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“You think I give a fuck why you married that nigga? I’on give a fuck about none of that shit! You should’ve told me that shit instead of having me round this muthafucka looking stupid! I’on wanna hear shit you gotta say now!” He yelled, and I let him.

“Tae, I never meant to hurt you,” I cried. “I was scared of losing you.”

“So you lied to keep me?” he questioned, shaking his head. “That’s some selfish-ass shit, Gabi. I gave you every opportunity to tell me what was going on, and you looked me in my fucking face and played me.”

I wiped my cheeks, unable to deny anything he was saying. I’d convinced myself that keeping Kentrell out of our relationship was protecting what Tae and I had, but all I’d done was destroy the trust we’d built.

“I love you, Jontae,” I told him. “None of what happened with Kentrell changes that.”

“That ain’t the fucking point!” He snapped. “You know how hard it was for me to trust you in the first place? I’on let just anybody get close to me, Gabi. I let you into my life because I thought you was different.”

“I know, and I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Man, I’on even know why the fuck I expected anybody to love me right when my own fucking mama couldn’t even do that shit.” He shook his head.

My heart broke hearing him say that. I knew how much Kat’s absence had affected him growing up, even if he rarely admitted it.

“Tae, don’t say that,” I pleaded. “What your mot—Kat did doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be loved. You know I love you.”

“Then why the fuck wasn’t I worth telling the truth to?” He asked, looking directly at me. I saw the pain in his eyes, and that broke me to my core.

He grabbed his phone and keys from the dresser.

“Ain’t this some shit. I fell in love with a married woman,” he scoffed.

“Tae, please,” I cried, reaching for him.

“Save them bullshit ass tears for your husband,” he replied, moving away from me.

I followed him into the hallway, begging him not to leave, but he didn’t stop. By the time I reached the stairs, he was already heading out the front door.

“Tae!” I called one last time.

The door slammed behind him, and a few seconds later, I heard his truck start.

I stood there crying, knowing I’d done exactly what I’d spent months trying to avoid. I’d lost the trust of the one man I wanted a future with, and I had nobody to blame but myself.

Chapter Eleven

Rasheeda

sometime later…

Iwas already irritated by the time I walked out of work. It had been one of those days where everybody needed something, and all I wanted was to get home, get out of these clothes, and enjoy the rest of my evening with nobody bothering me.

That must’ve been too much like right because as soon as I walked out the door, Dexter’s bitch ass was leaning against his car. I ignored his ass and continued toward my car, hoping he’d take the hint.

“Rasheeda, hold the fuck up,” Dexter called, following behind me.

I stopped and turned around. “What the fuck do you want now, Dexter?”

“First of all, tell that nigga Khaotic he gotta see me about that sneaky ass shit he pulled. That pussy nigga caught me off guard, but I promise he won’t get that lucky again,” he snapped. “And you need to quit letting that muthafucka come between me and my son.”

“Dexter, you must’ve lost your gah damn mind,” I replied. “Joni ain’t got shit to do with why AJ doesn’t want to fuck with you. My son told you how he felt himself, and instead of accepting it, you still standing here blaming everybody else instead of taking accountability.”

“Man, fuck all that,” he argued. “That’s my son, Rah, and ain’t no other nigga about to take my place.”

“Then you should’ve been there to fill it,” I snapped. “AJ told you exactly how he felt, and you’re still standing here blaming everybody but yourself. That boy has every right to be angry with you. You weren’t there for him, and that’s something you gotta live with.”