Perfect Bastard (by Mary D. Sant) novel Chapter 107

Chapter 107: I Am Her Future

ETHAN

Shit. It looks like the idiot is still living in the apartment next door. I

had almost forgotten about that, though I vaguely remember hoping

he’d just disappear some time ago. Unfortunately, it seems that didn’t

work.

Tension hung in the air, heavy and uncomfortable, while anger

simmered inside me as I realized he was still lingering around, like

some damn hyena.

When I turned to Ellie, I found her watching me with apprehension,

as if she were waiting for a reaction. Noticing that I had dropped her

beanie on the ground, I bent down to pick it up.

“We’ll see each other on Sunday,” I said, standing back up and

handing her the beanie.

Then, I leaned in and kissed her softly, just as the jerk walked past

behind me.

When I pulled away, she looked confused.

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“I think there’s something we still need to talk about,” she said, her

gaze shifting to his apartment door.

“Later. For now, go inside, or you’ll be late for work.”

She hesitated briefly but nodded before heading into her apartment.

I turned to leave as soon as she shut the door, but stopped abruptly.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, clenching my fists.

Don’t do this. Just walk away.

But I couldn’t. Even though I knew I didn’t need to, because I trusted

her, I couldn’t stop myself from acting on instinct. Turning back, I

marched straight toward his door.

Stopping in front of it, I knocked and waited. A few seconds later, the

jerk opened it.

“Is there a problem?” he asked in a hostile tone.

I let a mocking smile spread across my face.

“No. I just wanted to say that I feel sorry for you. I mean, it must’ve been tough having to listen to her talk about another guy while you pretended to be her friend just to get closer to her,” I said, forcing a

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look of pity. “So, I hope you’ve learned your lesson.”

I saw his jaw tighten with irritation.

“That’s a bit ironic, don’t you think? Coming from the guy she was

crying over?”

“Just stay away from her. You had your chance, and you blew it, there

won’t be a second one.” I gave him an arrogant smile. “Because I’m

here, and I’ll make sure she forgets you even exist. Though I don’t

think that’s necessary anymore, we both know she’s already forgotten

you.”

“Are you sure about that? If you’re so confident, then why are you

here?” he taunted.

I kept forcing a smile.

“Believe me, this is the last thing I wanted to do. But, you see, I’m a

really nice guy, and I thought I’d help you out by letting you know it’s

a waste of time to hang around, hoping for another opportunity. It’s

not going to happen,” I said, trying to sound as friendly as possible to

annoy him. “But you’re right, I don’t care. You’re the past. And me?

I’m the future.” I gave him a smug smile and a quick wink before

turning to leave, satisfaction spreading across my face.

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So mature, Ethan. My grin widened. I could already imagine what Ellie

would say if she had seen the scene: “What was that? Are you trying to

mark your territory like some wild animal? Like a caveman?”

And I’d say: Sorry, baby, but I’m a man. I can’t help it, because you’re

mine.

***

ELLIE

On Saturday, I had made plans with the girls to go shopping for gifts and have lunch. It was Christmas Eve, and the streets of the city that never sleeps were illuminated by a profusion of twinkling lights and festive decorations. They were also packed with hurried people walking along the bustling sidewalks, carrying shopping bags filled.

with last–minute gifts.

As we followed Zoe down the sidewalk, also laden with bags, I admired the extravagantly decorated shop windows.

The restaurants and bars were already packed with people

celebrating. Street musicians popped up here and there, playing Christmas carols, and the cold air was filled with festive, cheerful

energy that created a magical atmosphere.

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When we finally reached our destination, Zoe stopped in front of the

La Perla store–of course, one of her favorites.

“Let me guess, you’re buying a gift for Bennett,” Zara teased.

Zoe smirked mischievously, her red lipstick highlighting her plump

lips, before walking into the store.

After Zoe and Zara had picked out a few pieces, Anna and I followed

them upstairs and sat on one of the sofas near the fitting rooms to

wait.

“So, from what Zoe said, it sounds like Ethan is pretty excited to

introduce you to his parents,” Anna said, relaxing against the sofa.

“I’d like to say I’m not nervous, but even though I already know them,

I can’t help it,” I replied, noticing her baby bump was starting to

show.

“Don’t worry. After all, they already have Zoe as a daughter–in–law,”

she said, making me laugh. “What could be worse than that?”

“Well, when you put it that way…”

“I’m glad you two are finally making it work.”

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“Yeah, I think we are.”

“What do you mean, ‘think‘?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

“There are still a few things I’m not sure how to handle.”

“Like what?”

“My ex still lives in the apartment next door. Actually, he showed up

right as Ethan was dropping me off yesterday, and I think it brought

back some of the tension.”

“What’s wrong with that guy? He should’ve stayed in Italy for good.”

“Yeah, I think that would’ve avoided a few problems.”

“And how did Ethan react this time?”

“All he said was, ‘Later,‘ when I suggested we should talk about it.

And even though he didn’t seem upset, I could tell he was tense.”

“Well, at least he didn’t lose it. That’s a good thing, right?”

“Yeah, maybe. And maybe it’s also time for me to start looking for a

new apartment,” I sighed. “I just wish I knew what to do.”

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“Maybe you should start by buying a ‘gift‘ like these two,” she

suggested with a mischievous smile. “And then, of course, you two

can talk.”

The idea made me smile. I guess I could find a way to take it slow and

heat things up at the same time.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

*

Ethan stepped out of the car just as I exited the building. I walked

toward him, the cold air biting at my ankles as my heels echoed

against the pavement. Unfortunately, tights didn’t go with my dress.

As he rounded the car, my eyes roamed over his body. He was dressed

elegantly in a black coat and trousers, with a white shirt underneath

and a brown scarf draped around his neck.

The top buttons of his shirt were undone, giving the outfit a casual

touch. Despite always looking effortlessly put–together, as if he didn’t

have to try, Ethan was a man of refined style. His wardrobe went far

beyond the tailored suits he wore to work.

Leaning against the car, he crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze

sweeping over me. His lips curved into a soft, sensual smile.

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He bit his lower lip as I stopped in front of him.

“Wow…” he sighed. “Come here,” he said, holding out his hands,

covered in black leather gloves.

Smiling, I took one of them, and he pulled me into him, wrapping his

arms around my waist beneath my coat. I inhaled deeply, taking in his

delicious scent.

“Merry Christmas,” he whispered, his eyes fixed on my lips.

His own lips looked so inviting, but I knew it would be hard to stop if

I leaned in to kiss him.

“Merry Christmas,” I whispered back with a smile.

“You look gorgeous… and delicious,” he murmured, his eyes locked on

the subtle neckline of my dark green dress. “Maybe we should skip

lunch.”

“Thanks. But what would your parents think of that?”

“I have no idea… I can barely think with you wearing that. Why that

color?”

“Don’t you like it?”

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