Page 17 of Dare To Take

Chapter 12

Arabella

I scroll through the items on the website I have open on my phone. A hundred bucks. Whatever I get, Eli is going to hate it, so what’s the point of putting some actual thought into it? He’s been spoiled his whole life. He’ll just see my gift as tacky and cheap.

I shudder at the thought of what he’ll get for me.

Something embarrassing.

I hadn’t missed his reaction to me at dinner last night.

I like this new you. It’s a better reflection of your inner darkness. It’s good that you’re not hiding behind the pink and pretty princess exterior anymore.

The new me. He forged this new version out of his hate and taunting. This Arabella is done with taking shit from him or anyone else.

A tap at my door ends my search, and a second later, Elena enters my room. Her gaze runs over me, taking in the figure-hugging long-sleeved black top, down to the short black leather skirt adorned with a silver chain. Beneath that, thigh-high black socks are matched with a pair of flat black ballet shoes.

“If this is about me not coming down to breakfast, I wasn’t hungry.” Leaving the side of the bed, I move to the makeup bag on my desk.

She steps further into my room and closes the door. “You and Eli are spending the day together.”

I drop into my seat, and find my lipstick. “I don’t want anything to do with him.”

My mother sighs. “He’s your brother.”

“Stepbrother.” I correct her automatically, applying a coat of black to my lips. “You know what he did. Why is he even under the same roof as me?”

“Eli didn’t share the video.”

I don’t look up from sorting through my new makeup. “Bullshit.”

“I believe him.”

Elena’s soft, confident words are enough to make me spin in my seat and face her. “I’m your daughter. You should be on my side.”

An emotion I can’t define flickers in her eyes. “I am but don’t you want those responsible to be punished? I know Eli has bullied you and treated you badly, but he wouldn’t go this far.”

“So, you know him well now, do you?”

“I’ve been making an effort to get to know him. Something you need to do too.”

My anger boils over, and I don’t even try to leash it. “This is unbelievable.”

“Arabella, you need to be an adult. This—” She gestures up and down at me. “Sulking doesn’t help anyone.”

I grit my teeth. “I am not sulking.”

“Good, then prove it. Spend the day with Eli.”

“Why don’t you just gouge my eyes out with a pen? That will be less painful.”

Elena rolls her eyes. “Stop being so dramatic.”

“If you like him so much, why don’t you spend some more time with him?” I pick out eyeshadow and mascara, rise from my chair and walk into the bathroom.

“This act of rebellion isn’t going to get you anywhere, sweetheart. If not for me, then for Elliot’s sake, make an effort with his son.”

My eyes move to hers through the mirror. She’s standing in the doorway, watching me. I put on my eyeshadow and then a sweep of mascara on my eyelashes, admiring the way the makeup gives my eyes a dramatic smokey effect, and take a step back. “Fine. I’ll spend the day with him.”

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