Chapter 8
My mouth curled into a nervous witch, and I felt a ringle run down my scalp, my mind going completely blank. This awkward moment left me speechless.
Without thinking, I tried to make a break for it. But just as I took a steps. Alex grabbed my wrist.
His eyebrows lifted slightly, and there was a hint of a smirk on his lips, but his ejes were icy. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Alex’s voice was deep and smooth, the kmd that could make anyone weak in the knees. Those long curled laibes framed seductive eyes that complemented his striking features.
Trould see why he made so many girls woon. To bad it didn’t work on me
Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to look up at him, my heart rating. The warmth of his hard arrend mine made my throat feel dry. Think I’m in the wrong spot,” I managed to say.
“Aren’t you here for a blind date!” His gaze was
gaze was soft, but my hear
car fluttered like crazy
like a prry trapped in a predator’s des
was downright intimidating. At that moment, I finally understood why Austin looked so pained
He radiated an air of confidence and authority
y that way after meetings at the office- Alex was no joke.
He was intimidating when he had that poker face on And when he smiled? to didn’t help. There was a clever, fox–like charm that only made him more imposing.
“Are you scared of me?” he asked, his voice low.
“No.” I shot hack, but my racing heart gave me away.
Alex chuckled softly, loosening his grip on my hand and pulling out the chair across from him, gesturing for me to sit. He didn’t pressure me, yet it
feh like a command.
“You didn’t know I was your blind date” The moment settled into the chair, he leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear
I blushed grabbing my glass and taking a gulp of water, nearly choking as I sputtered. Above me, Alex’s calm, casual voice broke through. That’s my glass you’re drinking from. I like my drinks sour, by the way?
Was it too late to bail My heart was racing like I was in a horror movie, and Alex was definitely the scariest character around.
Ip you chill out a bit. Alex leaned back in his chair, a
“Don’t be so anxious. It’s not like I’m about to eat you alive. Let’s chat about something that’ll help playful smirk forming on his irresistibly thin lips.
“A one–sided breakup–do you think it counts as a real breakup?” he asked.
I nearly exploded with frustration. He was calling this a relaxing chat! I wanted to get angry, but honestly, I didn’t have the courage. Offending Alex could lead to bad news.
He had a quirky temper and hardly anyone stuck around him. I used to wonder how someone could be so unlikable that they ended up friendless.
Now, I got it–being close to him felt like walking on thin ice. No one wanted to get too close.
“Why not! It’s not like we’re married. Even if we are, I could still file a divorce,” I replied.
Alex chuckled. “Just chill. I’m only curious”
Curious! Why didn’t he care about why Austin and I abruptly split after six yeard Why wasn’t he digging into what was really going on between Austin and Rosemary? Instead, he was fixated on this strange question
“Why is it that when two people get together,
ser, it takes both of them to agree, but when they break up, it doesn’t?” Alex mused, his gaze wandering.
*Love needs mutual agreement, while disliking, not so much“
“but feelings can be complicated. Sometimes you really like someone, then it turns out you
“Well, it all comes down to timing.” I replied.
Alex nodded as if my answer made sense. “So, do you
still have feelings for Austin?”
don’t.”
[ I cared about in the eyes of the Herren a
“No,” I replied, not hesitating a bir
Hut I could see the doubt in his eyes. And honestly, who could blame him! After all, Austin was everything I
1/2
Chapter 8
family
No matter what he did, no matter how many mistakes he made, I always found a way to forgive him without question.
Id turned my back on my dream school for him, left my mom bark in Harbor City, and continuously painted his many infidelities. To everyone else, it must’ve looked like I was head over heels for him
But what about him? I wasn’t okay with him disappearing for nights on end, yet he’d only come back to sleep at home a couple of times a month
He knew I was scared of the dark, but he still left me stranded during our fights.
I couldn’t stand lies, and yet he cheated on me time and time again for Rosemary
It was funny how he treasured me when he loved me, but then, when the love was not there anymore, he just walked away, like quitting a game bed
lost interest in
“So, are you thinking about getting back together with him?” he asked.
“I’m not. I replied firmly, turning to show him Rosemary’s latest Instagram post.
In it, Austin and his mom were posing for a family portrait at the Herrera villa,
Just a little side note: [Austin made me a table and helped me mend my broken heart.]
post,” I said with a smile, feeling a little more at ease, as my worries about Alex didn’t
“Maybe I don’t have to do this. You probably had seen this po seem so heavy anymore.
Alex shook his head, dismissing it with a casual wave. “I don’t keep tabs on just anyone.”
“You’ve asked a ton of questions, can I throw one your way?” I asked.
He met my gaze. raised an eyebrow, and nodded.
“Why did you show up
knowing the blind date was with me!”
He shrugged. “I need to find someone to marry, and fast.
I blinked, caught off guard for a moment. He didn’t seem to be joking at all.
ing to get married?” he asked, his tone casual.
“You’re not looking to get
I chuckled. Tm. Or else I wouldn’t be on a blind date. But honestly, it should be what two people in love did.
“Then we should just get married,” he suggested
I shot a surprised look at Alex. Was he out of his mind? After a little internal debate, I finally replied, “Mr. Herrera, you do remember Im Austin’s ex right?”
“I do, which is why I chose you.”
I frowned, confusion hitting me hard. “What do you mean?
He held back a smile, looking at me with a serious expression. “If you marry me, the Herrera family will be at your mercy.
“It’s tempting, but no, thanks.”
After all, Alex was the guy Austin feared, not me. Plus, if I married Alex, wouldn’t that make Austin call me “Aunt“”
Alex didn’t even seem surprised by my refusal. Instead, he smirked, “You really think Austin is going to let you walk away that easily?”
I hes
of me
Man
“Austin
break
