Chapter 35
Layton, ever the observer, quickly added, “That’s just how he is,” before following them out. “I’ll leave Trevor’s mess to you, Whitney,” he called over his shoulder as he walked away.
Whitney stood at the door, amused, watching Alex’s grumbling as he carried Ellie away. She chuckled to herself, shaking her head. “It takes one to tame one,” she muttered under her breath, clearly entertained by the dynamic between the two.
At the entrance of the bar, Alex carefully helped Ellie down, but she stumbled slightly, clutching the lamppost for support. Alex’s face tightened with frustration as he draped his jacket over her shoulders, quickly fastening the buttons.
“Promise me you won’t do that again,” he said sternly, his tone sharp. “Look at you. What are you wearing? Your makeup is so heavy. You look terrible.”
Ellie pouted, not bothering to argue. If he thought she looked bad, that was his opinion. She wasn’t about to let his words affect her. Besides, she could do whatever she wanted, and he had no right to control her.
Seeing Ellie silent, her gaze cast downward, Alex sighed in exasperation. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself, but then he pointed to her forehead and continued scolding. “Don’t you know what a bar is like? What’s on your mind? Do you have any idea what kind of men hang out there? If I hadn’t been there tonight, do you know what could’ve happened?”
He kept ranting, but Ellie just kept her head down, not feeling like engaging. She knew from experience that arguing with him wasn’t going to get her anywhere.
“Speak up!” Alex snapped, pinching her cheek. “Keep pretending you’re not here, and I’ll tear this place apart.”
Worried that Alex might end up ruining her part-time job, Ellie softened her tone. “Your hand is hurt. Go back and get it bandaged,” she suggested gently, nudging him toward Layton’s car.
Layton had already started the car, rolling down the window as he glanced at them. “You guys figure out how to get back. I’ve got other things to do,” he said, before stepping on the gas and driving off, leaving Ellie and Alex standing by the roadside.
Ellie glanced up at Alex. “It’s getting late. Why don’t you take a cab back? My apartment isn’t far, I can walk back by myself.”
Alex shot her a glare that made it clear he was considering shaking some sense into her. “You heartless girl! My hand is hurt because of you, and you’re telling me to take a cab home?”
Ellie hesitated, realizing he had a point. “Then how about we go to the pharmacy ahead, and I’ll buy you some medicine?” she offered, her voice tentative.
“Do I look like I need your little medicine?” Alex retorted, clearly irritated.
Ellie was at a loss for words, not sure how to handle his frustration.
As they walked along the sidewalk, late at night, Alex continued to scold her, and Ellie kept her head down, not saying a word. She had learned by now that silence was often the best response when he was in one of his moods.
“Pretending to be transparent, are you?” Alex muttered, his voice dripping with annoyance as he grabbed Ellie by the back of her neck and started walking toward her apartment. “We’ll deal with this when we get back.”
Ellie secretly breathed a sigh of relief. As long as she didn’t have to pay for anything, she would be fine with whatever he decided.
When they reached her apartment door, Ellie turned to Alex. “Turn around while I unlock it,” she said, her voice cautious. She had switched to a keypad lock for extra security, and only Aaron knew the code.
Alex stared at her, his gaze unyielding, until Ellie started to feel uncomfortable. She avoided his eyes and focused on the door. But instead of turning away, Alex snorted. “Move,” he said, pushing past her to unlock the door himself.
The lock clicked open.
Ellie was surprised. “How did you know the code?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Alex gave her a disdainful look, clearly unbothered. “You’re so predictable,” he said with a smirk. “Your passwords have always been your birthday, no matter how you arrange them.”
