CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Charlie
Some of the best things in life happen accidentally. Seeing a look of tender peace on Marni’s face seems to be one of those capricious accidents. Fate, maybe. Or just simple good luck. Michael and her trip to the woods, John and his incisive accusations, even me and my inspired understanding of her psychic predicament—along with the s*x that followed—all torqued her just enough to create a sane, uncomplicated woman. She understood, finally understood what I’d only begun to understand myself. She’s made me reach inside myself deeper than any woman has. No simple dungeon time for Marni. No easy whippings, no cruel punishment without explanations. I made things up to tell her, I admit. I pulled magical rabbits from my bag of tricks, and apparently I touched on the tr
