CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE – TENSIONS IN DIFFERENT CAMPS

Kayla crouched beside Lance, cradling his battered face gently between her palms. His left eye was already swelling shut, mottled bruises blooming across his cheekbone. "What in God's name happened here?" she asked, fighting to keep her voice steady despite the rage and fear churning inside her. Harris was still slumped against the wall where she'd shoved him, dabbing gingerly at his split lip. He shot her a venomous glare. "Your deranged husband is what happened. He launched himself at me like a madman for no reason!" "Liar!" Lance rasped out the word, his voice a ragged gravel. "You were spouting hateful filth about Kayla, disrespecting her in the foulest way..." "That's enough." Kayla's tone brooked no argument as she helped Lance into a sitting position, keeping a steadying arm around him. "This has gone far enough." She turned her attention to Harris, eyes flashing with barely contained fury. "You'll get your explanation and apologies from Lance later. Right now, I think it'