Ellie had done terrible things. She knew she was bad. She knew it was wrong. But yet she couldn't stop herself.
How did a man with so little to offer, so little to give emotionally, have so much control over her? After every encounter she felt empty, unfulfilled, yet at the same time an overwhelming elation - he liked her, he wanted her, he needed her. And yet he was already committed to another.
Time after time she had called it off and, afterwards, felt better, relieved, free. But each time she felt herself reconsidering after a few days. She missed him, she missed the attention, she missed the sex. So she always went back for more.
Ellie had lost count of the times she had tried to reason her actions. She always drew a blank. He wasn't her type, he was unavailable, he was thoughtless and emotionally cold. But he said he owned her, controlled her. And for someone who tried to be in control throughout her entire life, that was an intoxicating combination.
Thinking back to their last encounter, Ellie tried again to figure what it was that drew her to him.
It had been a Saturday. Ellie was preparing to go shopping with a friend when her mobile phone shrilled into life. She had received a text message - someone loved her - but who was it? Her heart sank when she clocked the sender: Jack.
'The coast is clear. Come over now,' it said.
She knew she didn't want to see him, she knew she already had plans, yet she knew she wouldn't say no. Like a robot, Ellie carried on getting ready, picked up her bag, found her car keys, shut the front door and drove straight to his house.
She didn't feel anticipation, she didn't feel excited. But then, she already knew what was in store. Sometimes Jack liked to surprise her, but she knew him so well these days it was almost as though she could anticipate his next move. Would today be any different?
He didn't live far away, a 10 minute drive perhaps, and he was waiting for her when she arrived. He opened the front door as she walked up the path and said he already had the kettle on.
They always did this: they exchanged niceties, he made a brew, they sat on the sofa holding their mugs - waiting for the liquid to cool down. Somehow they never got to drinking the tea.
Today looked to be no different. Jack asked her if she wanted tea or coffee - Ellie decided on coffee as she revelled in its bitter taste and enjoyed the high the caffeine still gave her.