Page 72 of Perfect Rhythm

“Eli.” She sighed, and I looked back at the balcony. I knew how much of a blabbermouth Nimah could be when she had too much to drink. There was no telling what else she was about to say.

“You know what? How about?—”

“How long have you been fucking her?”

“What?”

“I said, how long have you been fucking Nyx? Because I know you have. I saw the video of y’all dry humping on the dance floor. Hell, after seeing that, I wouldn’t mind fucking her either.”

I closed my eyes, then helped her over to the couch. “I’m going to get my driver to take you home.”

“Fine, but you can still answer the question.”

“I’m not answering anything.”

“It’s fine. No answer is still an answer,” she said. “But anyway, after seeing that video, I just felt like you would be the right person to talk to about all of this. Or maybe you can explain some shit to me.”

“What do you need me to explain?”

“Why is it that men only want to sleep with me? What about me is so terrible that committing to me is impossible? I’m so tired of falling in love with men who don’t love me back. I thought this time was different. I thought Eli loved me.” Although she’d asked a question, it was obvious that she wasn’tlooking for me to answer it. “Not like you,” she continued. “It was obvious that you didn’t love me. I still don’t know why I tricked myself into believing otherwise. But anyway, Eli told me that he saw a future with me. He told me that?—”

“Hey, how about you chill for a bit?” I motioned for Trace to come over to the couch. “Did you have Antone pull the car around?”

“Yeah, he should be out front.”

“Okay, take her downstairs.”

“But wait, I’m not finished,” Nimah whined. “I didn’t tell you how he took me ring shopping, and?—”

“He did what?” Nyx asked, storming in from the balcony.

Nimah’s eyes widened. She looked at Nyx, then back at me. I couldn’t register her exact expression, but if I had to guess, it was a mix of fear and hurt. Here she was spilling her guts in what she believed to be a safe space, and now she’d learned otherwise.

“Come on,” Trace said as he helped her up from the couch. “Time to go.”

She didn’t say another word. Instead, she just lowered her head and allowed Trace to escort her out of the penthouse.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered to Nyx.

She stood in front of me, her eyes saying a million things. But she didn’t speak, and I didn’t force her to.

29

NYX

“Thank you,” I said as Shade handed me a glass of wine and sat down next to me.

“I know that was a lot to hear.”

“A lotis an understatement.” I scooted further back against the couch and tugged on the throw blanket that he’d placed around my shoulders. “I just can’t believe how stupid I was. I knew Eli had his ways, but I never thought?—”

“First off, don’t let that nigga’s fuck up make you feel stupid. That’s on him. Not you.”

“Yeah, but if I had been paying attention, I would’ve seen the signs or something. But I was in my own little world, and he was out here making a fool out of me.”

Shade shrugged. “You were doing what you were supposed to be doing. If he couldn’t stay ten toes down and be loyal while you were handling business, then he didn’t deserve you.”

I sighed. “You’re right.”