(Last week in Confessions: She’ll Love Me All Night Long, Obi found himself lost in the sultry pull of blues music, fairy lights, and Sky’s intoxicating presence at the Crafty Chameleon. But as the night heated up, an unexpected encounter with Darcie and her flashy companion, Ndale, threatened to sour the mood. Between teasing words, unspoken jealousy, and Sky’s quiet claim on him, tensions simmered under the surface, hinting that the night’s drama was far from over.)

“I'm a prisoner to my addiction

I'm addicted to a life that's so empty and so cold

I'm a prisoner to my decisions……”

The Weeknd played softly on the stereo, the shower ran, and…. sniffles. I put down the little pouch of medication in my hand and walked to the bathroom door, which was open by a crack.

Back to me, left hand on the shower wall, and the other cupping her mouth, her taut shoulders heaved with suppressed emotion.

I took off my t-shirt, pushed the door in, and walked to the edge of the shower, where the curtain should have been drawn. I stood there, staring at the back of her head, contemplating.

Water ran through her thick locks to a slender neck, now bulging with veins; her delicate shoulders were beginning to shake a little.

Tracing down, to the small of her back, the water ran.

“Have you no shame?” Came the thick voice.

I stepped into the shower, wrapped my arms around her waist, and drew her to me, softly biting her ear, then the tears came.

“Again, I’ve been baptized in fear, my dear,” I said, drawing her hand from her mouth.

“Who was she?”

“You say you want to be good, but can't keep your composure,” I replied.

“Who was she?”

“There it is, again,” I said into her hair, squeezing her hand and holding her tighter.

“You want me to fix you, but it’s never enough; that’s why you always hold out on me,” she heaved, trying to get out of my vice grip.

“I don’t want to hurt you, but you live for the pain,” I said gently. “I did warn you of my haunts,” I went on, gently turning her around to face.

Her eyes were red and puffy, and snort was hanging in her nose.

“Clean your face up,” I said, releasing her arm.

“Now what?” She came back defiantly.

I stood there in silence, letting the water wash over us. I didn’t mean to stoop, but her nipples were irresistibly dark and ripe.

“No!” She cowered.

“I’m finding ways to articulate the feelings that I’m going through, but I can’t just say how you want me to say it,” I began. “I can see in your eyes that you know what I’m thinking. You hate that you want me, but I hate it more when you cry. Now, we’re both scared to be lonely, especially tonight, Sky. I don’t want this feeling; I can’t afford it.”

“Is that why you’re finding reasons to pull us apart? Is it worth it?”

“Is it working?”

“You bring good to my lonely life, honestly. It's hard for me to look into your eyes and not feel the rush…” She faltered.

“And who’s going to touch you like me? Girl, I have no shame.”

She collapsed on my chest, as her knees buckled.

“What do you want, Obi?” she mouthed in my ear.

“I don't mean to come off selfish, but I want it all!”