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.

forget that. Tears filled her eyes. “Aaron and I are already in your debt. We’ll find

seemed to unsettle Alex. He pointed at her forehead, frustration

“That’s my problem, not yours,” she said with

Layton managed to

brother, Ellie asked through her

a comforting hug. “You’re right, Ellie. We figure it

the hospital,

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

on the

side with Alex, sparked up

1/2

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car game la

Jan 24 T GO.

Chapter 12

thundercloud. He shot Layton a withering look Back off, will ya?”

cigarette. “Never knew that Aaron had such moves. Let’s get

5%

didn’t budge, Layton took a few steps and then doubled back. “Ellie’s been your shadow since she

13

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

on her.”

her brother. You’re acting weird about this. You’re not… got a thing for