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The music coming through the speakers is soft and melodic—some classic rock I’ve never heard before. I can feel Remy’s eyes on me, like an invisible rope between us.
“What music do you like?” I ask, wondering if this is his preference.
His jaw tightens. “I thought the getting to know you was over.”
I swallow hard because he doesn’t make this easy. “Do you enjoy being a grump?”
The whisper of a smile graces his lips. “A grump?”
I nod. “Yeah, you know—a grouch. A grump.”
He leans forward in his seat, our faces inches apart. “Yes, I enjoy it, especially when it irritates you, Ella.” His lips pull into an amused grin.
The lump in my throat hurts. “Right, because you hate me and want to piss me off as much as possible.”
“No,” he breathes, eyes flashing. “I don’t hate you. And I like to irritate you because you’re beautiful when you get flustered and flushed like you are right now.”
My heart skips a beat. Did my stepdad call me beautiful?
I swallow hard, wondering if he feels this electric connection, too. “What?”
His jaw works. “It’s just an observation.” He sits back, his expression turning hard. “You are beautiful, Ella. Like your mom.”
I swallow hard, wishing he wouldn’t compare me to her. I’m nothing like her. She’s coldhearted and cares about nothing but herself. I strive to be everything she’s not. “I’m nothing like her.”
He nods. “On the inside, no. You are innocent and pure. Your mother is...” He trails off as if unsure about speaking his mind around me.
“A cold-hearted bitch.”
His brows raise. “I was going to be a little less to the point...”
“What’s the point of beating around the bush? Just say what you mean.” I glance out of the window. “I hate it when people skirt around things. It’s annoying.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
I look at him again, and our eyes meet, making my heart beat so hard it feels like it will beat out of my chest.
Is it possible that my soul mate is my stepdad?
It would be a cruel and vicious joke, as he’s off-limits. I’ve never felt this way around anyone before. As if one look in his eyes could tear me apart. I want him with every fiber of my being and know I’ll never have him.
It’s a difficult pill to swallow.
8
ELLA
Mia opens the door and rushes into the library, stopping still when she sees me. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She shakes her head. “No one’s ever in here normally.”
“No need to apologize,” I say, smiling at her. “It’s your home.”
Her lips purse together. “I haven’t spoken to you much since the dinner three months ago. How is my dad treating you? I hope he’s treating you well.” She approaches hesitantly.
I shrug. “He’s okay.”
Mia slumps beside me on the couch. “He can be a bit of an asshole.”
I laugh. “Yeah, a bit.”
