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This book contains mature themes, explicit language, and scenes of a sexual nature intended for adult audiences only. It is rated R and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
Trigger Warning:
This book also includes depictions o...
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Beyonce Knowles Home
December 12
Onika stepped into the house but stayed right by the door, almost like she was too nervous to move any further. I closed the door behind her, glancing at her as she stood there, looking unsure.
I wanted to break the tension, so I asked, "Do you want something to drink?"
She gave a small nod. "Sure."
"Wine or sparkling water?" I offered.
"Wine will be fine," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded, heading to the kitchen to grab two glasses and a bottle of wine. As I poured, I heard a soft sigh.
I looked up, and there she was, standing there with tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to fall.
I walked over to her, placing the glasses on the counter and staring at her, feeling that familiar tug in my chest.
"Why are you crying?" I asked, my voice soft, but I couldn't hide the concern.
She wiped at her eyes quickly, trying to brush it off, but the tears kept coming. "Because... I don't know. I just... you've been so distant. Ever since I said what I said, you haven't been the same. You don't even look at me anymore."
Her voice broke, and she wiped at her face again, but the hurt was written all over her.
"I feel like I messed everything up, and I just... I miss you."
I sighed, feeling the weight of everything settle between us. I didn't know how to explain what I was feeling, but I couldn't keep ignoring it anymore.
I leaned against the counter, looking at her, and finally spoke.
"Nicki... I've never done anything for you-or for anyone-expecting something in return. That's not who I am," I said, my voice calm but strained. "I do things because it's in my character. I know you've had a hard few years, and when we got closer, I just wanted to show you what it felt like to be treated right. Especially for your birthday week... it was important to me."
I could see her watching me carefully, tears still in her eyes, but I pushed forward. "So when you made that comment about me only wanting you for sex... that hurt. I know maybe I overstepped, maybe I did too much, and for that, I'm sorry. But hearing that from you? It hit me harder than I expected. That's why I kept my distance."
Nicki wiped her eyes, her voice shaky. "I'm so sorry, B. I didn't mean it like that. I was just... I don't know, I've been through so much, and I guess I wasn't ready to fully trust anyone, not even you. I didn't want to believe someone could care about me without wanting something in return."
