A Love Restored

Chapter 26

*So,” He began, casually, “Met up with a friend, Guy thiend?”

I knew Liam was interested in being more than friends. I had caught on. But he had not asked me out or anything, and I think he knew that I wasn’t interested. Maybe he was waiting to ask me out. Maybe he wanted to establish a friendship, first,

Liam was nice, and I knew he was a catch. But I just couldn’t see him, or any other man in that way, Dating, guys, sex, romance these things were never on my mind. If I ever had a fleeting thought, it only ever involved Felix. It had been like this my whole life.

Still, I shook my head. “A girl. Lexi. From my previous job. She lives around here, now.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Fraternizing with the employer, huh? Class traitor.”

“Uh huh, Karl Marx.” I teased. “That’s me.”

He laughed. Liam seemed well read. Sometimes he said these things that made him look kind of smart.

“Did you go to college, Liam?” asked him

He shrugged. “Tried the community thing for a w

“I think you’re smart.”

a while. It just made more sense to work, here. The pay is good. I’m not that smart, either.”

Liam sat down on the floor while I did the laundry. I could feel his gaze on me as I started the machine. Once it had been done, I sat down in front of

“What about you?” He asked. “College plans?”

“I want to go.” I said. “I’m trying to save up.”

“Yeah? What do you want to major in?”

“Can’t be too picky, right?” 1 rolled my eyes. I wanted to be picky. I wanted to study Greek literature or something, but it wouldn’t pay. And I needed to go to college so I could get a better job then waitressing our housekeeping.

*still* He urged

“Communication or Economics or something.

He nodded, seemingly deep in thought. “I hope you get to do whatever you want, Flora.”

I smiled. A cold draft suddenly hit us, and I shivered, wrapping my arms tightly around my

“Wish I had a jacket to lend you,” Liam said. He laughed but 1 knew he was only

y half–joking.

I gave him a look, and he put his hands up in surrender. He reached forward, and bravely took my hand in his, rubbing my palm with his thumb, softly.

It was sweet, but it was too intimate. Before I could pull away, I heard Felix’s resounding voice in the room. “Miss

Liam and I jumped away from each other.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Oh God no. Now Felix would get the wrong idea.

“Mr. Cousin,” I said softly. “What can I do for you?”

He threw some balled up clothes at me. They lar

landed on the floor. I quickly picked them up. They were what he had been wearing int

the morning.

Felix’s gaston me was heated. It was the most emotion he had shown me in all these days. I didn’t know how to feel about it. It felt like my shrinking and my heart was getting smaller and smaller under his intense, angry gase.

body was

He turned his face away from me and looked at Liam. “Is this what I pay you for?”

“Sorry, Mr. Corsino.” Liam sad hastily. He gave me une last look, a small smile, and made a clean exit. I watched bins walk away. Felix

Chapter 26

both stayed like that till the sounds of Liam’s steps had stopped.

It really was cold down here. I was shivering so much. I could feel my full body vibrate.

“Miss White.” He said finally, “I’m not sure how you are used to working. But this is not a place for romance.”

“It’s not He stopped me with a raised hand. I fell silent.

–

Felix turned away slowly and began to walk away. I couldn’t help it, I had to run behind him. I had to explain myself. Explain that I wasn’t involved with Liam in any way

whatsoever. And that I could never be.

and believe them.

I was his, only his, forever. And I didn’t care if he wanted me or not. But I didn’t want him to conjure up lies and fallacies about me and believe

*Felix,” I struggled to match his quick steps. “It is not what you think.”

He did not care, or he didn’t hear me, so I ran up to him, and he finally stopped right where the staircase began. He whipped round and looked down at me, his arms crossed across his chest.

“Felix,” I said in a whisper. I suddenly couldn’t say his name under his intense gaze. His eyes were so green. I had forgotten the depth of their color. I had forgotten how striking they were. “Liam and I, it’s nothing. We’re friends. There’s no romance. Nothing. I promise. Please, believe me.”

He continued to gaze down at me, and I shifted my weight from one foot to another, waiting for a response.

I wanted to say more.

Like, I’ve been waiting

aiting for you,

you, and I will continue to do it for as long as you want. Like, no other man could ever have me, because everyone except you completely repulses me. Like, please, take me back. Please. Please. Please. Please.

And please say my name.

“What you saw was nothing.” I explained further. “He was just here to give me some clothes to wash. Linda sent him. That’s it.”

Felix heaved a deep sigh. A deep, irritated one. “Miss White, I don’t care about your personal life. Do whatever you want with whomever you want. Just don’t do it under my roof.”