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,

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

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

for ages just to take her out to a regular restaurant, let alone buy

me

she met his gaze without flinching. “You know Haley is with Aaron. Why should I help you? If you really like her, go after her yourself. You know where

arrogance to resurface. With a proud look,

1/3

Love and Deepspace

conquer

@K 75%1

Jan

Chapter

you want to help me, the more I want you

then turned and dashed

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

had always been obedient, but this time,

Ellie, what do you think you can use to stand up to me? Without hesitation,

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

Alex’s disdainful look and his harsh words. She’d braced herself for the worst where he was concerned. But the idea of him going head–to–head with her brother, Aaron, over a girl? And then, to top it off,

of guys, many of them great catch, but her heart had

her, and she woke up early, heading to the hospital as usual. Like any adult facing a tough

everyone,” she chirped, greeting her coworkers with a forced

words Professor Bell’s assistant gig is gone. They want you in the director’s office

Ellie kept her cool, hastily gathering her

and she should just wait for