Page 34 of Coming Home for Love

They both gave me sympathetic nods.

“No, that’s not what I want, baby, and you know that. I don’t want you or my son in harm’s way.”

“We wouldn’t be in harm’s way if you would have just told me and whoever it is outside the truth.”

I got up and grabbed Little O’s bag before stomping toward the front door. I would apologize for my rude behavior later. For the moment, I needed to get out of the door.

“Wynter, wait!” Osiris was behind me, but I ignored him.

I snatched the door open at the same time the girl had her fist up to knock on the door.

She was pretty, but something in her eyes was sad. Like she’d had better days. I hoped she wasn’t looking like that because of Osiris.

The girl looked me up and down but focused on Osiris when he called my name.

“Wynter.”

“Daddy.” Little O stretched his arms out.

The girl blinked slowly. “Daddy? You have a son?” she asked as she stumbled back.

I walked past her to my car. I didn’t know what they had going on, but she looked hurt by the news of Osiris having a son.

“Wynter,” Osiris called again.

“So, this is why you couldn’t answer my calls or come back home yet? You’re out here playing house with the next bitch.”

I had the urge to stop, but since I didn’t know her state of mind, I didn’t want to put Little O in more danger than I already had by coming outside.

I unlocked the car door and placed Little O inside.

Osiris called me again, but I didn’t respond.

“Shannon, please. Give me a second, and we can have a conversation. I promise.” Osiris kept his eyes on me as he talked to her.

“No. No! I’ve been trying to talk to you, but you haven’t answered my calls.” Her tone was shaky.

I gasped when she pulled a gun out of her pocket.

Osiris threw his hands up in surrender.

I guess he was taking too long to go back in the house, so his father ended up coming out.

“Hi, I’m Mr. Gray. I’m sure my son would be willing to talk to you, but I need you to put the gun down.” Mr. Gray’s soothing voice tried to coach her, but homegirl was too far gone.

“No!” Tears streamed down her face. “All I wanted was for him to love me, but instead, he ignored me and had already moved on.”

Mr. Gray’s gaze shot over to Osiris then back to Shannon.

“Stay right there!” she shouted when Mr. Gray tried to step closer.

“I will. I promise. Let’s just talk,” Mr. Gray pleaded.

“Shannon, look at me. I’m sorry for not being honest, but a lot has gone on. There’s no excuse for it, so again, I’m sorry.”

I would never want to be that crazy over a dude. Osiris was everything I wanted in a man, but I couldn’t imagine behaving like that.

She used the barrel of the gun to rub the side of her head, then started mumbling to herself. I couldn’t make out what she said though.

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