My Love, Her Leverage

died the mome

a deer caught in headlights. Only Luis seemed

voice barely a whisper.

aid, my voice flat. "For o

le to meet mine. "The lab

asked, the sarcasm thick in my throat.

. "We were just celebrating Lui

brating," I said, my gaze fixe

proud, defensive way she had. "Are you trac

de me laugh. "You sent me the name of this place a mon

ller than me by a few inches, all swagger and chea

to talk about harassment? Or should we talk about abandonment? Where were you when her dad h

w the truth of it hit Nicole, a fl

e shame was replaced by a flash

our business!

she cried herself to sleep! It became my business when I was

other word, her hand

restaurant. My cheek stung, but the pai

ng at me with

oice trembling with rage. "I

new, the woman I would have done anything f

in the restaurant followed me to the door. I didn't care. The public hum