Free Betrayal by Naomi Chase

over and slap the shit out of the heffa.
    Striving for composure, she said in a low, measured voice, “Why are you here, Cynthia? What do you want?”
    â€œI want you to stay the fuck away from my fiancé,” Cynthia spat. “Don’t call him. Don’t text him. Don’t invent phony excuses to see him. Just stay the hell away from him.”
    Tamia remained outwardly calm, though inwardly she was falling apart.
    â€œAs long as Brandon keeps his distance,” she said quietly, “I’ll do the same.”
    â€œGood. Because I really don’t need the stress and aggravation of fighting with you when I have so many other things on my plate—planning the wedding, preparing for the baby, going house hunting with Brandon.”
    Tamia congratulated herself for not breaking down right then and there.
    Cynthia sighed. “Well, I’d better run,” she announced, rising from the sofa. “Brandon’s mother and I are getting facials and massages at her favorite day spa.”
    Tamia swallowed tightly. “How nice.”
    â€œIsn’t it?” Cynthia let out another sigh, heading toward the front door. “Mrs. Chambers has been so good to me. So loving and supportive. We’ve really bonded over—”
    She was interrupted by a sudden burst of music from Tamia’s smartphone.
    Usher crooned, “There’s always that one person that will always have your heart . . .”
    Cynthia froze in her tracks.
    Slowly she turned to stare at Tamia, then at the lit-up phone on the foyer table.
    She knew as well as Tamia did what the ringtone meant.
    Brandon was calling.
    Tamia walked over and calmly picked up the phone. “Hey.”
    â€œHey,” Brandon murmured, his deep voice flooding her ear. “How are you?”
    She met Cynthia’s lethal glare. “I’ve been better.”
    â€œMe, too.” Brandon paused for a long moment. “I got the information you asked for.”
    â€œReally? That was fast. What’d you find out?”
    â€œLester McCray lives nowhere near downtown.”
    Tamia frowned. “He doesn’t?”
    â€œNo. Did he tell you that?”
    Tamia was silent, chilled by the knowledge that Lester McCray had lied to her. Why?
    â€œWhat’s going on, Tamia?” Brandon growled.
    â€œNothing. Listen, thank you for getting the information.”
    â€œTamia—”
    â€œI can’t talk right now, Brandon. I’m walking Cynthia to the door.”
    Silence.
    â€œShe’s over there?” Brandon’s voice was chillingly soft.
    â€œYes, she is.” Tamia looked at Cynthia, who suddenly appeared nervous. “I’ll give her your warm regards.”
    Brandon swore viciously and hung up.
    Setting the phone down, Tamia smirked at Cynthia. “I think you got some ’splaining to do.”
    Cynthia’s eyes hardened with fury. “You are such a bitch.”
    â€œTakes one to know one,” Tamia drawled.
    Cynthia glared at her another moment, then spun on her heel and marched toward the door.
    Tamia followed her, pulling up short when Cynthia suddenly whirled around and sneered, “By the way, you know another word for rebound chick?” She held up her left hand with the diamond ring. “ Wife .”
    With that, she turned and flounced out of the apartment.
    Tamia slammed the door and leaned against it, squeezing her eyes shut.
    Though she’d gotten some satisfaction from the timing of Brandon’s call, Cynthia’s parting shot had brought her crashing back to earth, forcing her to face the hard, cold reality that Brandon and Cynthia were getting married. Having a baby. Buying a house together. Becoming one.
    And where did that leave Tamia?
    Alone and heartbroken, with nothing but shattered dreams and bottomless regret to keep her warm every night.
    Swiping hot tears from her eyes, Tamia lifted her head from the door and looked at her handbag on