There comes a point when you win, and you can either soothe the loser into thinking there was something in it for them or kick them while they're down to make sure they know what just happened.

What would I do to possess her? Would I change my cellular structure? Turn my back on my identity?

I carried around five tons of pain where she used to be.

I must have been shaking, because he put his arms around me so tightly it hurt. I loved the pain of his attention. It was the pain of safety, of care, of being broken just enough for release.

Good-bye. I’m sorry,” I said.“Don’t be sorry.” He stood straight, his chin proud and his shoulders relaxed. “This isn’t over.