His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Why even bother? We're not close, and honestly, I'm not a fan of rich folks."

"What do you consider rich? Billions? Trillions?" He could easily make do with a little less.

Hmm.

The world of the wealthy was truly beyond her understanding.

"Casper, you see, there's this massive gap between us. Billions, trillions-that's what you call money. To me, even a few thousand is a lot."

She turned to meet his gaze, hoping he'd get the picture.

An unbridgeable chasm lay between them.

He gently lifted her chin with a soft smile, "You're just coming up with excuses to push me away."

He was spot on.

So what?

It was the truth.

His pursuit was all about some feeling he was chasing.

Her rejection? She just didn't want to relive the experience of being with him.

He wouldn't get it.

Maybe he'd never remember her.

That would be for the best.

"Exactly."

"I don't like how you keep everyone at arm's length." He assured her he wouldn't be like her ex-husband, "Your ex was unkind because he didn't love you. But as for me... I really do like you." Eliza was a bit at a loss for words.

She didn't want to drag this conversation on any longer.

"Honestly, Mr. Casper, let's just be friends, you know, regular ones who check in on each other now and then."

He shook his head gently, leaning in so their noses almost touched, "I don't buy into the idea of purely platonic friendships between men and women."

"That's just your dirty mind talking." She smirked, a hint of sarcasm in her smile.

"Seriously." He gazed at her intensely, as if trying to memorize her face, "You look a lot like my wife."

"Mr. Casper, that line is so outdated."

Her lips curled into soft dimples, as charming as gardenias, enough to make anyone swoon.

She was stunning, and he was captivated, almost mesmerized.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

He leaned in towards her lips, unable to resist.

Startled, she pushed him away, her cheeks flushed with heat.

She couldn't meet his eyes.

This man was dangerous territory.

"Mommy." Brock, rubbing his sleepy eyes, wandered over.

Eliza quickly pulled herself together and scooped up her little boy, "Awake? Let's head home, okay?"

"It's

drive."

sout there; it's not safe to

'd

held her arm, hoping sheet y the night. We've gote?

plenty of room."

"Oak Falls is tiny. Even with this rain, getting home isn't impossible."

She cradled Brock, ready to make her exit.

Casper had no choice but to back down, "Then let me drive you."

"No need." Before heading

downstairs, she paused, "Mr. Casper, head back to Falconridge early

or me. Find someone you

love, and I'll wish you well.

Casper sighed.

After all that, she still hadn't caught on to his feelings.

For reasons he couldn't explain, he snatched Brock from her arms.

"I'll drive you."

"Huh..." What on earth was this about?

At her car, he asked, "Give me the keys."

"I can drive myself."

"Hand them over."

His voice was impatient, tinged with frustration.

With no other option, Eliza handed over the keys.

She settled in the back with Brock.

Casper drove quickly, but his skills otch, even on the

were

roads. Occasionally, the tires. slipped.

"Can you slow down a bit?" Eliza urged him.