Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica stepped out of Herbert's car.

Herbert got out as well, slipping his hands into the pockets of his trench coat. He watched her go, his expression soft, his gaze lingering as she walked toward the house.

She'd barely taken a few steps when his voice called out, quiet but clear. "Little Mute."

Jessica turned back.

Herbert's lips parted, as if he'd meant to say something else, but he simply said, "Goodnight."

Jessica smiled and signed goodnight in sign language.

Herbert stood there, motionless, watching until she disappeared inside.

Upstairs, Timothy pinched his cigarette between his fingers, snapping it in half. The glowing tip scattered sparks onto the floor. He turned off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness.

Ding-

Jessica keyed in her code. The door swung open. She hadn't even reached for the light switch when strong arms swept her inside, pinning her against the door as someone's lips crashed onto hers.

A faint scent of tobacco, edged with cedar, filled her senses.

It took only a moment for her to realize it was Timothy.

She tried to pull away, but he'd already trapped her wrists, his grip iron-strong, his body pressing her immobile.

nowhere to

wood

fierce, possessive, his heated breath mingling with hers, as if he wanted to consume her

her skin. Jessica's

Tears

Her resistance, feeble against his strength,

she finally managed to cup Timothy's face with both hands, he seemed to

But then-crack.

palm landed hard

side, a few pale fingerprints blooming on his skin. Whatever desperate need had been burning inside him vanished

reached out and flicked

her arms over her chest, her breath coming in

disarray-while Timothy, save for some wrinkles in his suit jacket, looked every bit the composed man he pretended to be. But his eyes, dark

unshed tears, her silent accusation hanging heavy

long moment, Timothy's voice broke the silence, cold and flat. "What, I can't even touch

the night

Just the two of them. Who knew what had

a divorce. How could he

was already missing buttons, torn by his

movements sharp as she

sneer curling his lips. "Don't test my