Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 252

“Clive, I just want you.” Kristen’s voice was soft, her tear-stained face tipped up to meet his eyes. She looked at him with so much hope it almost hurt. “You care about me too, right? You told me once—I’m special to you…”

Clive swallowed, Adam’s apple bobbing as he tried to keep it together.

His voice was rough. “Kristen, we can’t…”

“Why not?” Kristen edged closer, her courage growing. She pressed a gentle kiss to his jaw, feeling his breath—hot and shaky—against her skin. That only made her bolder. Her lips trailed down, landing on his throat.

Clive’s whole body went tense. In a heartbeat, his self-control snapped.

His eyes darkened with hunger, breaths turning ragged. Suddenly, he pushed Kristen down onto the hospital bed.

Pain shot through her wound, but Kristen’s eyes shimmered, caught somewhere between pleasure and pain. This was it. Tonight, she’d finally be his.

“Clive, I really love you… Whatever Amelia could give you, I can too. And whatever she can’t, I can give you so much more…” Her words were soft and tempting as she guided his hand under her shirt.

The touch of his hand on her skin made Kristen shiver. Heat rushed through her, but something about Clive tonight just felt off.

“Clive, you’re so hot…”

Before she could say more, he yanked her shirt open, buttons scattering everywhere. He pinned her down, no tenderness, no gentle lead-in—just heat and urgency, his hands roaming over her bare skin like he was desperate to burn it all away.

It wasn’t the sweet, slow passion she’d dreamed about, but at least she was finally getting her chance. Kristen played along, reaching for his belt.

There was a sharp click.

Suddenly, Clive’s hand wrapped around her throat, holding her firmly against the bed.

He stared down at her, breath heavy, taking in her flushed cheeks and pleading eyes. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Clive…”

But as he looked at Kristen, another face filled his mind—Amelia.

Kristen froze.

Her desire vanished in a flash of cold shock. She gripped the sheets tight, jealousy burning inside her.

She could handle Clive being out of it, but she’d never let herself be a stand-in for that woman.

“Clive. You’re hurting me…” Kristen grabbed his hand, turning her head to look at him, her eyes bright with tears.

As soon as Clive saw her face, the fever in his eyes faded. He frowned, looking down. The bandage on her stomach was stained with fresh blood.

Clive said nothing.

He pressed his fingers to his aching forehead, pulled himself off the bed, and started straightening his clothes.