CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Ella
“ N egotiate how?” I cross my legs in a wing chair in front of the large expanse of patio doors in the living room, with Hannah and Val seated across from me.
The winter sun floods the room and warms me. I suddenly want to be on the patio to get air, but it’s still very cold outside.
“You like him, right?” Val asks.
“Of course I do. I really like him. I’m...crazy about him.” My heart pounds, thinking how crystal clear that revelation hit me seeing Jillian at his door, thinking she was there to fuck him.
I swear, I felt claws come out of my knuckles.
“Then what’s the problem?” Val asks, again taking the gentle, nurturing approach.
“People who date for years have babies without getting married,” I say to hear the words come out of my mouth, picturing every syllable infuriating Balor. “Why should I?”
“What is it about getting married that frightens you when—” Val stops and blushes. “Wes... You’re still triggered by what Wes did to you.”