Chapter 3
It was like ice water dumped over my head. I couldn’t breathe from the cold shock.]
Of course. People can fake it, but your circle shows who you really are.
When I first tried fitting in, everyone seemed sweet as angels.
But I mistook politeness for acceptance.[]
THE
They were already an unbreakable fortress, and I was always going to be the outsider trying to get in.[]
The cramps got worse. My hands shaking, I screenshot every
age.]
When Leonel came back for his phone, I was curled up on the couch in agony.]
He didn’t even glance at me, already heading for the door.]
“Babe, the crew wants to hit the yacht too. You’re too pregnant to keep up anyway, so just skip it.“[]
Pale as death, I grabbed his shirt:[]
“My stomach’s killing me. Can you take me to the hospital?“]]
I already knew the answer. But I still wanted to give him one last chance.]
If he still left, I was done with him too.[]
While we stood there, Amari whined from outside:]
“Hurry up! It’s hot out here!“]
Leonel yanked his shirt from my grip, totally fed up.
“Stop faking. You were fine five minutes ago. I’m sick of you using the baby to manipulate me.”
He shoved me back into the couch so hard my heart broke with my fall.[]
Amari bounced in and grabbed Leonel’s ear:]
H
“Are you insane? Why are you being such a dick! Pregnant chicks are all like this–they want everyone fussing over them. So what if she’s being dramatic?“]
Leonel snorted, dripping with contempt:
“If she had half your chill, I wouldn’t be losing my mind.”
His eyes dropped to Amari’s bikini strap and he casually reached over to adjust it.[]
“Dummy! Can’t you see it’s loose?”
Chapter 3
Amari swept her hair to one side, giggling:[]
“Easy! You’re squeezing my boobs.“]
Leonel pressed his palm against the spot, grinning like an ass: “What boobs? You’re flat as a board anyway.“]
They disappeared around the corner, laughing.]
I dialed Casey immediately: “I’m coming to find you at the yacht.“[]
“Okay,” came the reply.]
Leonel had no idea Casey Wells was my childhood best friend.[]
Twenty–plus years of honest friendship–I knew what real platonic looked like better than anyone.[]
Leonel and I had been together six years, from high school sweethearts to marriage.]
I needed to see with my own eyes just how rotten this relationshi
had become.
The ocean breeze was sharp and salty.[]
On the luxury yacht’s deck, screaming and laughter mixed together.
I stood by the railing in sunglasses and a face mask, watching.[]
Amari in her string bikini pressed tight against Leonel in just swim trunks.]
That stupid mouth–to–mouth tissue game.[]
Amari deliberately bit the tissue down to a tiny scrap. Leonel kept leaning in, trying to grab it with his mouth.
“Leo loses! Time for punishment!”
Someone shouted: “Make him confess to someone! How about Amari?“]
Amari collapsed dramatically across Leonel’s lap, playfully hitting his chest:[]
“Oh my god, I’m dying of embarrassment!“]
Another voice: “They’re already this close–confessions are boring!“]
“Amari, tell us exactly what happened that night! Give us the dirty details!“]
Everyone was cracking up when Amari suddenly grabbed for his crotch:]
“Just like this! Got your nuts!“]
Leonel blocked her hand, laughing: “You little shit!“]
In the chaos, he accidentally caught her bikini string and pulled.
Chapter 3
The tie came undone instantly![]
While Amari shrieked, Leonel reflexively pulled her against his chest, yelling at everyone:[]
“Turn around! Nobody fucking look!”
The waves kept rolling.]
He gently retied her strings, fingertips trailing across her bare back.
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