Page 29 of Broken Bonds

Lionel rests his elbows on the table and his chin on his fist.

“Something tells me you already are.”

“Excuse me?” What the hell does that mean?

“I just said that you already are, more than that, you’re unique.”

I have to think twice before answering. “If this is another one of your tricks to get me into bed with you, you’re wasting your time.”

A bright smile turns his lips up, almost dulling the stars shining over us.

“And where do you plan to sleep tonight?”

I take a piece of biscuit and throw it at him with precise accuracy that I hit him right on the bridge of his nose.

“You know what I mean.”

“It’s just for tonight,” he assures. “We’ll figure out something tomorrow.”

“You better, or you’ll end up sleeping on the sofa. Injured or not.”

He chuckle, and the hoarse sound makes me do the same.

“You’re dangerous with that pretty good-girl face, Stella. Anyone who doesn’t know you might take you for a meek little lamb.”

As I said before, this lamb has grown stronger, and now has the strength needed to defend herself.

Although, it’s by only sheer determination.

For now.

???

I put my hair up in a messy bun on top of my head before putting the leftovers away from dinner. Watching Lionel rinse the plates and load them in the dishwasher is so weird, it seems the Pacific breeze has changed a lot of Lionel’s personality. More than I’d expected.

“Is something wrong?”

“Why do you ask?” I reply as I run the soapy sponge over the granite countertop.

He looks at me with raised eyebrows, clearly waiting for me to elaborate.

“It’s just unbelievable that you’re helping me, and you’re doing it with just one arm.”

I know he’s bored of having to function with restrictions, several times he has been close to throwing the sling out the window.

“Real men aren’t afraid to do the dishes.” His response leaves me speechless.

I have no words.

Lionel notices but doesn’t push any further, he just continues scrubbing pans. I’m busy thinking about what we talked about on the terrace.

The goals I hope to achieve.

First, I need to study for the mother of all tests, then college while still running my business. After that, open my online store, reach new customers, and find a way to expand to increase my sales. Not only that, I have to research if I need a permit or license to sell my soaps nationwide, as well as calculate the cost for free swag, packaging, shipping, and taxes.

And beyond that—beyond the woman who succeeds with her business. Who do I want to be as a person?

What does Stella Annabel expect of herself?

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