“Kai,” she answered quietly. “Before he was married, of course.”
She put the first aid stuff away, refastening a cap and closing the box.
“So believe me when I say I understand,” she explained. “Men don’t feel ashamed for enjoying sex on their terms. You shouldn’t either.”
I gave her a little smile, thankful w
e all had our secrets.
“You have some marks on your neck,” she told me. “Just an FYI.”
Marks? Like hickeys?
Splendid.
“So have you forgiven him?” she asked.
“Who?”
“Damon.”
I thought for a moment and let out a long sigh. Now that was a question.
“Yes,” I replied. “No…I don’t know. I’ve been angry for so long. But I love him.”
“You just don’t know if you can trust him.”
“I don’t know if I should,” I clarified.
Should I entirely?
I wanted to trust him, and there were things I would never doubt.
I knew he’d always come for me. I knew he loved me. I knew that however long this lasted, it would probably be the happiest and most miserable I’d ever been. He made me so angry, I wanted to punch him.
But then there was nothing like kissing him.
I shouldn’t forgive him. That was the textbook answer.
But I didn’t want to ever be without him, so in reality… There was never a question of forgiving him.
“Will you forgive me?” she suddenly asked.
I pinched my brows together, confused. “For what?”
She fell silent, and I didn’t realize I’d been holding my breath until my lungs started to ache.
“I gave Damon the information on your father,” she finally said.
My face fell, and I didn’t know how to respond. I’d thought Damon was entirely responsible for that, and it was something I’d already gone through the anger for. With Damon and my father.
But knowing she was working with him. That she knew his plans all along and helped him?
“Rika.” A stern voice pierced the silence, and I jumped.
Damon. He was across the room, probably in the doorway, and after a moment, I felt Rika leave my side, walking away.
“Call Banks and Kai,” he told her in a softer voice. “Get them over here. And can you get her something to eat?” And then he added, “Please?”