Page 9 of Dare To Break

A wave of warmth climbs up my throat and over my face. I’m pretty sure everyone at the tables around us can see the red spreading through my cheeks.

My smile is tight. “I’m happy with what I’ve picked. Thanks.”

“I’ll start with the oysters as well. Then California braised rabbit and a glass of mineral water since I’m driving.” Elliot’s attention moves from the menu to his son. “Eli?”

He doesn’t look up from his phone. “Pork.”

“You and Arabella have something in common already,” Elliot says as our server leaves.

Eli grunts. “It’s just food.”

“Eli’s also very interested in art.” Elliot directs the words at me. “Your mother told me you like drawing.”

I fidget with the napkin on my lap and smile back. “I hope to design my own clothing line one day.”

My mother laughs. “It’s good to have dreams, but you need talent as well.”

Her words sting. Not once has she shown interest in my designs.

They’re good. Really good.

I’ve had plenty of praise from my teachers, and although I shouldn’t care about Elena’s disinterest in my aspirations and ambitions, it still hurts.

I ignore her and turn to the boy sitting beside me. “Are you planning on being an artist?”

Those tempestuous green eyes flick up from his phone screen and lock with mine. His lip curls. “You don’t plan to be an artist. You either are or you’re not.”

I swallow, embarrassment coursing through me. “I mean in graphic design or something—”

“Why the fuck are you asking?”

“I’m just trying to be nice.”

“Don’t.”

“Eli.” His father’s voice holds a warning note.

Eli doesn’t acknowledge him but returns his attention to whatever is on his phone.

“Don’t worry, darling,” My mother pats her new husband’s arm. “It’s still so new for all of us. I’m sure it’s normal for kids to bicker.”

I reach for my wrist under the table and touch the friendship bracelet. The feel of the metal charms under my stroking fingers is enough to ground me. I just need to get through the next few days.

The server returns with our drinks, and Elena and Elliot fall into conversation. My mother is fawning over his every word, and it sets my teeth on edge. I tune out their chatter and sip my water.

Movement catches my eyes, and I turn my head just as Eli leans in toward me. He’s invading my space, so close I can see the curve of his dark eyelashes, the sharpness of his cheekbones, the flash of his teeth as he sneers at me.

“Let me make something very clear to you. I have no fucking interest in being your friend. You are not family, and I don’t give a fuck about your happiness.”

My gaze drops to the ring piercing his lip, and the tip of his tongue darts out to flick the metal hoop.

“I’m not happy about our parents—”

“I don’t give a fuck how you feel. You are not part of this family. You are nothing more than the daughter of a gold-digger. Fucking dirt beneath my shoe.”

I flinch away from the anger in his whisper. “Eli, I—”

He leans closer, his breath fans my cheek. “If you push it, I won’t hesitate to make your place in this family clear to everyone.”

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