“I don’t need Arrick to take care of me anymore. Pretty sure he has enough women to be taking care of nowadays.” I snap a little too hastily, the interrogating eyes on me, and curse myself at my lack of control. I need to learn not to react whenever he is the subject.

“Meaning?” Leila is full boar staring at me now. Most of the quiet chit-chat around us falls away as everyone listens in with interest. The sudden silence is the moment of bated breath where they all sit, ...