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After a few more searches, I gave up, accepting that I wouldn’t find what I was looking for on this particular trip. Seeking out Rae, I asked, “You ready? We can stop by Cocoa Amore on the way back to my house, my treat.”

Turning slowly, she gave me a side-eye. “Is this your version of an apology for being a semi-bitch today? If so, I’m running up a tab for more than a little bitty ass cup of hot chocolate.”

Snickering, I snaked an arm around hers. “You are so annoying, but yes. It’s my peace offering. I know I can be snappy, and I’m sorry. Getting back to me has been a process.”

Sighing, she dropped her head onto my shoulder for just a moment before picking it back up. “I know. Believe me, that’s the only reason why you still have all of your teeth.”

Bursting out laughing, we headed out of the store and down the block to one of the best coffee spots in the city. I was appreciative that Raelynn always offered me grace, but I often obsessed over whether I was snappier toward her than I thought.

My issues with Shane were so much deeper than just leaving me broken-hearted. I felt like a shell of myself. Most days, I was fine. Then there were others where I’d be angry and looking for the closest person to take it out on.

“I was talking shit earlier,” she said, as we approached the cafe. “But I can’t wait to sink my teeth into one of Amore’s cinnamon rolls. I don’t know what the hell sis puts in—Nyx?”

I’d stopped, frozen on the sidewalk the moment my eyes locked onto the woman slinking out of one of the boutiques that lined the street. She hadn’t seen me, thank God. But, I’d seen her. I could pick her ass out of a line-up if necessary.

“Let’s go,” I demanded.

“What? What happened?”

In the midst of Raelynn’s interrogation, the woman’s eyes landed on me. At first, she appeared shocked. And then her lips curved into a smirk. As badly as I wanted to smack it off, I couldn’t afford the trouble. My life was topsy-turvy enough as it was.

I couldn’t seem to get away fast enough. Before I could blink, she was in my space, even more stunning than the last time I’d seen her.

“I guess you’ve upgraded your skillset from skanky side hoe to stalker.”

“Get the fuck out of her face,” Raelynn growled, maneuvering herself between us.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to touch her,” Shane’s wife fluffed her hair, ensuring that she flashed her ring while doing so. “Karma’s taking care of her already. I don’t have to do anything.”

Scoffing, Rae placed her hands on her hips. “Imagine being such an insecure bitch that you have to go out of your way to tear another woman down just to make yourself feel a fraction better about your shitty-ass marriage. I hope you have that same energy for your trifling-ass husband. You know, the one who actually betrayed you.”

“I’ll handle my husband and marriage how I see fit,” Nina said, turning her attention to me. Emphasis on husband. Something you might have a chance of landing if you stop running down behind other women’s men.”

I wasn’t supposed to have any form of contact with her, which is why Raelynn shouldered fighting my battle for me, but I couldn’t keep my mouth shut a second longer.

“I don’t know what it’s going to take to get it through your thick-ass head that I didn’t fucking know he was married,” I snarled, gently pushing Rae out of the way. “But, if I had to come home to you every night, I’d cheat too.”

Anger flashed in Nina’s eyes as she glared at me. “As if I would allow a destitute, little slut to make me feel less of myself. You have nothing. You are nothing. And that’s why Shane chose you for the only thing that you’d be good for, entertainment and sex. You were an outlet, something to keep his bed warm when we were having problems.” Glancing away, she released a short laugh. “Actually, I probably should be thanking you. We’re better than ever.”

“Congratulations,” Rae replied snidely. “Such a shame that your husband had to go outside of you to get his dick wet for you to get there. Where should we send the congratulatory flower bouquet?”

That seemed to strike a nerve. Straightening her shoulders, Nina narrowed her eyes at us. “I don’t have to stand here and justify a damn thing about my marriage to either of you. The point of it all is, I don’t know what you were trying to achieve by sniffing around a married man, but you lost. And if you continue to get in my way, you’re going to lose a hell of a lot more than you already have.”

Shooting me a smile, she stormed off, leaving me to wallow in a pit of self-pity, regret, and guilt. A sob bubbled up my throat before I could catch it, but I refused to cry. I wouldn’t give Shane or the bitch he married the satisfaction.

“Don’t worry about her,” Rae shook her head, staring after her. “She doesn’t have any control or power over the man she has at home and wants to take it out on you. That’s all.”

Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply. There was a good moment before I could trust myself to speak without falling apart.

“I know,” I finally replied to Raelynn, prying my eyes open. “Thank you, Raelynn.”

“Always, Nyx.”

She was right. Shane’s wife only directed so much energy toward me because she lacked the balls to handle her husband. But that did nothing to quell the regret of the actions that landed me here in the first place.

My relationship issues had spilled over into my everyday life in a major way. I’d give up everything I had to go back to that day I found out about Shane’s family and handle it differently.

Chapter Four