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The anger simmering below my skin is boiling up again. How dare he put someone so pure through the trials of hell? My hands clench into fists as I contemplate what I want to do to the asshole.
I need to find him and make sure he never bothers her again. I want to take care of him permanently, but I have a sense Riley wouldn’t forgive me for that so it’s not the way forward.
Maybe I could keep it a secret? No. I refuse to lie to her. Something like that would fester. Truth and honesty are the basis of a relationship, and I wouldn’t… couldn’t compromise that.
Perhaps I could get one of the guys to take care of him for me. They would do it if I asked; a major criminal less in this world is always a win. But no, even if De Marco didn’t die at my hands, if I played any part in it, the outcome would always be the same… no Sunshine.
I take out two plates from the cupboard and serve our omelets, the smell still making me nauseous. This conversation has killed my appetite.
A heaviness is hanging in the air; it’s uncomfortable and oppressive.
Fucking De Marco.
The only thing this type of man brings to the world is misery… even when they’re not around.
I carry the plates and cutlery to the small, round dining table. Riley takes two placemats from the stack in the center of the table and lays them out before I put the plates down. We sit down, and she picks up her fork but doesn’t begin eating right away. She seems far away, lost in thoughts, just like me.
How do I navigate this? I need to steer us back to firmer ground.
“Ril… Sunshine,” I correct myself. I don’t want to use her fake name. It would be another lie between us.
“You’re avoiding calling me Riley. Why is that?” She’s so sharp, picking up on my reluctance.
Do I tell her I know it’s not her real name?
Honesty first—always.
“I’m aware it’s not your real name. It feels wrong to use it, even though I know why it needs to be there. So I prefer Sunshine. For starters, that’s what you are… a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.”
She smiles at that. A rare genuine smile that makes her eyes sparkle.
“And secondly?” she asks.
“Secondly, it avoids any name issues.”
“Do you know my name?”
I hesitate for a brief moment. Eavesdropping is creepy, but what’s the point of denying it?
“I do. I overheard Miranda talking to Gary about an Ella. It wasn’t hard to work out from their conversation who they were talking about.”
“I’m glad you know. While Riley is a lovely name, it doesn’t feel like me. But I guess I better get used to it. Let’s hope I’ll answer when somebody calls out that name.”
I wipe my hand on my jeans and hold it out to her.
“Let me officially introduce myself then.” I wink. “My name is Aiden Lennard Burg. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Ella’s eyes twinkle as she takes my hand and shakes it… And yes, the zapping electricity strikes again. She stares at our conjoined hands for a moment, a shudder visibly traveling through her body.
She lets out a breath and clears her throat, a smile playing along her luscious pink lips. “The pleasure is all mine. I am Ella Rose O’Neil.”
There, no more lies between us.
“Now, we’re off to a much better start,” I say.
“Not quite,” she replies. “Ella Rose O’Neil isn’t a brunette with green eyes. So I guess I am Riley after all.” Sadness once more falls over her like a shadow. She’s been through so much, and I can tell that taking on a new persona is a burden for her.
“No, you’ll always be Ella. No matter what your hair or eye color is,” I assure her. “Nothing can change your essence, the spirit of who you are.”
