Page 88 of The Heart You Kept

“This is a safe place, Edward; you came to talk this through, so let’s talk this through.”

“I just don’t understand how I can feel more attached to her than I do to a woman who I’ve been with for over twelve months.”

“You feel an emotional attachment to Alora?”

I shrug. “It doesn’t make sense….” My voice trails off. “It was one weekend of sex. It meant nothing.”

“It makes a lot of sense, actually. This is physiology.” He swings on his chair as his eyes hold mine. “Forgotten memories shape our behavior, Edward. Our bodies keep score.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your body is just doing its job.”

“Speak fucking English,” I snap.

“When we as humans have a heightened sexual experience, our brains release a hormone called oxytocin. Have you heard of that before?”

“I’ve heard of oxytocin but….”

“Do you know what it does?”

“Makes you happy.” I shrug. “I guess.”

“It’s a bonding hormone.” He writes something down and underlines it. “When you and Alora spent the weekend together, I’m assuming the sexual compatibility between the two of you was heightened?”

“Yes.” I twist my hands as I listen. “Very much so.”

“If the orgasms were extremely strong and over an extended period of time, then your body would have released a huge amount of oxytocin into your bloodstream.”

“So?”

“Oxytocin, often called the love hormone, plays a crucial role in bonding with a mate by promoting feelings of trust, affection, and attachment. It’s released during physical affection like hugging, kissing, and sexual activity, strengthening the emotional connection between partners. Oxytocin also enhances empathy, communication, and positive relationship memories, contributing to the maintenance of long-term bonds.”

I sit back, disgusted.

“The interesting thing is that she would have had it released into her bloodstream too.”

I frown as my eyes hold his. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that whatever confusion you are feeling right now is probably being mirrored in Alora’s life.”

I begin to hear my heartbeat in my ears.

“I don’t care what’s going on in her life,” I snap. “Why would I?”

“Is that so?” he asks. “Are you sure about that?”

We stare at each other for a moment.

I hate this fucking guy….

“I have to go.” I stand.

“Sit down, I haven’t finished.” He points to the chair.

“Hurry up about it,” I snap impatiently as I sit back down. “Because I have.”

“Is it true that you have been coming to me for a long time because of your inability to form emotional attachments to the women you spend time with?”