Ellie took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. “Look, Damien. I don’t know what kind of thrill-seeker you are, but I’m not getting into a car that you’re driving. I have a perfectly good life I’d like to keep living, thank you very much.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “You act like I’ve never driven before. I’ve been driving for years.”
“That’s what they all say before they crash into a tree!” Ellie retorted, throwing her hands in the air. “What if we end up on the evening news? ‘Heiress and diamond prince perish in tragic car crash.’ Is that what you want?”
Damien couldn’t suppress his laughter this time. “Ellie, you’re being dramatic. I’m a fantastic driver. Trust me.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, I trust you... to be terrible at this.”
He leaned closer, his grin turning mischievous. “You’re really underestimating my skills. I’ve driven this car more times than I can count, and guess what? No crashes.”
Ellie crossed her arms, staring him down. “Fine. If you’re so confident, tell me—how many speeding tickets do you have?”
“None,” he said proudly.
She raised an eyebrow. “Parking violations?”
“None.”
“Ever hit a curb?”
“That doesn’t count!” he shot back, and Ellie couldn’t help but laugh at the defensive tone in his voice.
“See? My point exactly.” She sighed. “Alright, but if you so much as scratch this car, I’m telling your parents.”
Damien opened the car door for her, bowing slightly with exaggerated elegance. “As you wish, my lady.”
Ellie rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile that crept onto her face as she slid into the passenger seat. The interior was just as luxurious as the exterior, and she sank into the soft leather, feeling almost like royalty. Damien got in on the other side, slipping into the driver’s seat with ease.
“Now,” he said, turning to her with a devilish grin. “Sit back, relax, and watch a professional at work.”
Ellie muttered under her breath, “Professional at making me question all my life choices…”
Damien only chuckled, starting the car with a purr of the engine that sent a thrill through the air. As they pulled onto the road, Ellie kept a wary eye on him, half-expecting him to speed off like a maniac. Instead, he drove smoothly, his confidence almost... reassuring.
Almost.
“You’re doing okay so far,” she admitted reluctantly.
“See?” Damien said, glancing at her with a triumphant smile. “Told you. By the end of this ride, you’ll be begging me to be your chauffeur.”
Ellie smirked. “Let’s just make it to my house in one piece first.”
The banter continued, filling the car with an easy, playful energy. Despite her initial doubts, Ellie found herself smiling more than she expected—and maybe, just maybe, trusting Damien a little bit more.
YOU ARE READING
The Accepted Outcast
Teen FictionEllie Malcolm was born with unusual features: she had no body hair, pale skin, and wide blue eyes, which made her seem unattractive to others. As a result, her classmates bullied her, and she felt unloved by her parents. However, everything changes...
