Ryder carried a half-dazed Alecia into the apartment with her family behind him. Taking her to their bedroom, he lay down next to her and caressed the hair out of her face. She still hadn’t said a word to him. Not one. He kissed her cheek and wrapped her into his arms. She rolled over and faced the wall. A deep ache grew in him. What had he done to her? Loosen up.

That was what he needed to do.

“Please roll back over,” he said as he placed a firm hand on her hip.

She shook her head.

“We’ll have more.”

“Please leave me, I beg you." She whispered....