Page 183 of The Wright Man

That made me smile.

"But, back to the diamond tester jester," she said, setting the mug on the table, "You ready for the fallout?"

The question settled heavy in my chest.

"Gavin's gonna spin this," she continued. "He's petty, he's got money, and he treats accountability like a peanut allergy. You need a plan, Ang."

I nodded slowly. "He's not due back until Tuesday. I've got a couple days to get my head right before I even look him in the face."

"And the divorce?"

"First thing Monday morning," I said. "But I still have to tell Tina. And Daddy."

Bella gave me a slow blink. "Oh, girl."

"Yeah."

Maleek walked over and sat beside me, looping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me in. His hand squeezed mine, grounding me.

"You can stay here as long as you need," he said, voice low and steady. "When you're ready to move your stuff, I got you. Riq and Sticks'll help too. We'll make it quick."

That lump formed in my throat again. "Thank you."

He pressed a soft kiss to my lips—just because he could now—and I melted against him.

Bella rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Y'all are even more disgusting now that you're not pretending."

"Jealous?" I teased.

"Of y'all's nasty, twin-soul, trauma-bonded sex bubble? Please." She stood and stretched. "Now that I know you're not in mortal danger, I'm claiming the couch."

"You don't have to—"

"I'm already here, I'm already annoyed, and I'm not driving back to school tonight. It's done." She pointed at Maleek. "Blanket. Pillow. Now."

Maleek smirked. "You could say please."

"I could. But I won't."

He chuckled and walked off toward the linen closet, mumbling something under his breath.

Once he was gone, Bella sat back down beside me, all sarcasm fading to softness.

"You really okay?" she asked. "Don't perform for me. Or Maleek."

I swallowed. "I think I am. I feel... relief. Like I should've chosen Maleek all along. And yeah, I'm scared. But not of him. Of... how good this feels. Of what it means for everything else."

She stepped forward and pulled me into a hug, tight and warm. "Whatever happens, I got you. Always. And I'm glad you're happy."

Then she pulled back, grinning. "Also, tell that man to blow your back out quietly. I need my sleep."

"Bella!"

Maleek reappeared with the blanket and pillow. "Your Royal Bougie-ness," he said with a flourish, tossing them at her.

Bella caught them with a glare. "Hope you're this funny when Tina gets home."

Wait.