Page 34 of Deal Takers

Adam

I love you. Please let me explain. We can make this work.

Is he serious right now?

Me

You’re MARRIED. And your WIFE IS PREGNANT! What more is there to say?

There is knocking at my door. Damn it, the last thing I need right now is a visitor.

Adam

There’s A LOT more. Answer the door.

Are you fucking kidding me? I launch myself off the couch and make my way to the front door. I don’t need to check the peephole, but I do anyway. Sure enough, Adam is standing in the hallway of my building. I’d hate to say it, but the fact his nose is bandaged, and he’s sporting a black eye, gives me a small measure of satisfaction.

My head falls to the door. “I don’t want to see you right now, Adam.”

He jiggles the doorknob. “Rainey, I’m trying to respect your space, but I will use my keys if I have to. You need to hear what I have to say.”

My chest physically aches when I hear his voice. “I don’twantto hear any more of your lies.”

“Rainey…I didn’t want to bring this up, but I haven’t pressed charges against that asshole friend of yours who hit me. I have plenty of witnesses to prove his attack was unprovoked.”

Unprovoked, my ass!I know he’ll make good on his implied threat, so I try taking as much control as possible over this situation. I take a deep breath and crack the door open.

“He was defending my honor, Adam.”

“He could’ve defended your honorwithoutslamming his fist into my face. Look…I’ll drop it entirely if you just hear me out.”

I roll my eyes. “Like your word means shit.”

“Just hear what I have to say, then you can make a decision. Please.”

I hold my hand out, palm up. “I want my keys back before you can come in.”

Adam frowns. “Rainey, don’t be ridiculous.”

“Adam, don’t be an asshole,” I snap. “Oh, wait, it’s too late for that!”

He sighs before digging in his pocket to retrieve his keys. I watch as he removes two from the ring. Before dropping them in my hand he says, “You promise to listen to me if I give these to you?”

“You have five minutes.”

He places the keys in my hand. I yank my arm back when he tries wrapping his hand around mine, and then I fling the door open.

“Can we sit?” Adam closes the door behind him and gestures to the couch.

I cross my arms over my chest. “No. Say what you need to say and leave.”

I jump back when he reaches for me. “Baby, don’t be like this.”

Okay, that deserves a massive glare, so I give him one. “I already told you not to call me that. And yousure as hellbetter not touch me. The clock’s ticking. You’d better start talking. And don’t eventhinkabout lying to me again!”

“Rainey, I loveyou, not her. I knew marrying Norah was a mistake right away, but I was stupid and didn’t get a prenup. I just need time to figure out how to divorce her without losing half of everything.”

I laugh mockingly. “And how long ago, exactly, did you make this ‘mistake?’ She said you were celebrating your anniversary.Which one, Adam?”

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