The question hung between them like something neither of them wanted to break first. Alex's grip loosened, but the anger was still burning.

"I care about you, Lena. More than I should. You're my best friend. I miss... I miss the old us. Our movie nights on the couch. Those long talks that went until three in the morning about nothing and everything. The way you used to make me laugh until my sides hurt." His voice cracked. "I miss everything before the club... before I got hard for you.

I ...