Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 289

Karl

So far, the plans to have Abby’s staff cater for the library building event are going well. Abby was very receptive to the idea, and now her staff is all here.

I’m certain that this event will be great press, not just for the election, but also for Abby and her restaurant. And even though this election is important to me, so is helping Abby.

As the meeting finally comes to an end, though, I can feel my heart beginning to race ever so slightly. It’s time to talk to Chloe and Leah.

I did make a promise, after all; and I’m no longer in the business of not keeping my promises. If Abby wants me to talk to her friends, then I’ll do exactly that. And I’ll do a damn good job of it, too. I’m not about to let Chloe and Leah, especially Chloe, walk out of here with a bad taste in their mouth.

I turn to face Chloe, Leah, and Abby, who exchange wary glances. Abby knows what’s coming next, and I know she’s a bit embarrassed. Hell, I’m even a little embarrassed too, but I won’t show it.

The atmosphere is tense, and I can feel my wolf bristle with unease. Chloe, in particular, shoots me a glare that could cut through steel, and I can't help but inwardly question the state of our supposedly improved relationship.

Putting on a smile, I muster my most diplomatic tone. “Chloe, Leah, could I talk to you two for a minute?”

Chloe’s apprehension is palpable, and she shoots me a skeptical look as she folds her arms across her chest. “What could you possibly need to ‘talk’ to me about?” she retorts.

I have to hold in a sigh. It’s clear that Chloe is upset—no, more than upset. Furious. But regardless, I push aside the unease gnawing at me and maintain my composure. “I just want to set the record straight,” I say evenly.

Abby steps in, her voice gentle but pleading. “Chloe, please, hear Karl out.:

Chloe hesitates for a moment before relenting with a reluctant nod. Leah, standing beside her, seems more open to the idea. “Alright, Karl,” Chloe concedes, her tone less confrontational. “I guess we can ‘talk’.”

I lead them to my office, and they take seats in front of my desk. Abby leans against the windowsill, watching from a safe distance as though she expects her friends to explode like dynamite once I tell them everything. And honestly, I don’t blame her.

Chloe wastes no time in unleashing her accusations. The second the door is closed, she whirls on me, her tone biting. “So, Karl,” she begins, her voice sharp and accusatory, “what is it you wanted to ‘talk’ about? Because I think I already know what the deal is here.”

“Oh?” I ask, exchanging an almost imperceptible glance with Abby. “And what would that be?”

Chloe scoffs. “You two are totally sleeping together,” she says. “I can see it all over both of you. And honestly, Karl, I’m appalled that you’re doing this to her. After what you put her through—”

“Chloe, please,” Abby chimes in, “don’t jump to conclusions. Just hear what he has to say.”

“I fail to understand why any of us should listen to anything this guy has to say, Abby,” Chloe retorts before turning back to me. “You’ve hurt Abby before, and now it seems like you’re trying to pull her away from the city. How long do you plan on keeping her here, hm? Is all of this really to keep her safe, or is it just another one of your schemes to win her back? To manipulate her?”

“Oh my god,” Abby mutters, passing her hand over her face. “Chloe, it’s not like that.”

“Listen,” I say, sitting down in my chair, “I completely understand why you’re worried about Abby, Chloe. And I fully understand why you’re so distrusting of me. I get it, alright? But Abby is an adult.”

Abby nods, taking a tentative step closer. “I’m not a child, Chloe,” she says softly. “I love you, and I appreciate your concern, but I’d really appreciate it if you could just try to be a little more understanding right now. Besides, you don’t even know the full story.”

Chloe sighs, her anger giving way to a sense of helplessness. “I do know that,” she admits, softening a little, “but I just can’t forget how heartbroken you were because of him. I’ve tried, I’ve really tried, but…”

“I know I’ve broken Abby’s heart.” I pause, my tone somber and low as I stare down at my lap. “But I thought we had an understanding, Chloe. I don’t want to hurt Abby ever again. I thought you knew that.”

“Why, then, did she come here to hide from the city and didn’t even tell her two best friends?” Chloe retorts.

“Because,” Abby says, her voice raising slightly, “I was afraid that you would freak out, just like you’re doing right now.”

Abby’s words are met with abject silence. Chloe and Leah both look at her incredulously; it’s clear that they didn’t expect her to say that, and neither did I. But I have to admit that I’m proud of her for speaking her mind.

The tension between Chloe and Abby has been palpable for a long time now. I’ve always appreciated Chloe’s candor, but sometimes she can be incredibly overbearing. Not that I can complain, because I’ve been the overbearing type myself. But I’m working on it.

We’ve all got something to work on, right?

“Touche,” Chloe says quietly, leaning back in her chair. It’s clear she’s at a loss for words.

Leah shifts uncomfortably in her seat. “I’d like to hear the full story now,” she says, always the more reserved one out of the bunch.

I exchange a glance with Abby before taking a deep breath. It’s time. “Abby and I are in a fake relationship,” I admit, my gaze fixed on Chloe.

Chloe’s eyes widen in disbelief, and she shoots Abby a searching look. “Is this true?” she demands.

Abby hesitates for a moment, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. But before Chloe can jump to conclusions, Abby speaks, her voice genuine and resolute. “Yes,” she says, her voice unwavering. “It’s true. We just decided to do it this weekend.”

A heavy silence descends upon the room. Chloe’s face is turning a deep shade of red, and it’s as if she’s not even breathing.

“Listen,” I say, “it was all my idea. I’ll admit that I announced it at a party this weekend without discussing it with her first, and that’s on me.” I pause then, turning to look at Abby. “And Abby, if you ever want to pull out, I hope you know that I won’t stop you. There’s nothing holding you to this. It’s your decision.”

Another silence falls over the room. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, and it’s as if a bomb is about to explode. Finally, Chloe croaks out, “Are you sure you’re okay with something like this, Abby?”

My gaze shifts over to Abby. She’s standing there, her fingers curling and uncurling into fists at her sides. For a moment, I almost expect her to say no, that she’s not okay with it, and that she wants to go home. And honestly, I wouldn’t blame her. Hell, I wouldn’t even stop her. I know what sort of position she’s in here, and I know it’s not fair. How could I blame her for wanting out?

But she doesn’t. Instead, she levels her gaze with her friends, and nods.

“I’m more than okay with it,” she says. “In fact, it’s a brilliant idea; it’s going to be good for both me and Karl, and it’ll help us achieve what we want. I’m completely on board with it.”

I almost let out a sigh of relief. I know that Abby has been pissed at me ever since the impromptu announcement, but to hear her express her support of this arrangement fills me with ease. It makes me just want to work even harder to ensure that this deal of ours ends in a win-win situation for both of us, even if we don’t wind up getting back together in the end.

I glance over at Chloe and Leah then. Chloe is still fuming, her eyes burning with frustration as she looks at Abby. But Leah is a different story. Her eyebrows are raised, intrigue written across her face.

Then, she speaks. “I support you,” she says, standing. “I support you all the way, Abby.”

Abby’s shoulders slump with relief. “Thank you, Leah,” she murmurs. “That means more than you know.”

Leah then turns to Chloe. “Well?” she asks. “What do you think, Chlo?”