Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Ellie turned to face him, their eyes locking. She could feel the tension in the air, and the mocking smirk on his face was

unmistakable.

Soaked to the bone. Ellie tried to find her footing under the awning, but before she could steady herself, Alex pushed her back out into the rain.

chto the pavement. Wincing in pain, she looked up at Alex,

The shove caught her off guard, and she stumbled, falling hard disbelief written all over lier face.

She knew Alex could be harsh, but he had never actually hurt her before. Seeing him push her down like that, just to impress Haley, made it clear how deep his feelings ran.

Alex loomed over her, his expression dark and intense. “Is this why you’re not helping me?” he demanded, his voice low and threatening.

Ellie clenched her hands in the muddy water as she struggled to get up and move under the awning to escape the rain. She wasn’t one to wallow in self–pity; standing out in the rain to talk to him was the last thing she wanted.

Covered in mud and looking a mess, she quickly checked the scrapes on her hands and arms, then pulled out an alcohol wipe from her bag to clean them.

“Seriously? A little scrape and you’re making such a big deal our of it?” His voice was cold and laced with sarcasm.

Ellie looked up, meeting his gaze..Despite her best efforts to hold back her emotions, her eyes began to water. She knew her place, but hearing it from him still hurt.

The dangerous look in Alex’s eyes made her uneasy, but since he already knew, she figured it was better to be honest. Under his intense stare, she took a deep breath and said, “Haley is Aaron’s girlfriend. They’re happy together and will be meeting the parents soon.”

Alex’s laughter was sharp and mocking. “What does your brother have that could compete with me?”

Haley likes him, Ellie shot back,

at her like she’d just told the funniest joke. “Haley’s bags alone cost a fortune. What can

was at a loss for words. Aaron was juggling his job at a law firm while pursuing his PhD, sending most of his paycheck

been saving for ages just to take her out to a regular

me Alex insisted. “Set up a meeting with Haley for tomorrow morning.

and angry. But her frustration gave her unexpected courage, and she met his gaze without flinching. “You know Haley is

for his arrogance to resurface. With a proud look,

1/3

Love and Deepspace

him, conquer him

@K 75%1

Fri, Jan 24 TG.

Chapter

you want to help me, the more I want you

replied firmly, then turned and

tame. Even his grandfather Carlos had ended up in the hospital several times a year because of

the past. Ellie had always been obedient, but this time, she wasn’t going to follow his lead

to himself. Ellie, what do you think you can use to stand up to me? Without hesitation, he picked up his phone and sent

the day’s grind. She managed a quick shower, her hair

for the worst where he was concerned. But the idea of him going

could have had her pick of guys, many of them great catch, but her heart

as usual. Like any adult facing a tough day, she put

greeting her coworkers with a forced

colleagues gave her a sympathetic look. “Ellie, words Professor Bell’s assistant gig is gone. They want you

the director’s office, Ellie kept her cool, hastily gathering her stuff and making her exit.

she was told the internship was a no–go and she should just wait for a call. It was a gentle way of saying she was out of