The circle fell into silence . The fire cracked softly , casting flickers of orange light across our far rfaces . My heart hammered as I looked between the two of them . Andrew sat on my left , relaxed , but his eyes held something curious . Rick was on my right , elbow resting on his knee , hand clenched into a fist so tight the veins in his forearm were visible , All eyes were on me . Thesitated , trying to steady my breath . Then I leaned forward and reached for the shot glass on the tray . " I'll drink . " urmurs.1 A few gasps followed , a couple of cheers , some murmurs . I didn't look at either of them . I tossed the shot back , felt the bum crawl down my throat , and sat back in silence . Out of the corner of my eye , I saw Rick's jaw tick . He didn't say anything . But when the tray came around to him next , he grabbed a shot without waiting for the prompt . He downed it , then another and then a third . His knuckles were white around the rim of the glass . I tried to stay present . I laughed when someone tripped trying to fake - kiss their coworker . I played along when a round of dares started . I was smiling , but I wasn't relaxed . Rick took more shots , one after another , barely tasting them . One of the coordinators clapped her hands twice , stepping closer to the fire with a clipboard in hand . Her voice cut through the laughter buzzing around the group . " Alright , everyone , that's the end of the games for tonight , " she said , smiling . " Make sure you get to bed early , Tomorrow is packed with activities , and we'll be starting bright and early , so rest well . " Groans and playful complaints followed , but people slowly started getting up , brushing dirt off their clothes , stretching and yawning Andrew leaned in slightly , voice warm and close " Good night , Fiona , " he said with a soft smile . " Tonight was … actually a lot of fun . I'm glad I got to talk to you again I looked up at him , my chest tightening a little . " I can't wait to see you to tomorrow , " he added , eyes holding mine for just a moment longer than necessary before he turned and walked off toward the tents . When the game ended , people began to peel off toward their tents in pairs and small groups , still buzzing from the fun and alcohol . I stood up , brushing my legs off, ready to slip away quietly . Before I took a second step , Rick's hand caught my wrist " Where on earth are you going ? " he asked , voice rough and low I turned to him , his eyes bloodshot , lips parted slightly . He reeked of whiskey . Chapter 31 " To my tent , " I said . He stepped closer . " No. You're staying in mine . " İyanked my wrist . " I'm not interested in this bullshit , let go of me ." Benita appeared right behind him , arms crossed . Her voice was gentle but calculated . " I'll stay with you , Pick . Let her go . " He didn't even glance at her . " No. For the sake of everyone watching , it's better to kill the rumors . " I stared at him , scoffing . " You can stay with her , no one's watching now , you just want control . That's all this is " I turned again . He pulled me back a second time , harder . His grip made me stumble . " Why did you choose Andrew back there ? " " What are you even talking about ? " I asked , my voice sharp . " I didn't choose anyone . I literally took the shot . " His eyes didn't leave mine . " Exactly . " I blinked , confused . " 50 ? " " You could've chosen me , " he said , volce rough . " I'm your husband . No one would've questioned it. " I opened my mouth to argue , but he kept going , eyes burning . " But you didn't . You drank , " he said , bitterness slipping into his tone . " Because you didn't want to choose me and cause a scene . " I shook my head , trying to push him oft , but he didn't budge . " That's not true , " I snapped . " I didn't want drama . He cut in , low and steady . " You didn't want to hurt his feelings . Iflinched . His hands were still on mine . " You drank , " he said again , slower this time , " because you wanted to pick him , but didn't want anyone to see you do it " Tstared at him , laughed bitterly . " So this is what this is really about , huh ? The game ? You're jealous . " " Fiona … " " Don't deny it , you're pissed because I didn't pretend for once . " Before I could finish , he shoved the tent flap open and dragged me inside . His hand pushed me down to the mat before I could blink . He hovered over me , breathing heavy , shirt creased from the way he'd been slouched . The scent of firewood and alcohol clung to him . " You need to understand something . " I sald , my voice sharp . " This trip is going to last a whole week , and I don't want to spend it being monitored or dragged around like a child He didn't say anything . Just stood there , arms crossed , waiting . 10:10 Wed , 27 Aug © 6 17 • Chapter 31 I kept going " You need to leave that controlling spirit of yours back home , along with your father's ridiculous ideas , " I snapped . " I'm not one of your employees , and I'm definitely not someone who needs to be managed " His eyes narrowed slightly , but I didn't care . " I came here to participate in a work retreat , not to get caught up in your dramatics , your jealousy , or whatever twisted game this is supposed to be . " I turned away , I was feeling so exhausted by now and I just really needed him to let me it was so frustrating being so controlled especially since he already had someone that he was obsessed with . " Just stay on n your side of the tent . We can both survive the week if you just let me be . " " You did this four years ago too , " he said and I stopped in my tracks unsure i had heard him right My breath caught and he looked right into my eyes with his reddened ones " You picked Andrew over me then , too . " He said and I instantly froze in place . AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!