Sergen shook his head but maintained a low voice. "That had nothing to do with it. I grew up with Selin, and I witnessed how she took advantage of Sait. He allowed it for years, but he deserves credit for ending things with her and sticking to that decision. Once he rejected her, I became the next natural option. I gave her a chance, but one was enough." He grunted with a growl, "When it became clear that I was just a substitute for another man, I rejected her. I won't settle for being a woman's second choice, no matter how good the physical attraction may be."
Min burst into laughter but quickly covered her mouth to stifle the sound. Confusion crossed Sergen's face, and she showed a sheepish smile after removing her hand. "Sorry. My mother could be blunt when she spoke while I was growing up, but I've never heard someone talk like you."
"How do I talk, then?" he asked.
"Well... you say exactly what you want to say—the unfiltered truth, whether it's softened or not."
