smoothing the tension from my palm, my nerves sparking from the caress.

It was an old calming technique she’d use if I was stressed or emotional. And just like back then, all that negative energy just seeped away from the mere form of her touch. I didn’t even think she was aware she was doing it.

“I wish I was there. To help you recover, to help you heal,” she said, her tone filled with regret.

“I’m glad you weren’t.” Her expression dropped before I continued. “You had your own demons to deal with, Lex. You couldn’t tackle mine alongside your own. Although I was dying without you, I found peace in the knowledge that Everly got some form of the justice she deserved.”

“Except for one thing.”

“And what’s that?”

“Corporal punishment.”

I chuckled. Alexis didn’t.

Right then, I had no doubt in my mind that if Everly happened to walk past at that exact moment, she wouldn’t make it out alive.

I was unsure on how much time had gone by, but we remained in the same positions, just processing and coming to terms with all that was said.

“What… What happens now?” Alexis whispered.

“What do you want to happen?”

“I honestly don’t know. What do you want to happen?”

I paused. That was a dangerous question. She wasn’t prepared for my answer—nowhere near ready to hear about my ongoing obsession.

Then, she cut in. “Don’t think, Owen. Just be honest… Please.”

Shit. She would never have to ask that of me again. Blowing out a long exhale, I gave her what she asked. Every fucked up, fixated corner of my being that always screamed out for her.

“I want you, Alexis. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

I want to kiss your lips. I want your smiles. I want to make you laugh. I want to show you how much I love you, how much I’ve always loved you.