Release (Off Balance 3)

"Yes, he is. He's been married for months."

Hayden's blue eyes turned glacial. Thick tension filled the space between us until my nerves rattled.

"Let me guess, the bastard never told you."

I didn’t say anything. I didn’t need to.

Hayden's lips curled in disgust. "And he let you find out at practice?"

Embarrassment flooded me. My entire body started to tremble and breathing became difficult.

"I’m gonna kill that motherfucker."

"I’m sorry.” It was all I could think to say.

I’m sorry.

My stomach churned.

Prosti.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to push back the tears as the night before filled my mind. It was unlike any other time we’d been together. Kova had acted like he loved me. He had worshipped me in the most loving, heart-wrenching way.

And it turns out, he’d been apologizing to me the whole time he was making love to me.

"When was the last time you were with him?" Hayden questioned. His eyes narrowed, like he was waiting for me to confirm his worst thoughts.

I opened my eyes and drew in a deep breath. I couldn’t tell him it was only last night.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"But he was fucking you and his wife at the same time?" Hayden paused. "Aid, I think you should get tested."

"Tested for what?"

He didn’t bother to mask the look of incredulity on his face. "STDs."

My jaw dropped. I hadn't even thought of that until now.

"He uses protection when he's with Katja." The lie flew from my lips. I didn't need him to make me feel even shittier than I already did.

Hayden tilted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. "And how do you know that?"

"I asked him once." Another lie.

"This is beyond fucked up. So he uses a condom when he has sex with his wife, but not you? Aid, stop lying to me and yourself."

"I don't want to talk about it anymore," I said before nestling into his warmth.

"Adrianna," he said softly, and I snuggled further into him in a silent plea for him to drop the conversation.

I shook my head and sniffled. "I don't know what to say. I fucked up."

Another tear slipped down my cheek and I closed my eyes again. I needed to stop crying but I didn’t know how.

Hayden palmed my jaw, lifting my face up to his. Our eyes met. I'd only known him for a short amount of time, but he was proving to be a better friend than even Avery.

Avery. Another situation I didn't want to think about.