Things get complicated

After Frank left, Ashleigh found herself alone in the apartment. She flopped onto the couch, and sighed deeply. She tried to relax but her mind was racing. Thoughts that she knew weren't her own drifted through her consciousness. She could hear Louisa's voice in her head, a low murmur that was impossible to ignore.

Ashleigh sat up, and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, and let her mind wander. She could sense the presence of Louisa, and she concentrated on her thoughts.

Suddenly, Ashleigh felt her mind expand. She could sense Louisa's presence, and she was surprised by how strong it was. She was bombarded by urgent thoughts and images, and she struggled to make sense of them. There was a trend though, a common thread that bound them together.

Louisa's mind was writhing in frustration. On some subconscious level it could tell that it was being invaded, and it was lashing out in a **** attempt to free itself. Ashleigh felt a stab of fear, and she tried to block Louisa's thoughts.

"No, you can't take control back," Ashleigh hissed, her voice trembling. "I'm in charge now, and you can't stop me."

She pushed back, her mind pressing against Louisa's. She could sense the other woman's desperation, her need for control. But Ashleigh was stronger, and she was determined not to let her go. Then she remembered what the book had said, the key to taking over someone's life for an extended period of time.

Ashleigh had been acting contrary to Louisa's own desires, and it was weakening her hold. She needed to play along, to act as though she were the real Louisa. She needed to trick Louisa's mind into believing that she was the dominant presence, and not an intruder. She had pushed too hard, doing things Louisa would never do, and it had backfired.

Ashleigh took a deep breath, and cleared her mind. She focused on the clearest of Louisa's thoughts, the ones that seemed the most coherent and cohesive.

"I'm dirty, so dirty," the thoughts came, almost trembling. "I need a shower, I need to be clean." Ashleigh could sense Louisa's urgency, her desire to rid herself of the filth that seemed to cling to her.

"Let's take a shower then," Ashleigh replied, her voice soft. "You can get nice and clean, just the way you like it."

Ashleigh could feel a slight stirring, a flicker of agreement. She slowly rose to her feet, and made her way upstairs. She walked into the bathroom, and turned on the shower. She could feel the steam rising, and she stepped inside.

The water was hot, and she could feel the droplets sliding down her back. She lathered her body with soap, her fingers grazing her breasts and her thighs. Ashleigh closed her eyes, and let the water wash over her. She could feel Louisa's mind stirring, and she focused on the sensations.

Some of the anguish had disappeared, replaced by a sense of calm. Louisa's thoughts seemed clearer, less jumbled. Ashleigh could sense her contentment, and she could feel a sense of peace. She rinsed off, and turned off the shower.

Ashleigh dried off and put on a fresh towel. She stood in front of the mirror, and examined her reflection. She could sense Louisa's thoughts, and she felt a sense of approval. But there was still a hint of tension, a subtle feeling of unease.

"You didn't like the sex with Frank, did you?" Ashleigh mused, her voice soft. "It made you uncomfortable, and you wanted to wash it away."

Ashleigh paused, her voice catching in her throat. "You hate that you were unfaithful, and you're terrified of Teddy finding out."

There was a flash of guilt, and Ashleigh could sense the other woman's pain. The book didn't mention this, and Ashleigh was surprised by how intense Louisa's emotions were. She thought she'd just be able to control her, but there was still a spark of defiance buried deep within.

Ashleigh sighed and considered her options. She didn't want to abandon her plan, but she was also starting to feel a sense of responsibility towards Louisa. She reminded herself that this was the woman who had stolen her husband, and she couldn't afford to feel sorry for her. But still, Ashleigh couldn't help but feel a sense of compassion.

"Why is this suddenly so bloody complicated?" Ashleigh exclaimed, her voice a low growl.