Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Gypsy stood there like she owned the place, arms crossed and waiting for me to say something that would prove her right.
I didn’t give her that satisfaction.
“You’re delusional,” I said flatly, “Seriously, you think a man still wants you like this? Hovering, bitter, desperate for attention?”
Her expression faltered, just a flicker, but it was enough to keep going.
“You abandoned him, remember? You left, So move on, find someone else to latch onto, because it’s not him anymore.”
I stepped closer. Her chin lifted, but she didn’t back away.
“I’ve been lenient with you,” I said, voice low but clear, I’ve let you float around him, throwing your little glances and playing the harmless ex but you’re not harmless, you’re hooked on a man who doesn’t want you, and I’m done pretending I don’t notice.”
I leaned in a little, enough that she had to tense her jaw just to keep eye contact.
“From now on, if you keep circling my husband like a vulture, I won’t take it lightly
I took one more step past her and turned back, letting the next words land hard.
“And just in case you’re wondering how performative our marriage is, he was moaning my name a few seconds ago. Pretty loudly, actually.”
Her mouth opened slightly. I didn’t give her time to speak.
“Excuse me,” I said, already walking past. “I’m going back to be with him.”
I left her standing there
By the time I got back to the tent, the night had quieted down again. The flap rustled when I slipped inside, the space was dim and warm. Karl shifted on the sleeping mat as I stepped over to my side.
His arm moved first, then he blinked slowly, voice still thick from sleep.
“Hey,” he said. His voice was lower, husky, the kind of tone that came from being half–awake and completely relaxed, “where’d you go?”
I settled in beside him, tugging the blanket back over my legs. “I just needed some air.”
He reached over, pulled me in gently, and brushed his lips against my forehead. “You good now?”
His hand stayed on my hip, fingers resting there like they belonged.
I looked up at him, “what happens now?
He raised a brow, “with?”
“The contract,” I said, “all of this. Us”
His thumb moved in a slow circle over my hipbone. He didn’t answer right away
“We’ll talk tomorrow,” he murmured, “let’s just get through this trip.
I nodded, eyes locked on his, “alright.”
He leaned in and kissed me again, slower this time. His fingers tangled in mine.
Aloud voice cut through the early silence, high–pitched and unmistakable.
“Are you serious right now! I don’t care who said what!”
I groaned, twisting under the blanket. My body was sore in every direction, and my head felt fuzzy with sleep. The tent was dim but warm, Karl’s arm still draped over my waist. I squinted toward the tent flap as another sharp voice echoed outside.
It was Gypsy. Of course
Karl stirred behind me. His hand slid off my waist as he shifted up on one elbow. His voice was still low, scratchy. I go see what’s going
10:43 AM
Chapter 32
DIL
I turned toward him. “Seriously?”
“She’ll keep going until someone shuts her up.” He reached over and ran a hand through my hair quickly. “Ill be back.”
He pulled on his pants and stepped out of the tent. The flap closed behind him, and I was left with a cool patch on the mat where his body had been.
Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then fifteen.
I sat up, yanking the blanket off my legs. I hated this. Waking up in a tent after what happened between us, only to be left alone while Gypsy screamed about something outside. I grabbed my shirt and pulled it over my head, then tugged on my shorts and stepped into my sandals.
The air outside was cooler than I expected. Dew still clung to the grass. A few people were up, packing, folding blankets, talking in low voices. But no sign of Karl.
I walked toward the water station to splash some on my face, As I bent down to rinse my hands, a voice came from behind me.
“Well, well. Didn’t expect to see you up this early”
I turned, still wiping my hands, and saw one of the junior staffers standing a few feet away. Tyler. Younger Cocky. Always too casual around me.
I forced a polite smile. “Morning.”
He walked closer, hands in his pockets, glancing around casually, “Guess the boss wore you out, huh?”
My face went cold. I blinked.
He smirked like it was a joke. “Everyone heard the tent last night. Don’t worry, we’re all pretending we didn’t.”
“Excuse me?” I said.
Tyler stepped a little closer, voice dropping like he was letting me in on something. “You know, if he’s not giving you what you need consistently, you don’t have to fake it. Some of us are around toore often than he is:
My mouth opened, but nothing came out
His gaze flicked down to my legs, then back up, and he gave a slow, angoying smile.
That was when a shadow shifted behind him.
Karl.
He was standing a few feet away, jaw clenched, his arms stiff at his sides. He wasn’t looking at me. His eyes were locked on Tyler, And whatever I had planned to say died in my throat.
Karl took one step forward.
Karl’s hand shot out and gripped my waist, pulling me a step back. His voice was calm, but sharp enough to cut through steel,
“Touch her again,” he said, eyes pinned on Tyler, “and you’re fired”
The silence around us streiched. Tyler opened his mouth, then closed it again. Karl didn’t blink.
“She’s my wife. Not your coworker. Not your entertainment, Don’t forget that.”
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