Page 138 of Wardrobe Malfunction

He looks at me holding Charly’s hand, and his expression tightens.

Guess the cat’s out of the bag. Oh well.

We step inside, and I shut the door behind us. Alex is sitting on the sofa. He stands when he sees us. I jerk my chin in greeting at him.

His smile is tight.

“Okay, so what’s the problem? I’m guessing you know Charly and I are together—”

“Vaughn.”

“I’m not just fucking her. I’m in love with her.”

“Jesus.” Jack rubs his face. “He doesn’t know, does he?” He’s looking at Charly.

I feel her tense beside me, and I hate that Jack is making her feel uncomfortable.

“Jack, let me stop you there.” I hold a hand up. “If you’re talking about Charly’s dad, then I already know everything.”

“Do you want to tell him, or should I?” He’s talking to Charly again.

“Tell me what?” I look down at Charly, and she’s paled. The expression on her face makes my stomach sink.

Then, her words in the elevator ring clear in my head.

“There’s just something you need to know. Something I need to tell you before we go any further. It’s important.”

Releasing her hand, I step back to face her. “Charly? What’s going on?” My voice betrays me and wobbles, giving away the fear and dread I’m feeling inside because I know for certain that, whatever this is, it’s not going to be good.

“I, um…” She runs a hand through her hair.

I see that it’s shaking. She glances over at Alex and Jack.

“Charly?” I say her name.

But she doesn’t look at me.

So, I say it again louder this time, “Charly.”

Her eyes snap to mine.

“Just tell me what the fuck is going on.”

“I’m married.”

The words drop in the silence of the room, and they hit me like a wrecking ball. I feel pain in every part of my body.

“What?” I breathe.

“She’s married,” Jack pipes up.

“I fucking got that!” I yell at him. My eyes swing back to her. “You’re married?” The words fall out of me.

“I’m sorry. I should have told you.”

She steps toward me, and I step back.

“Preferably before you let me fuck you!” I roar.