Chapter 22

“Barrett,” I ventured once I saw his breathing slow. “It’s okay, it’s residue from the hypnosis.”

He looked up at me. “I’m sorry.” He held out his hand to me. “Fuck, I’m so sorry Anson. There was something,” his eyes widened as he spoke. “I felt something inside me. Something bad.”

I took his hand and pulled him close. Our bodies broke against each other, like waves. I thought about my vision of him at the ocean; golden, and loving.

“It’s all good, you’re safe,” I heard my voice crack. I could smell him and where he smelled clean before, he now smelt sour.

“Let’s take a shower,” I suggested. I was relieved when I felt him nod against me. I pulled away and led him by the hand from the kitchen.

We were just about at the bathroom when he stopped. I turned and looked at him. “What is it?” I asked, I could feel my nerves prickle.

“What did you see?” he asked.

I felt his grip tighten. I looked down and yanked my hand from his grasp.