Page 28 of Psycho Killers

The earnestness in his tone strikes a chord within me. I nod again, knowing that the challenge he puts forth is as profound as it is simple. "I promise, Ash. I’ll always be here, and I’ll always choose you, but you have to promise me something too."

"Anything," he says, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"Promise me that you won't fuck anyone else for as long as we're together. I don't care what is going on in your head. Fucking talk to me about it."

His brow relaxes, and for the first time since his return, I see a glimmer of the Ash I know beneath the layers of pain and silence. As if my words have wrapped around him like a lifeline, he pulls me close, his arms enveloping me in a cocoon of warmth and safety.

"I promise, Calista. I fucking love you, and I'm so sorry."

"I love you too, Ash. I always have, and I always will."

Seconds stretch into minutes as we simply exist together, hearts beating in sync, the built-up tension slowly dissipating. I close my eyes and listen, drawing strength from the rhythm of his breath brushing against my hair.

And just as I settle deeper into the tranquility of this moment, the shrill ring of his phone shatters the stillness, a reminder of the world waiting outside our sanctuary. Ash’s body stiffens instinctively, and I can feel the darkness creeping back into his demeanor.

"Ignore it," I urge, hoping to stave off the impending reality for just a moment longer.

He hesitates, torn between the world he’s trying to escape and the love he’s fought for. But then, after a fleeting glance toward the glowing screen, his grip on me tightens.

"No," he says, voice steady. "I can’t keep running from this."

Just like that, the barrier forms between us again. I swallow hard, fear creeping in as I realize that the shadows he carries with him may not be so easily excised, but deep down, I know I won’t let him face them alone.

With a soft sigh, he reaches for the phone, and as his fingers hover above the screen, I lay my head against his chest. Whatever comes next, I'll stand ready to embrace the fight ahead.

FIFTEEN

THE RECKONING

SAME ASSHOLE: JELLY ROLL

KILLIAN

The first sip of coffee scorches my tongue, yet I savor the sensation; the stinging pain serves as a reminder that I'm still here, wrestling with an unfulfilled mission and the demons that haunt me daily. Leaning over the balcony railing, I watch the rain trickle down, casting a gray veil over the city, mirroring the darkness that clings to my soul—a pairing forged in despair. A shiver runs down my spine; I sense someone behind me, their scent unmistakable.

“How is he?” I ask, taking a tentative sip of my coffee.

“Struggling, but better than I expected,” Cali replies, appearing beside me with a cup in one hand and a blunt in the other.

I look at her and feel my eyes widen in disbelief, my jaw nearly hitting the floor. She meets my gaze with confusion, seemingly oblivious to the dark bruises adorning her neck. Or perhaps she wears them like a badge of honor, indifferent to their meaning.

“What the fuck happened to your neck?” I ask, still reeling from shock.

“Ash happened. I told you he was struggling,” she says flatly, shrugging as if it’s nothing significant. But it is fucking significant.

“He actually choked you?” he asks, shocked.

“Yeah, but I asked for it.” She shrugs again, her focus drifting to the road below.

“What do you mean you fucking asked for it? That sounds like something a victim of domestic violence would say,” I scoff, shaking my head in disbelief.

And that’s when she tells me about their connection and what transpired after Ash was released from the hospital. I can’t help but roll my eyes. I’ve always known Cali had a penchant for seeking pain, a twisted way of feeling alive, just as I do. But after all this time apart, I’d hoped she’d outgrown that need. Clearly, I was mistaken.

“You’re too beautiful to be covered in bruises, Cali—unless they’re from me,” I tease, winking at her, eliciting a smile in return.

“I don't see you giving me any,” she jests, nudging my shoulder lightly as she passes me the blunt.

“All you have to do is ask, babe.”

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