Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie) novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 

The clock ticked past one in the morning, and the rain came down like a waterfall. Alex pushed through the hotel’s spinning doors and spotted Ellie, huddled in the corner of the portico, trying to dodge the rain’s bullets. 

Even there, she was getting soaked, clutching a tattered umbrella, looking like a drowned rat with those big, damp eyes tracking him. 

The doorman rushed over, shielding Alex with an umbrella as he beelined for his fancy car 

“Alex” Ellie’s voice called out, but he pretended not to hear, his strides lengthening. 

Not to be deterred. Ellie dashed to the car as Alex slid in, her umbrella fighting a losing battle against the wind, her hand tugging at his arm. 

“I messed up. and I’m sorry, she muttered, her voice harrly a whisper, head bowed like she always did when she was little, even if she didn’t do anything wrong 

Allex glanced at the und umbrella and then at Elle. “What exactly did you mess up?” he snapped, even though he was the one who should be on the apology train 

The wind snatched the umbrella from Ellie’s hand, and she let go of Alex’s arm to wrestle it back. After a few deep breaths, she found her voice, soft but steady. Til help you, with her, she said, her ward a quiet offer 

Alex, already behind the wheel, paused with the seatbelt in hand, his eyes locked on Ellie 

She stood there, eyes downcast, the wright of a lifetime of his shadow on her shoulders. She’d tried to escape it all running off to college far away. but here she was, right back in the thick of ic 

His face was still a thundercloud, but his voice had an edge of curiosity. “You gonna talk back to me now?” he asked, a challenge in his tone. 

Ellie shook her head, her compliance as automatic as it was unnecessary. “No” she whispered. 

Alex’s stern look softened, just a bit “Get in,” he said, opening the door for her, a reluctant truce in the makin 

Ellie took a moment before climbing into the car 

Alex was quick to toss her a towel. Dry off, he said, griting straight to the point 

She didn’t have time for his games. Elle clutched the towel her voice edged with desperation. T’ve kept my end of the bargain. Can you let my brother go now! 

Alex just stared, a dismissive snort escaping him that Ellie took as pure sarcasm. He held her gaze, and she fidgeted with the towel, the silence between them growing heavy 

“First, give me all of Haley’s contact info, Alex said, his hands resting easily on the steering wheel, his mood lighter. “If you play your cards right. your brother could be out tomorrow.” 

was Alex’s world; he 

Ellie looked up, her eyes meeting his. It was clear he was in control of her brother’s situation, and she felt powerless. Jaslands was could find out anything about anyone. Yet, he was making her jump through hoops. 

“Why do you need me to give you her contact info when you could get at a million other ways!” Ellie asked, her frustration showing 

“Because you’re making this harder than it has to be,” Alex replied, pausing for effect. “The more you resist, the more want you to do it” 

Ellie frowned at his taunting words 

Alex gave her a playful glance. “And since I’m serious about Haley. I’m planning on marrying her, so I need to be 

e well–prepared: 

His casual mention of marriage sent Ellie’s emotions into a whirlwind. She lowered her head, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her feelings for Alex were a one–sided struggle she couldn’t control, and the pain was her own doing, 

She couldn’t imagine how Haley would feel if she knew Ellie was helping Alex pursue her, or how her brother would react if he found out. But Ellie was out of options. With a heavy hear, she handed over Haley’s contact information to Alex. 

“Alright, let’s hit the road, Alex said, sucking his phone away with a pleased grin. 

Ellie looked at him, puzzled “Where exactly are we headed? 

Back to the old homestead. Alex answered, his voice leaving no room for debate. 

She crossed her an determination in her eyes. “I’m not going back there. She only came to him as a last resort to help her brother. And she left that life behind a long time ago. 

Instead of arguing, Alex) 

x just stepped on the gas, and the car leaped forward. Ellie’s breaths hirched, but she managed to keep her scream in check. 

1/2 

1:18 PM 

Chapter 6 

The rain was pouring down, and even with the wipers on full blast, it was hard to see the road ahead. Ellie knew Alex’s temper; she wasn’t about to test his limits again. When he got mad, things could get intense 

As they raced towards the Warren Manor. Ellie kept to herself. Maybe it wasn’t all bad–she’d get to see his grandfather and parents, 

Lost in her thoughts about the mess she’d have to clean up once her brother was out. Ellie was snapped back to reality by her phone buzzing in her pocket. Seeing Haley’s name flash on the screen, she snatched up the call