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“You would’ve lied.”

Nikki wiped up under her eyes before the tear could fall.

“That’s what hurts the most. You would’ve looked me dead in my face and lied. Hell, you did. I asked you about her at the foundation event, and you made me feel stupid for noticing the way you watched her.”

“I didn’t make you feel stupid.”

“You told me there was nothing going on.”

“At the time–”

“Don’t.” Her voice cracked. “Please don’t sit here and play with dates like there was some magical day where you were loyal to me at breakfast and fucking her brains out by dinner. Something was brewing before the sex. I watched you fall into whatever the hell that is right in front of me.”

I rubbed my hand down my face. There wasn’t a lie good enough now.

“What you want me say?”

“The truth would be nice.”

“I care about her.”

A bitter laugh escaped her mouth.

“That’s supposed to be the truth that frees you?”

“Shit, you asked.”

“I asked how long you’ve been sticking your dick in her.”

“A few weeks.”

She closed her eyes. The answer hit her harder than I expected. For some reason, that made me feel like shit.

“Nikki…”

“No. Keep going. Since we’re finally doing honesty, give me all of it. Was it happening when you were coming over here buying gifts because I complained you were distant? Were you leaving my house and going to hers? Were you sleeping with both of us?”

“Sometimes.”

“Wow!”

“I ain’t proud of the shit.”

“So, she fucked you and knew about me?”

“Don’t put this shit on her.”

“I’m sorry. What?”

“I said don’t put all that shit on Ky. I’m the one who owed you the loyalty. If you got an issue, keep that shit with me.”

“You defending her?”

“I’m tellin’ you the truth.”

“You’re protecting her. Even now, sitting in my house after I tell you I watched you creep out of her, your instinct is to make sure I don’t blame her.”

“All I’m sayin’ is she didn’t hunt me down. The shit just happened. She told me to handle my shit wit’ you. I didn’t.”