Page 43 of Dark Elf's Good Girl

I spin around on a heel, glaring at my brother. “That was me actually doing something, unlike you,” I snarl. His eyebrows shoot up and I can’t help the anger that bubbles up within me. “Why am I here? Was it not to get results?”

“You did nothing!” My father throws his hands up, walking up beside his favorite son. Always a pair against me.

Is that why I want Isla so much? Because she chose me over Calix? Is she the only one that sees my worth outside of my brother's shadow?

I shake my head and clear away the thought.

“What are you accomplishing, Father?” My hands ball at my sides and I’m sure they can feel the crackling in the air as I’m starting to lose my grip on myself. “They were laughing at you. But me?” I chuckle darkly. “They feared me.” My eyes rake down his form. “Aren’t you the one that taught us that fear is the best emotion to bring out of your enemies?”

I’m not sure what I expected his response to be. I guess I thought he would recognize that I was tired of being pushed around.

Instead, he laughs and outrage grips me, begging to be released. I clench my jaw so hard I’m afraid it’s gonna break and I block out his next words.

I stalk past them, letting them make a mockery of me as they always have, and go back to my post of staring out the window at the gardens.

I guess it’s true.

There’s only one person who sees value in me on this pathetic planet.

And I’m determined to possess every inch of her.

Let Calix learn to go without for once.

17

ISLA

“Pathetic,” she snarls, her upper lip curling in disgust. I try to ignore her as I dust the already clean room, but Talara storms up behind me. “Can you not even clean properly?”

I try not to bristle. I know she’s just trying to piss me off. The bad thing is it’s starting to work. But I already have too many enemies in this family so I bite down on my tongue until blood floods my mouth just to keep from making a comment.

That does nothing to stop her, though.

“I guess you’re only good for corrupting my boys.”

I’m shocked the word is plural. I’m not sure how she knows Aiken has anything to do with me. I don’t respond.

“You’re not even gonna deny it?” She tips her head back and howls with laughter. “Of course not. You’re a slut. I doubt you have any shame.”

My teeth clamp down on the inside of my cheek now as my skin flames read. I want to scream that she has no idea what she’s talking about. I didn’t ask for Calix to buy me. I didn't want it.

But if I open my mouth, she’s going to strike me. She might do it anyway.

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed my Aiken has had a bad attitude since you’ve gotten here. I don’t know what you’ve done to corrupt my quiet boy. And Calix’s moods are worse than ever. You’ve done nothing but bring problems for this family.”

I’m on the brink of screaming for her to take me out of it then. I’d rather be back at the club.

Wouldn’t I?

A slight stab echoes through my chest as I think about not being around Aiken. I’m not even sure when I formed this attachment to him but all morning long I’ve been thinking about our kiss. His hands on my legs roaming up my back. I can still feel it now and I want more.

I still don’t know why he pushed me off of him, why he rejected me the way he did, but I know if given the chance, I’d forget it just for another taste.

But is it worth it to put up with his mother and brother?

As last night flashes through my mind, I’m almost tempted to say yes.

Talara huffs behind me and I know she’s getting impatient. She’s going to hit me just to get a reaction. I steel myself, waiting for the blow as I continue to clean.

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