“Why did it take me leaving for you to realize, Lance?”
“You know what people say. I didn’t know what I had until you were gone.”
“Be honest with me.”
“I am, mamas.”
“No, for what I’m about to ask you.”
“I’m listening.”
“All those nights, those lonely nights I had in your house, who were you with?”
Lance’s eyes expanded. He released Aspen’s hand and ran his over his waves. “I wasn’t with anyone.”
The way he avoided eye contact told Aspen all she needed to know. She tugged on her bottom lip, feeling her emotions rising. Memories of how lonely she felt flooded her mental. All the tears she’d cried, words she’d expressed, and time she’d spent trying to fix her relationship with Lance were ignored by him. He couldn’t have cared less, so why should she?
The more Aspen thought about it, the angrier she became. Lance truly had some audacity to think he could sway her into forgiving him so easily again.
Aspen snickered. “You’re lying. You can’t even look me in the eyes and say that.”
“None of that matters, Aspen. All that should matter is us working on making things right and becoming a family. I’m letting you know I’m going to do better by you and our girls. What’s with all the questions?”
“Wouldn’t you want to know if I was out late at night, turning off my location, and ignoring you? Wouldn’t you immediately think the worst if I always chose nursing over you? I mean, you’ve openly flirted with other women in my face, Lance. You think that’s what I want to continue dealing with?”
“Mane.” Lance kissed his teeth. “I’ve changed.”
“And so have I. All this sweet shit you’re trying to lay on me isn’t working.”
“So, it’s like that? You don’t want to make things right for our daughters?”
“Who said they’re yours?” Those words left Aspen’s lips before she could swallow them. If looks could kill, she would’ve been dead on sight from the menacing glare Lance shot at her. She desperately wanted to take it back, but since it was out in the open, there was no need for her to.
Swiping his tongue over his lips, Lance leaned forward with his hands clasped on the table and asked, “What the fuck did you just say to me?”
Not backing down, Aspen said, “You heard me. Who said they’re yours?”
“Who else have you been with?”
“You first.”
The couple stared at one another. On the outside, Aspen was keeping a game face, but on the inside, she was trembling. She couldn’t believe how she was acting, but it felt damn good to her. Lance was getting a taste of his own medicine, and it was oh so sweet to Aspen.
“Quit playing with me, Aspen. Did you really sleep with someone else?”
Aspen crossed her arms. “Did you?”
Lance slamming his hands down on the table made Aspen jump. She scooted back and held her stomach. Her chest heaved up and down as Lance gritted his teeth and released a low, menacing laugh.
“Since you want to be funny, you want me to name the bitches I fucked in our bed or on the road?” Lance spat, and Aspen wanted to smack the spit from his mouth, but she couldn’t even be mad. Since Lance wanted to go low, she was about to go to hell.
“In the bed I fucked your cousin too?”
All the color drained from Lance’s face. Aspen didn’t have time to move. Lance jumped over the table and started choking her. They fell to the ground, and he didn’t let up. Breathingbecame harder for Aspen with each passing second. Lance’s screams were inaudible as she started losing consciousness until three men came and lifted him off her.
“You stupid bitch!” Lance bellowed, trying to fight off the men. “You really fucked my cousin?”
Aspen couldn’t formulate words. Her throat still felt constricted, and her heart rapidly thumped in her chest. A few women surrounded her, trying to make sure she was okay, but Aspen still felt like she was about to pass out.
