's P.

a slap. *This shouldn't feel so right.* I reached for his hand, causing him to freeze and lock eyes with me. "This is getting...confusing," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "And you have a girlfriend who hates me." "Right. Sorry, I didn't mean to," he said, sighing and clenching his jaw. He sat up, his back to me, and ran a hand through his messy hair. "I'll head out now. See you later." He stood and walked toward the window. "Wait," I called out, and he turned, raising an eyebrow. *What do you even want from

-

otherly

ust've cut it on something," I said, forcing a laugh. "Did you...do that to yourself?" he asked, his voice cautious. "No. Maybe. Kind of. Yes..." I admitted, avoiding his gaze. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Did something happen?" "Just the nightmares again," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Him?" Reynolds asked, his tone softening.

-

*The

t say my name," I snapped, glaring at him. Inside, I was terrified. This man was capable of anything. "I'm sorry," he said, his tone apologetic. "I'm trying to get better. Please come back to me. I still love you. I can't live without you." I stared at him, my eyes filled with hatred but also a flicker of pity. "You killed my father," I whispered, my voice breaking. "No, *you* killed him!" he yelled, his composure slipping before he laughed bitterly. "You're sick! You deserve to rot in hell!" "How are you here?" I asked, my voice cold. "They let me out on good behavior," he said, smiling. I clenched my fists, anger boiling inside me. How could they let a monster like him walk free? "How did you know I was here?" I demanded. "I missed you, Val," he said, stepping closer as I backed away. "Answer the question," I said, my voice trembling. He grinned, his expression almost psychotic. "I have my ways." "Stay a

-