Built to Fall

by Julia Wolf

Three minutes. He texted me back immediately: Two.

And what a fucking sight. Her throaty laugh sounded like the devil’s church bells calling all the sinners to service. The firelight danced over her cheeks, and when she opened her eyes, they caught the flames like stained glass in the sun.

Undeterred, Claire curled her finger at me. “I wouldn’t mind a little silver fox in my lap.” “There’s nothing little about me,” I deadpanned. She snickered, mouthing, “I know.”

“Being hurt by the man who’s supposed to love you doesn’t mean you’re not a strong woman. It means the man is weak.”

You’re mine. I own you. How can this be so fucking mind blowing? Why can’t I get enough of you? I’m going to break you, and you’re going to love it. I’ll put you back together better than before. This’ll be over so fast. I’ll miss it when it’s gone.

“This stunning woman,” one hand dipped into my panties, teasing my slit with a fingertip, “owning her power.”

“Stop that. You opened me in every way. I can’t remember very many times I’ve been as vulnerable as I was stripped and raw in front of that mirror. But with you, I felt safe to lean into my vulnerability and explore the raw parts of me. And I think...I think once this is over, I won’t go back inside my shell ever again. That’s what I meant by being opened up.”

“If I have the choice between stewing in my own thoughts and spending every waking second with you, it’s going to be you every single time.”

“I’m holding out hope for you to accept that you can have good in this life. You can laugh without feeling guilty. You’re allowed to stop tying yourself to the whipping post every damn day. Right now, I see a man half-alive, and frankly, you’re doing a disservice to Dylan.”

“I’m in love with you. I’ve weighed the risks, and loving you is worth it.”