But knowing that didn't make it hurt any less—this betrayal, delivered point-blank by the man who had once slept beside me.
My palm connected with his face before I could stop myself.
"Get out!"
Kevin let out a low, humorless laugh, working his jaw.
Before he could respond, Christina lunged at me, shoving me with all her strength.
"I've had enough of you! Don't you dare bully Kevin anymore!"
Kevin watched her with an amused glint in his eye. "Well, well. The little bunny has teeth after all."
"You've always protected me, Kevin." Christina's voice trembled with righteous fury. "Now it's my turn to protect you!"
I crashed backward into two massive potted cacti.
Needles pierced my back, my palms, everywhere. Blood dripped onto the tile. The pain was so sharp I couldn't help the hiss that escaped through my teeth.
My father's face twisted with irritation. "A perfectly good breakfast, ruined by your dramatics."
He turned to Kevin, his tone shifting to something warm and ingratiating. "Perfect timing, actually. Have you eaten? Let's go somewhere else."