CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

I found myself pacing in Carl's room, my teeth, nervously chewing on my nails. How did I even get here? One moment I was facing Daniel's wrath, the next I was stepping into the elevator, heading to Carl's floor. He emerged from the bathroom, wearing a robe, and my eyes instinctively darted away, my cheeks flushing.

"We need to talk," I blurted out, trying to compose myself.

"What is it, Khloe?" he asked, his tone hinting at amusement. I sensed a tease in his voice and felt a surge of annoyance. He's my boyfriend, albeit pretend, but still... my mind raced with thoughts, my hands aching to touch his perfect body.

"I apologize," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"For?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly, his gaze piercing through me.

"You do want to know how it feels, don't you?" Normally, his directness would leave me flustered, but this time, it had a strange, thrilling effect on me.

"What do you mean?" I stuttered, my voice barely audible. I could sense his proximity,