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?”

compete because Haley likes him, Ellie shot back, her voice

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

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

to take her out to a regular restaurant, let

she’s your brother’s girlfriend, you still have to help me Alex insisted. “Set up a

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

taken aback by her boldness, but it didn’t take long for his arrogance to resurface. With a proud look, he said, The more she’s

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Chapter

to help me, the more I want you to

then turned and dashed

to tame. Even his grandfather Carlos had ended up

been obedient, but this time,

the rain, Alex smirked to himself. Ellie, what do you think you can use to stand up to me? Without hesitation, he picked up his phone and sent a text.

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

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, asking her for help? It was 100

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

adult facing a tough day, she put on a game face, ready to juggle whatever life threw her way.

she chirped, greeting her coworkers with a forced brightness.

words Professor Bell’s assistant gig is

Ellie kept her cool, hastily gathering her

today, she was told the internship was a no–go and she should just