Mr. Ruthless

Chapter 23

Eleanor's POV

I anxiously bit the inside of my lip. My eyes traveling ever so often from the robust man sitting beside me to the stunning woman across from him.

For once, he was not to blame for the uncomfortable silence. However the disturbingly calm movement of his fingers tapping onto the tabletop accentuated the lack of conversation. I should have felt more at ease to know I wasn't expected to participate, however the heavy staring contest between the 2 siblings made me wish I was.

"Well, this is pleasant." Belle spoke, sarcasm lacing her voice. I curiously awaited Zander's responds but there was none. He simply observed his sister's appearance, as if looking for anything that stood out, anything that didn't fit the picture, no matter how small of a detail. I recognized that look, it was the same look he had given me ever-so-often. However his way of thinking behind it was something I had yet to understand.

"You look different." He stated, his head slightly turned, his eyes as calculated as ever. Belle seemed to think over his words, debating whether it would be wise to answer with a mind-your-own-business glare.

"I cut my hair." She shrugged.

"Why?" I chewed the inside of my cheek, startled by the bluntness of his question. I couldn't comprehend how these 2 could be related.

The defiant glint in Belle's eyes turned to annoyance. "I don't need a reason, Zander"
he shrugged, the determined glint in his eyes showed he refused to deflect his inquiring.

"It's a good thing you stopped seeing that Bryn guy." I didn't understand the relevancy of the subject nor how it was related to why she had cut her hair but I was convinced that it made absolute sense in his mind. I had deemed it impossible to know how this man's brain worked.

"His name is Bryan," Belle corrected, "and how do you even know about him?" a silence followed, stirring up more tension.

"I'm simply looking out for you Belle, someone has to." His eyes closed, his words floated around the room like they were lost in space. Those were the last words I excepted to hear coming from him.

They didn't belong, especially not to the man who had pointed a gun at his sister moments ago as if it was nothing. As if it was normal.

Belle slammed her hands on the table in anger, fire danced in her eyes as she glared at her brother. Zander mimicked her action of anger and got up as well. I shrunk back into the chair as he towered over me but it felt as if both of them had forgotten my presence. Something I was more than thankful for.

"I can't believe you!" an accusing finger hit his chest, "You have people watching me!"

"Sit down, Belle" Zander's eyes looked challenging, as if daring her to continue her tantrum. I didn't know what kind of relation they had as siblings but it came as no surprise to find out he had people watching her.

"I want you save, and I don't care if I have to make you hate me to do so"

"For God's sake Zander that's just messed up." She ran her hand through her hair as she sulked around the room.

Zander sighed and pushed his chair under the table. I suddenly found it hard to breathe as I became aware of his burning stare. How much I wished to disappear into thin air. I had been comfortable to sit outside Zander's spotlights while his sister was here, but I knew it would've been short-lived.

"Eleanor," the way my name rolled over his lips caused shivers down my spine. I didn't dare look at him, not wanting to meet his impassive gaze.

A warm hand closed over my shoulder, I flinched, remembering the gun he had held in the very same hand. Another deep sigh left his lips as he lowered himself to my height, his hand reached for my face, gently pulling my chin upwards until our eyes met.