Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 12

Ellie felt the sting of Alex’s words, a reminder of the years her family had shown gratitude to the Warrens, now a bitter pill to swallow. It was a crushing blow to the spirit.

Instinctively, Ellie glanced at her brother Aaron, who in turn looked at Haley. But Haley, unable to meet his gaze, turned

away.

Ellie moved quickly to block Alex as he charged over, her heart in her throat. She knew he responded better to a softer touch than a hard shove. Ignoring her brother’s protests, she softened her voice. “Alex, look, we’re really sorry.”

But Alex wasn’t in a forgiving mood. “Ellie, where do your loyalties lie?” he snapped, pushing her aside.

The crowd gasped as Ellie stumbled and fell into a nearby flower bed.

“Ellie!” Aaron was at her side in a flash, his face pale as he saw her injured. A small spot of blood was already spreading on her white shirt.

Handing Ellie off to Haley, Aaron stood and threw a punch at Alex. “You’re out of line!”

Alex, caught off guard by Ellie’s injury, didn’t dodge in time. But he was no stranger to fights, and Aaron, despite his gentle exterior, was a force to be reckoned with

Their anger was a living thing, and even Layton had a hard time breaking them apart as the scene devolved into chaos. Determined, Ellie shook off Haley’s concern and got to her feet, rushing towards the fray.

“Ellie,” Haley said, her voice shaky as she closed her eyes, unable to watch.

As Alex swung, he saw Ellie flinch and hesitated. Aaron stepped in to shield her, and the two men were finally pulled apart. Ellie stood between them, trembling.

voice wavered but her eyes were steady, “The Warrens have been there for us. We won’t forget that. Tears filled her eyes. “Aaron and I

Alex. He pointed at her forehead, frustration in his voice. “Ellie, how do you plan on making

problem, not yours,” she

anger was palpable, but Layton managed to

brother, Ellie asked through her tears,

a comforting hug. “You’re right,

hospital, Haley interjected, steering them

stood alone, staring at the spot where Ellie had fallen, a cigarette now between his lips as

on the

with Alex, sparked up a smoke too,

1/2

Cars –

dream car game

24

Chapter 12

face was a thundercloud. He shot Layton a withering

knew that Aaron had such moves. Let’s

5%

few steps and then doubled back. “Ellie’s been your shadow since she was a squirt. Thought you

13

flicked around, restless. He took a harsh drag from his cigarette. “She’s a turncoat. If

on her.”

held Alex’s gaze for a beat. “She was just looking out for her brother. You’re acting weird about this. You’re not… got