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...