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Now I’m laughing. It almost turns into tears, but somehow, I manage to choke them back.

“I don’t want to be anything like her.”

“You’re not.”

“She’s cold and cutthroat.”

“You’re neither of those things.”

“What if I was to Guy?”

Khaos shrugs. “Then he fucking deserved it.”

More silence ensues.

“I didn’t sleep with you to get back at him.”

He exaggerates wiping at his forehead as if he’s getting sweat off it.

“Yeah…” I nod before grimacing to add, “I slept with you because I felt sorry for you.”

Our laughter meets in the middle of the table, the sound blending into a beautiful melody that echoes all around us.

This is what these dinners should sound like.

“Just for that you’re reading tonight.”

“No!” I cry. “You’re so much better at it.”

He’s shaking his head as he stands but I see the smile peeking out. He knows what his voice does to me.

“Khaos?”

“Kota?”

“You’re a phenomenal cook,” I tell him, not wanting him to think less of himself for another second.

“I’m okay.”

“No, I’m serious. My mom…she doesn’t know anything about you.”

“I know. She doesn’t know anything about you either.”

“Thank you for sticking up for me.”

“I’ll always have your back. To anyone, about anything.”

“What about your dad?”

“What about him?”

“It’s just…well…things seem a little tense with you guys lately. Is it because of me?”

His posture changes the slightest bit. “No. I told you. My dad’s too cuntivated by your mom to notice anything else.”

“Cuntivated?”

“Captivated by cunt.”