'Don't,' is on the tip of my tongue, though I bite back the impulse to give it voice. I once called Layla my salvation, but I deserve every scar I have, and her silent acceptance of all the things I've done and have had done to me is jarring and not, I feel, particularly earned. It's been two years for a reason. Maybe I'm just projecting in thinking that she's the one who's gonna stop this. Maybe it's all on me. Just because I want her, doesn't mean I should...

And now I'm back to months ago. What the hell's wrong with me? Focus, Madrox.

Worrying his lower lip, Jamie averted his gaze from Layla up to the ceiling, blinking a few times to clear his head, all the while hoping she didn't linger there much longer.