You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter 46- Winter

Steve returned carrying another plate of food. One glance at Randy and Torri told him everything.

"Problem, Tor?"

Torri never took his eyes off Randy.

"No, man. Just getting to know Tia's boyfriend."

Steve studied them both for another second before deciding to let it go.

"Alright."

I wasn't about to wait for round two.

"I think we're going to head inside for a while. Have fun, boys."

I reached for Randy's hand, hoping to put some distance between him and Torri.

He let me lead him...

...until we cleared the tent.

Instead of heading toward the house, he kept walking.

Straight to his car.

He opened the passenger door without a word.

The drive to his apartment was painfully quiet.

The radio stayed off.

Neither of us spoke.

Every passing mile made the silence heavier.

Athena sat beside me in my mind, shaking her head.

This isn't about Torri anymore.

This is about trust.

The apartment door had barely clicked shut behind us before Randy exploded.

"The guy you slept with."

His voice cracked through the room like a whip.

I stiffened.

"He's staying at your house tonight."

His jaw flexed so hard I thought he might break a tooth.

"What the hell am I supposed to think, Tia?"

"I didn't even know they were coming."

The words rushed out before he could cut me off.

"I found out when I walked into the arena."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"I don't care what you believe. It's the truth."

He laughed once.

There wasn't an ounce of humor in it.

"I spent years keeping my hands off you because I thought you were waiting."

His hand struck the kitchen counter with a crack that made me jump.

"I respected you."

Another bitter laugh.

"Turns out I was the only damn idiot in the room."

Heat flooded my face.

"I don't owe you an apology for having a life before you."

His head snapped toward me.

"No?"

"No."

The single word hit him harder than if I'd slapped him.

"You let me think—"

"I never lied to you."

"You let me believe it."