Chapter 9
Elle’s heart ached at his dismissive words. She recalled the broken cookies in the hospital room.
She struggled to breathe, feeling the impact of his words. She’d always avoided cream due to an allergy, a fact Alex seemed their years together. His lack of understanding cut deep.
oblivious
Ja despite
Alex walked back from the bathroom, spotting Ellie on her knees, scrubbing at a stain on the floor.
He leaned against the table, looking down at her. “Hey, Ellie, you know Haley better than anyone. What’s her deal? What does she like to do for fun. her favorite foods, her favorite places to hang out? I need to know everything.”
Elbe didn’t even look up, her voice flat as she scrubbed. “I don’t know, man” She balled up a dirty rag and tossed it into the trash.can, grabbing a new one without missing a beat…
Alex’s expression soured at her quick refissal “Come on, Ellie. It’s just a matter of time before Haley’s with me. Your brother doesn’t stand a chance You might as well help me oui, cause he’s not keeping her.”
Ellie gast nodded, her voice barely audible. “Yeah, whatever”
No one could see the future, and Ellie wasn’t sure if her brother and Haley would make it. But for now, they were good together, and that was all that counted.
Her nonchalance seemed to get under Alex’s skin. He gave her a light kick, playful but firm. Ellie stood up to wash her hands, avoiding his jibes.
“Ellie, you gotta have some sense here. Your brother’s trying to marry into money to climb the social ladder. It’s a bit much, don’t you think?” he followed and incred
and fix it
“My break’s over,” she said, already moving away. She was in such a hurry that she knocked over a chair, but she didn’t bother to stop a
pursued her brother, and Aaron had been the one to take his time
Her face burned with a mix of embarrassment and anger. It was Haley who had pur before getting into a relationship with her.
But to Alex, it looked like Aaron was just trying to use Haley to get ahead.
Ellie didn’t have the luxury to wallow, Post–work, she was all about back–to–back interviews and the hunt for a side hustle.
Within a few days, she bagged a swert deal as a wrekenil singer at a local har
Saturdays, 8 to midnight, she’d helt out tunes for a cool $60 an hour, with tips shared down the middle. That translated to a sweet $240 for just four hours, notching up to a comfy $900 at the very least rach month.
Mid–journey to a gig interview. Ellie’s phone buzzed with a call from Haley. Without a second thought, she hailed a cab and headed straight to the rendezvous point Haley had texted.
Pulling up at the hotel just as the evening rush was in full swing. Ellie was met with a st
a sea of faces.
Amidst the clues. Alex stood out like a sore thumb in his shick get–up, his dirty blonde hair gleaming under the hotel lights. Her brother Aaron, clad In his hotel staff attire, was dabbing at a cut near his mouth.
Ellie hurried to Aaron’s side, her voice laced with urgency. “Aaron, what’s the story here?”
1
Aaron flashed her a weak sinile, trying to play it cool. “Alex dropped his phone and wore demanding an apology and cash to cover the damage,” he said, clearly trying to downplay the situation.
was the one who bumped into him. Now he’s
Ellie shot a glare at Alex, who was sporting a cocky smirk. His provocation was as clear as day, and it took all she had not to snap back.
She was in the know about his shenanigans, including his role in Aaron’s last run–in with the Law. She got Alex’s MO, and she knew Aaron’s stubborn streak–he’d never cop to something he didn’t do,
But she bit her tongue. It was obvious he was on a power trip. In this town, Alex’s word carried weight, and the hotel was owned by his buddy Layton. If Alex said Aaron was at fault, that was pretty much the end of the story
Ellie was at a loss when Haley showed up, lugging Aaron away. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” Ellie added, trying to defuse the tension.
But Alex wasn’t letting it go. “What’s the mater, pretty boy? Need your sister to fight for you?” he jeered
Aaron grined his teeth, trying to stay calm. “Hey, don’t go there.”
Tim going there,” Alex shot back, his bravado on full display as he took a swing at Aaron
Layton stepped in, pulling Alex away, while Ellie and Haley held Aaron back, trying to keep the peace in the midst of the chaos.
1/2
Chapter 9
“Aaron Ellie cried, her voice cracking as she held onto her brother’s arm, feeling the tension in his body. Please, just walk away. Let’s leave this behind, okay!”
Aaron was in no position to fight. If he won, he’d have to cover Alex’s medical bills. If he lost, he’d end up in the hospital and still be stuck with the
COME
Either way, it was a disaster waiting to happen. They were already strapped for cash, and Alex’s wrath would only make things worse.
“Alex, you hit him again, and you’re dealing with me, Haley warned, her voice shaking as she hurled her designer bag at him in a fit of anger
Alex sidestepped the bag with ease, then laughed. “Haley, his family’s so broke they’re practically living in a barn. You’re not seriously thinking about going from riches to rags for him, are you?”
The crowd roared with laughter, and Haley’s face turned beet red with embarrassment as some people recognized her.
Ellie’s heart ached as she watched her brother, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, as he fought to keep his emotions in check. She felt a mix of heartbreak and despair.
Aaron noticed Haley’s discomfort and, with a deep breath to steady his nerves, he walked over and took her hand. “Haley, let’s get out of here,” he said softly
As Haley turned to leave with Aaron, Ales seemed to take it personally. The crowd gasped as Alex grabbed Aaron by the collar, his voice low but threatening. Tim giving you a break because of her. Apologize, and you can walk away?”
His words were loaded, and his eyes held a challenge that was almos palpable, causing Ellie’s heart to lurch.
Aaron met Alex’s stare with a calm resolve. “I’m not apologizing for something I didn’t do,” he stated firmly.
Haley, clearly annoyed, rolled her eyes. “Ales, stop trying to mess with us,” she supped
Alex’s gaze fixated on Aaron’s hand holding Haley’s, his eyes turning dark and menacing. “So principled, are we? Then pay for my phone. As a favor to an old acquaintance, Ill give you a discount—30 thousand. Hand it over, and you’re free to leave”
Aaron’s response was unwavering “I won’t admit to something I didn’t do. Go ahead, call the cops.”
With a menacing step forward, Ales sneered at Aaron, “What do you have to be proud of Aaron? Don’t forget you’ve been wearing my brother’s cast–offs since you were a kid.
“Without those thin old ties between our families, you wouldn’t even be worthy of his hand–me–downs. A guy like you is better off sifting through garbage
2/2
