Winning the Heir Who Bullled Me
Chapter 117
Valerie corners me after breakfast.
Instantly, Eliza takes a protective stance in front of me. “Nobody is in the mood for your shit this early, Val.”
Valerie rolls her eyes. “Keep your claws in, Liza. I come in peace.”
She glances at me, and her gaze softens, “Can we talk?”
I squeeze Eliza’s shoulder reassuringly. “It’s okay.”
Eliza shoots Valerie a suspicious look before backing down. “I’ll see you in the pavilion,” she mutters before walking away.
I let Valerie pull me aside so we’re not blocking the stream of girls going in and out of the dining room.
“How can I help you, Valerie?”
“Uhm…” She hesitates.
I raise a brow, taking in her countenance. She’s wringing her hands together and continuously worrying her lower lip. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’s nervous.
“Use your words, Val,” I press, feeling uncomfortable.
She sighs heavily. “Look, April,” she starts, “I don’t like you, and I find June annoying.”
I fold my arms. “The feeling’s mutual. Did you pull me aside to tell me shit I already know?”
She shakes her head. “No, I-” A sigh. “I know you think I’m a bitch and whatnot, but April, I would never hurt someone the way June was hurt.”
My mouth forms into an ‘oh.‘ That’s why she’s acting all cagey and anxious?
She wrings her hands. “Please say you believe me.”
I scoff. “Valerie, I know you didn’t hurt my sister.”
Her eyes widen. “Really? Because people think it’s suspicious that I was the one who found her and that maybe I-”
“If anything, you would probably manipulate someone into doing it for you.”
Horror plasters her features. “No! That’s not-”
I let out a breath of laughter, “Relax, Valerie. I’m messing with you.”
Anger flashes across her face, and strangely, I find it more comfortable than this remorseful, nervous look.
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Chapter 117
“So…ave’re good?”
“I don’t believe you hurt my sister.” I shrug. “But I still hate your guts.”
Her lip twitches, and it looks like she’s struggling to hide a smile fighting to break out. “Glad we’re on the same page.
With that, she spins on her heels and walks away.
I snort, still feeling the incredulousness of the brief conversation.
D
I start to head out to the pavilion to catch up with Eliza. We’ve been given the morning off–I realize now that the periodic times off have been so that the girls doing school online can get caught up with their schoolwork. I, of course, didn’t know that since I was so conveniently excluded from that privilege.
I push that thought away. The status of my neglected college career is something I’ve been trying really hard not to think about.
Just as I’m about to pull the front door open, the door of the coat closet next to it opens. A hand shoots out and wraps around my wrist.
It’s happened so many times that I only feel mildly startled, letting Nathan pull me into the closet.
Well, ‘closet‘ is an understatement. Although there’s an array of luxurious coats hanging around the perimeter and custom built–ins for shoes, hats, and umbrellas, it’s as big as my living room.
Full–length mirrors adorn the space, and—I kid you not–paintings.
In the middle of the room are ottomans and plush leather couches. Coat closet, my ass; you could host a tea party in this room.
Nathan pulls my attention away from our surroundings when he cups my face and kisses me.
Instantly, my knees wobble, and leaning into him, I grab his waist to steady myself.
The kiss is deep, sweet, unhurried, like we’re in our own little bubble and have all the time in the world.
When we break apart, I’m breathless.
“What–what was that for?” I pant, blinking up at Nathan.
He smiles, his gorgeous eyes twinkling. “A thank you.”
I reach up and caress his face. “You don’t have to thank me for anything.”
He exhales, leaning down to press his forehead against mine. “When I woke up this morning, I was so fucking mad at myself.”
My breath hitches. “Nathan-”
“I don’t remember what happened, but the terrors always wake me up in the middle of the night. I woke up this morning instead, and there you were–holding me. And I knew that you held me all through the night.”
He shakes his head. “Do you think if any of the other girls in the competition knew me–really knew me–they’d want to marry me?” he
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Chapter 117
asks.
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“That’s their loss.” I whisper.
“I don’t deserve you, April,” he says, sounding pained.
I tilt my head up and press my lips to his. “Tough luck; you have me.”
Nathan’s hands drop from my face and slip around my waist, pressing me closer.
My hands rest against his chest, and I can feel his thundering heart against my palm. Warmth spreads through me, both nerve–wracking and comforting.
The world beyond the closet disappears–no competition, no hurt or heartache.
Only us.
Coats rustle quietly around us as Nathan backs me gently against the wall. His hands grip my waist, pulling me flush against him, and I feel myself tremble under the onslaught of feelings erupting within me.
“I’m scared, April,” Nathan murmurs against my lips. His voice is tight, like he’s restraining himself. Like it hurts to do so.
“Why?”
Before he can answer, his phone blares, shattering the tense atmosphere around us.
Nathan lets out a soft chuckle, leaning his forehead against mine. “You’re so fucking distracting,” he whispers. He places a final peck on my lips before pulling away slightly.
“I forgot the real reason I pulled you in here.”
I blink, getting my bearings. “You mean you didn’t pull me in here to make out?”
He rolls his eyes, smiling as he answers his call. “Happy occurrence.” He turns his phone to me. “This is why I pulled you in here.”
Instant tears brim in my eyes as they widen, taking in June’s broad grin on Nathan’s phone.
“Spring!”
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