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Hesnorts with me but shakes his head.Then, he sighs, studying my face and stroking my cheek with his thumb.

Ilean in closer and press my lips to his softly, kissing away the tears and heartache and pain, the tormented yearsI’veforced us to spend apart. “Imean it,Dree,”Iwhisper over his lips.Isearch his eyes for any part of him that will try to say otherwise. “You’remine.”

Hekisses me again, harder this time. “Iwouldn’t have it any other way, princesa.”

Noticingthe indentions of the belt,Itwist my head to kiss his flesh, pushing myself up to balance on my knees soIcan rub his wrists.

Thesmile on his lips as he watches me is new, full of real happiness. “Idunno about you, butIcould use a drink.”

Ireturn the beam. “Sure, hon.”

Wehead for the kitchen hand in hand after he pulls on some gym shorts, where he makes me an amaretto andDr.Pepperand a rum andCokefor himself.Wesip the icy cocktails in silence, watching one another with smiles lingering on the corners of our lips as our fingers lace together.

Somethingclatters at the front door.Butno one enters.

“IsZsupposed to be home by now?”Iask.

Adrianglances at the digital clock on the stove and shakes his head. “Nuh-uh.”

Achanting voice softly filters around the door.

“Whatthe fuck…”

IfollowAdrianto the door.Hepushes me fully behind him, allowing me to only peek over his shoulder, as he swings the door open.

Agirl with long black hair is bent over a black candle surrounded by dirt.Shelifts her head and meets our glare with blue eyes illuminated by candlelight.

“Pendeja, really?”Adrianhollers.

Normajumps up from the steps and backs away.

Adrianstalks out the door. “Whatthe ever-living fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Shesputters, opening and closing her mouth but unable to get anything out.

“First, you curse my girlfriend,” he starts loudly.

Herface falls. “Girlfriend?”

“Then, you leak our video that should’ve been fuckin’ deleted,” he continues. “Andnow you’re cursingme?Yougot some fuckin’ nerve comin’ here and pullin’ this bullshit.”

“Adrian,I-I…” she stutters. “Ilove—”

“Callate!” he commands.Hekicks the candle and dirt at her. “Whatyou’re doing isn’t love.”

Sheflinches, cowering away as he stalks forward.

Ireach out and grab his arm, pulling him back. “Dree, don’t.”

“Steph, she fuckin’ hurt you,” he yells. “She’sa deranged groupie that needs to learn her place.”

Asingle raised brow has him shutting his trap.Eventually, he nods.

Normais slowly backing away, but stops whenIlook at her.

“I’msorry,”Isay.Istep in front ofAdrian, not letting him be in the middle whenIowe her a sincere apology. “I’msorryIdidn’t say anything whenIran into you.”

Shescoffs, rolling her eyes. “Puta.”