Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 228

Karl chuckles. The production assistant is waving her clipboard frantically, checking her watch like we’re about to count down to an explosion. Karl takes my hand and we run down the hall, bursting through the doors to the stage. The assistant gestures to where our station is, all the way on the other end. Composing ourselves, we walk stiffly onto the stage.

As we walk into the blinding lights, I can see the other contestants—waiting, watching at their stations. Vanessa is watching from the judges’ stand, and for a moment I expect her to shake her head with disappointment. But instead, she shoots me a subtle wink and a thumbs-up. That alone is enough to make me feel more at ease.

But then, just as we’re passing by the other stations, I hear it: Daniel’s voice, a venomous whisper that cuts through the air, low enough so only Karl and I can hear.

“Just look at her,” Daniel mutters to his sous chef, not even attempting to be subtle about it. “She can’t even get her morning straight without her boyfriend stepping in. Honestly, she has no business being in a professional kitchen.”

My face burns hot, a bristle of indignation bubbling beneath the surface of my skin. I feel Karl tense beside me, his eyes narrowing as he registers Daniel’s words.

“I should say something,” he growls, ready to pounce, but I grab his arm and squeeze, signaling him to stand down.

I can’t let Karl step in, not now. Not when it would only prove Daniel’s point that I’m just a homemaker with no place in the kitchen, who needs a man to take care of business.

“No,” I say firmly. “Just ignore her.”

Karl shoots me a look as we approach our station. “And just let her trash-talk you? Again?”

“I don’t need you to fight my battles Karl.”

“I know you don’t, but—”

“—but nothing,” I cut him off. “Now is not the time.”