𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐒
Haverhill was meant to be a fresh start for me. What I didn't anticipate was attracting the attention of Carter Knight and his friends, the wealthy, enigmatic boys who seem to own the entire town. After my parents' death, I t...
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Elle
The bedroom I was meant to occupy was starkly under-decorated. Aside from the king-sized bed, draped in black sheets, a small black wardrobe, and a meticulously organized desk, there were no personal touches, no posters, no mementos, nothing that hinted at a personality behind the walls. It was almost sterile.
As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear Carter enter. It wasn't until he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer, that I jumped in surprise, letting out a startled gasp.
"Nate's trying to cook something. You should join us," he murmured, his lips brushing the top of my head before his hand found mine. Just as I was about to respond, my phone began to ring. My pulse quickened as I fumbled to pull it from my pocket, my hands trembling. I hated how every notification, every ring, sent a jolt of panic through me. It was as if my body had learned to expect bad news with each beep.
Carter must have noticed my sudden shift in demeanor. He gently took my phone from my hand, his gaze flicking to the screen. I could feel my breath catch as his expression shifted, his eyebrow arching in a way that instantly put me on edge.
"Please, don't tell me it's the ma—" I started speaking, my voice barely above a whisper, trying to gauge his reaction, but I couldn't quite read him.
He sighed, his jaw tightening as he replied, cutting me off, "It's Madden."
A rush of relief washed over me. I reached for my phone, but the way Carter's jaw was clenched, the anger subtly flickering in his eyes, gave me pause.
I glanced at the message, the words practically burning into my brain:
"Hi Elle! How are you? Are you free today? I thought maybe we could hang out... as friends, of course!" – Madden
I rolled my eyes dramatically and smirked at Carter, unable to help myself. His features were carved in irritation, and I could feel the tension radiating off of him. The anger in his expression was almost beautiful in its intensity.
"I wonder which part of "Elle is mine" he doesn't understand," Carter deadpanned as he started to turn, clearly intending to leave. However, before he could make it to the door, I stepped into his path, blocking his exit. Without a second thought, I cupped his face in my hands, forcing him to look at me.
"Carter," I began, my voice soft but firm, "nothing will ever happen with Madden. He's just a friend, and I made it clear the last time we talked... he isn't the Knight who stole my heart."
I held his gaze, willing him to see the truth in my words, to feel the sincerity that pulsed between us. The tension in his face softened ever so slightly, but I could still see the trace of doubt lingering in his eyes. It wasn't easy to convince him, but I wasn't going to back down. I kissed him on his lips before he could assimilate my words.
