189. (KNOX POV)

(KNOX POV)

Teddy called later that day. I could hear the hesitation in his voice, which was rare for him. "Knox, I just heard Essie's been seen near the old rogue housing units by the beach. They said she is staying in the stray house near the edge," he told me. He didn't have to say more. I knew exactly where he meant.

It was the same place I had taken her before when things were spiraling out of control.

I didn't want to bring anyone with me, especially not Sky. The memories of how deep I had fallen, how Burk and Fletcher manipulated me into that dark pit of sex addiction, were too raw.

She didn't need to see that side of me. No one did.

This was something I had to face alone.

The truck's engine roared to life, the same one I'd driven that night years ago.

I prayed she'd recognize the truck, which would trigger something in her or at least make her talk to me about that night.

As I pulled up to the house, my heart pounded against my ribs. The place looked as rundown as ever. I sa