Chapter 54
Karl gave a polite nod. The guy’s eyes shifted to me. I’m Aaron,” he said, extending a hand
I reached out instinctively. Before our fingers touched, Karl spoke.
“She’s not available.”
Aaron chuckled awkwardly. “Just being friendly, man.”
Karl didn’t smile. “I’m not.”
Aaron excused himself quickly. I stared at Karl, eyebrows raised. “Really?”
He didn’t blink. “I don’t like competition.”
“So possessive,” I said under my breath.
He leaned forward, voice low. “When it comes to you! Always.”
I didn’t think I could get used to this sudden new version of him.
The check came. He didn’t let it touch the table. As he stood, I saw a familiar face across the room, Gypsy.
Her eyes landed opus and widened. I turned my head fast, pretending not to care. Why on earth was she back here? I had completely forgotten all about her living with us since I didn’t return with the staff bus last night but why on earth was the here!
I wanted to make sure Karl didn’t see her and so Ingged his arm after he had paid so we could leave.
Ourside, Karl helped me into the car, his hand resting on my thigh a beat longer than necessary.
As the driver pulled off, I finally exhaled, “You’re insane.
He smiled, looking out the window. “Maybe but now no one can interrupt us.”
“What do you mean?”
He turned to me. “I bought out the floor, Just for tonight. It’s ours.
My stomach dropped. In the best way.
“What if I said that’s ridiculous?”
He shrugged. “Then I’d do it again, louder.”
I stared at him, unsure whether to laugh, kiss him, or punch his arm. Maybe all three.
Then his voice softened. “What do you want to do after this?” he asked, “I’ll spoil you”
I rested my head back against the seat and looked at him, “I really don’t know.”
He brushed his thumb over my knuckles, “then think about it
The ride home was quiet, comfortable in a way I wasn’t used to. Once the driver pulled up in front of the building. Karl opened the door and stepped out first, then turned to me.
“I have to attend some meetings,” he said, “but get some rest.
He leaned down and kissed my forehead. It was quick, but warm. My chest tightened.
Then he was gone.
I closed the door behind me once I got inside, locked it, and leaned back against it. My hands went up to my face before I even realized what I was doing. A squeal slipped out, muffled instantly by my palm. I couldn’t believe what had happened. The camp, the tent, the kiss in front of Kent, the dinner, the way he acted like I was the only woman alive.
It felt unreal.
I finally peeled myself away from the door and dropped onto the bed, still in my clothes. The sheets were cool against my legs. My body ached in the best ways. I didn’t even bother changing. I just curled up, pressing my face into the pillow, and let myself drift
Sleep came fast, but my heart was still beating way too loud for peace.
1973
I woke up with sunlight streaming across the bed. The space beside me was empty. The sheets still held the warmth from last night, but Karl wasn’t there. My brows furrowed as I sat up, tugging the blanket higher. I didn’t even hear him come in last night. After the way he kissed me before leaving, I expected him to be here.
He wasn’t
1 threw on one of his oversized shirts, tied my hair up in a loose bun, and beaded to the kitchen. My feet padded against the cool floors, and I was already pacturing him at the coffee machine. Maybe he’d smirk at me over his mug and say something annoyingly smug. But instead, it was Gypsy leaning against the counter, scrolling on her phone.
My stomach sank
She didn’t look up at first. Just kept scrolling like she owned the place. I opened the fridge, ignoring her entirely, but her voice cut through the quiet
“So…” she said slowly, “why were you with him yesterday?”
I didn’t turn around “Maybe because I’m his wife.
She let out a laugh, sharp and dry. I turned to face her now, arms folded, my expression cold.
“Why are you still here?” Lasked. “Aren’t you embarrassed? The man you claim ruined your father… and you’re still living in his house like it’s your vacation home. Pretending you’re too fragile to leave.”
Her jaw clenched. I kept going.
“If I were you, I’d have packed my bags the next morn
Her eyes narrowed. I stepped closer.
morning. But then again, maybe slame isn’t a thing you feel”
“Just so we’re clear,” I added, my tone quieter, firmer. “Lam Karl’s wife. That means you don’t get to ask me questions about where I go with him or what we do.
She pushed off the counter, stepping toward me. Her eyes were rimmed red, and she looked furious.
“You think this is over?” she said, voice shaking. “You think I won’t fight for what’s mine?”
She raised her hand to slap me.
Big mistake..
I caught her wrist mid–air and twisted it slightly. Her mouth parted with a quiet gaP-
“Don’t you fucking dare,” 1 hissed. My grip was steady. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t move.
1 let go and turned to walk away
“You’ll pay for this, she spat behind me. “You’ll regret ever doing this to me.”
I didn’t stop. Didn’t flinch.
Let her try.
The encounter left me restless. I paced the bedroom, rubbing my arms as frustration twisted in my stomach. I hated the way she spoke, the way she acted like she still belonged here, still mattered to him. The audacity
Eventually, I made my way downstairs. The house was quiet. One of the staff passed by and Lasked if Karl was back yet. They shook their head.
“No, ma’am. He’s not returned yet.”
I glanced at the clock. It was past nine.
“Then I’ll wait,” I said quietly. “I’m not eating until he’s home.”
I moved to the living room and started pacing again. The silence in the house felt heavier than usual. I sat for a while, then stood. Walked toward the window, checked the drive, came back.
10:44 AM c
Chapter 55
The clock moved slowly. Ten. Then eleven. My eyes grew heavier, my thoughts blurrier. I curled up on the couch, just for a few minutes. Just to rest
I didn’t mean to fall asleep.
I stirred when I felt fingers gently brushing my hair back from my face. My lashes fluttered open and the room was dins. Karl was crouched in front of me, his suit jacket off, sleeves rolled up, his tie loosened.
“Hey,” I whispered, voice still thick with sleep. “You’re so late.”
He smiled softly, cupping my face with his warm hand.
“I missed you,” he said.
22
