...

"No, I regret it every day of my life since I hurt you. Lorelei, listen to me, please." He pleaded, crying now. "I haven't drank in two days, but I'll admit alcohol has been my weak spot. I'll stay sober forever if you come back, I won't drink again. Please, Lorelei. Nobody compares to you love, your compassion, your care, you generosity, your personality. You're the girl I took to the bookstore and wanted to make happy. I didn't do that with anyone else because that was your thing. Nobody makes me as happy as you do. Just please, tell me if you really don't love me anymore. Be honest, please. I understand you want me to suffer, but every day is torture without you."

...

"I'm not just looking for you to be in my bed, Lorelei!" He said, tears brimming in his eyes. "I want you, as a person, as a wife, as a partner, as a mother to my children, as my fire, as my biggest strength and biggest weakness all at the same time. Please, Lorelei, tell me if you truly hate me. I...hurt...without you. I don't know how many more days I can suffer through before I kill myself."

...

Kai began to cry silently--something herefused he'd ever do again after she left. "I'm sorry. I wish I was good enough for you." He muttered, hands hanging at his sides. "I brought the gun to use on the man who was assigned you as his kill, I wasn't trying to scare you"

...

"I didn't mean it...I'm sorry. I'll...go. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I was and how much I still loved you. If you ever need anything...My number is still the same. Anything at all, I'll be there." He promised softly, eyes dropping to the ground and his mouth opening like there was more but quickly shut it and walked to his car. It roared to life and Kai couldn't stop the tears streaming down his face

...

Kai sniffled a few times and got out of the running car, striding back over to Lorelei swiftly. "Would you...like a ride home or a place to stay? I'm not asking if you want to sleep with me, I just...don't want you here alone. Especially with the kinds of people who are here." He offered softly, standing a bit away so she didn't feel threatened. The gun was in the trunk of his car now, and his hands hung loosely at his sides