Delirium

Chapter 10

 "Dallas. . ." Ella's voice trailed off as she met a pair of brown eyes.

She had to look up slightly to Huntleigh. Griffin and Dallas's sister crossed her tan arms. She arched a dark brow, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to speak to Griffin." Ella tried for a fair smile.

Huntleigh gave her a stone-cold glare, "But you just said 'Dallas.'"

Ella heard thuds behind Huntleigh, "Let her in sis."

She backed into her brother, "Fine Griff, she'll just leave you high and dry like she did our brother."

Huntleigh's words cut deep. She regretted leaving Dallas like that. Griffin motioned her in. She hurried behind him attempting to stay away from his sister. Huntleigh watched her as if she was the mouse and Ella was the hawk. Her brown eyes seemed to have lasers. "Don't let her frighten you, Ella. She's just a protective baby sister."

"Hasn't she always been?" Ella laughed nervously.

Griff and Ella sat down and he gave her a pointed look, "so why did you drop by unannounced?"

She fidgeted with the silver wave ring on her finger. She didn't want to see those dark hazel eyes. "I umm . . . missed you and wanted to see you?" She gave a sheepish grin.

"That makes you sound like you're in kindergarten." Dallas scoffed walking by.

"Don't be an asshole, Dal." Griff replied.

"He's fine . . ."

Dallas intervened, " I know, I am."

Ella slid him a glare, "What I was trying to say was that, it did sound like a childish comment."

Silence fell for a split moment.

"Can we go somewhere a tad more private Griff?" She pleaded.

"Yes." He said, helping her up.

They made their way to Griffin's room. Mikey whistled, "I see you, Griff."

He shut his door and turned to her, "What's wrong Elle?"

She plopped onto his king-size bed. She didn't have it in her to end things.

"You still have feelings for Dallas."

Her face flushed with embarrassment, "what, no!"

"Ella, I see it when you look at him."

"Is it really that obvious?" She hung her head.

"You never looked at me the way you look at him. It's like he's your whole world." Griff's expression had grown solemn. "You two still have chemistry, and God knows my brother still loves you."

"He cheated." She mumbled.

"What did you say?" Griffin turned.

"Nothing." Ella smiled.

He gazed at her with a love she couldn't return. She got up to hug him. He motioned her away. Ella allowed her hands to drop to her sides. Griffin faced away from her and stared out his window, "I'm not loveable. . . never have been. I've only ever had my siblings and stepdad. My father abandoned me when I was born. Dallas is the only father figure I've ever truly known." He slammed his fist against the window, "Hell, Ella my damn mother never loved me. She couldn't decide on what man she wanted either. She stole any man she could get her hands on. She was never satisfied with what she fucking had. Clara had a man who loved her and that still wasn't enough."

These boys' lives were so messed up from the start. Ella's heart ached for them. "Griff. . ."

"Don't dare say you are sorry, Ella." Griffin turned to her. "The one time I see my brother truly happy, the love of his life leaves him just like his mother."

She bit back her tongue before she said something she'd regret. "Fine, then."

Ella got up and exited the door. She dabbed her tears away as she fled down the hall only to be grabbed by a strong hand. "Griff let go!" She wailed.

"Ella stop," Dallas said, jerking toward himself.

She was positive she looked like a raccoon. Dallas wiped her tears away with his thumb, "Ella what happened?"

"Griffin and I broke up."

Dallas' face went cold, "Why'd you do that?"

Ella forced herself to meet that set of green eyes, "Because I still love you." She exclaimed.