The question has been asked many times – why can’t women just get along? Part of the complex answer has arrived with Secrets of a Kept Woman, a powerfully honest, compelling look at the thoughts, emotions, decisions, and challenges facing women in friendships today. "Secrets of a Kept Woman explores what happens when the lines between friendship and betrayal are crossed, and what consequences befall the parties involved,” wrote Naiomi Pitre, CEO of Imoian Press. The lives of Shayla, Gladys, and Rhonda will uncover how past events shape present circumstances and how only through patience and trust will their hearts lead them into the next phase of life. EXCERPT A shiver ran through my spine. Hearing Titus speak his code name for what was rightfully mine to another female was inconceivable. My mouth fell wide open with anger and disgust. I had to be hearing things. Surely, my husband and my best friend were not getting it on right there in my den while I listened on the other side of the door. I pressed my ear up against the expensive mahogany and heard the unmistakable sounds of kisses, moaning, and raunchy sex talk. A range of disturbing thoughts came as flashes through my mind. I saw flashes of Rhonda’s smiling face looking at me that very morning as I explained to her how Titus had come home late the night before. I remembered how I had described our feverish love making, and how silent she had sat while I told her all of my intimate details. I saw a flash of Titus’ shocked face as he came down the steps that morning when he saw Rhonda sitting in our kitchen. He had insisted that I leave him alone downstairs with her, while I waited like a dumbass upstairs for sloppy seconds! I was unable to feel or think coherently. Every emotion seemed to push itself into my head at the same time, and none of them were good. But when I pressed my ear firmly against the door the second time and heard my husband’s moans along with slurping and sucking sounds, hurt overrode all of the other feelings, flowing through my spirit like an uncontrollable rushing river. If what I imagined was going on was true, my heart was going to break in two directions. Hearing my best friend purr and say, “Titus, you like that? I told you Shayla can’t do you like I can,” caused my stomach to begin to hurt as much as my spirit, tying itself up into a million tightening knots. I just could not believe my ears. There was no turning back now. It was happening, and it was happening in my home. My beautiful… expensive… expertly-designed… house of lies.