Crank (Crank 1)

sponging up regret.

I promise never,

never to hurt you.

I wanted him to prove it.

Needed him to prove it.

“Make love to me.”

I could feel he wanted to.

I want to.

You know I do.

But not today.

Relief, Disappointment

A flash flood of love and a surge

of need so deep it went way beyond the monster.

“Please, Chase? I have to know

what it’s like when two people

really want to.”

And you will. I will take you to

heights you can’t imagine. But not

until you’ve healed.

I didn’t understand. Go ahead.

Call me dense. “It’s only a few

bruises, Chase.”

I meant not until you’re free

from dreams of yesterday.

When we make love, the only

people there should be you and me.

He was right. Adam lingered on

my nightstand. Brendan would

haunt me, a shadow, for days.

When you’ve vanquished your ghosts,