‘‘It’s not a lie. Why do you think I am this drunk and this upset? You keep pushing me out of your life.’’ I sound desperate and pathetic—even I can hear it, and I cannot stop the torrent of tears rolling down my cheeks. I have never allowed myself to be this way before any man since Rick raped me in my own home. He has no idea how far from a game plan this is. I have no plan at all.

Alexi starts clapping his hands in soft applause, startling me with a jump, and he smirks ...