Chapter 11:
Lionel sat quietly as Martha recounted her experience inside his mind. He showed no emotion and sat calmly until Martha attempted to recount one of the more intimate moments of the experience.
"There was a moment when I was in your bedroom," Martha said awkwardly. Lionel got up from the couch and faced the window looking out over the Metropolis skyline. "I turned away the moment I realized what you were doing."
"Who was I with," Lionel asked. His crestfallen expression reflected in the window pane.
"No one," Martha said with a blush. "You were making love to yourself & you said a name. My name."
"Martha..."
"I'm not upset by what I saw. What little I saw," she amended. "I think it was flattering. And intimate. And beautiful."
"I think you should go."
"No, I need to make this right."
"And how exactly are you going to do that. Let me sneak into your room at the dead of night & watch as you..." Lionel stopped as he realized he had said too much.
The room was silent except for the sound of labored breaths of frustration. Lionel turned toward the window with his shoulders hunched.
"If that's what it takes to make things right," Martha said slowly as she walked up and placed a hand on his back.
"I wouldn't want that."
"Then what do you want Lionel."
"Nothing that you would want to give me."
"Name it."
"I don't want to play this game anymore," Lionel answered dejectedly.
"Who's playing? Name it."
"No."
"Lionel, say it," Martha whispered, her hands slowly moving up his back.
"Martha, please, " Lionel begged.
"Say it."
"I want you. I've always wanted you."
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TO BE CONTINUED...