Page 26 of Felix (4 Seats #2)
Chapter Twenty-Six
Aurora Henry
E leanor is a fucking force to be reckoned with, bossing the men around like they’re her goddamn pawns. She sends them off to the basement to talk shop, and I can’t help but admire the strength it takes to do such a thing.
“Fucking impressive,” I mutter under my breath.
“Damn right.” She smirks, catching my comment. The men scurry away, leaving us alone in the living room. My gaze lingers on Felix for a moment, his controlled aggression making me weak in the knees.
“Come on, let’s grab a drink,” I say, leading Eleanor to the kitchen. As we walk, I can feel the weight of my past heavy in the air, the shadows of violence and abuse still lingering in every corner of my mind.
“What would you like?” I ask, opening the liquor cabinet.
“Whiskey. Two fingers over ice.” She sighs, leaning against the bench. I pour her drink and hand it over, our fingers brushing together briefly before she takes a sip .
“You know, I’ve read all your books, Aurora,” she says, studying me from behind her glass. “And let me tell you, you’re one hell of a writer.”
“Thanks,” I reply, unsure of how to react. Praise doesn’t come easy, especially when it’s about my work—words born from pain and scars etched into my soul. But Eleanor seems genuine, and there’s something comforting about her presence.
“Your stories, they’re raw, real, and so fucking powerful,” she continues, taking another swig of whiskey. “You got a way of putting emotions into words that hit like a goddamn freight train.”
“Didn’t think I’d ever meet someone who could appreciate the darkness I write about,” I confess, swirling the whiskey in my glass before downing it in one gulp. “Most people just think I’m some twisted, fucked-up bitch,” I finish as I refill my glass.
“Hey now,” Eleanor says, her eyes full of fire as she pushes herself off the bench. “You’re a survivor, Aurora. A warrior. Your words are weapons, and you wield them like a fucking master. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“Thanks, Eleanor,” I say, my voice breaking slightly. For the first time in a long while, I feel seen and understood. And goddamn, it feels good.
“You looked a bit flustered when you arrived. Are you okay?” I ask, concerned.
She chuckles, brushing off my concern with a wave of her hand. “Oh yeah, I’m fine. Just gonna cut Matteo’s dick off later,” she says with a grin that sends shivers down my spine .
“Fuck, what did he do?” I can’t help but blurt out, surprised by her bold declaration.
Her grin widens as she leans in, conspiratorial-like. “That fucker switched out my birth control pills for placebos. Thinks he can trick me into having another kid.”
“Shit, really?” My jaw drops as I try to wrap my head around the audacity of such an act. “What are you gonna do about it?”
Eleanor laughs like it’s the funniest thing in the world. “He pulls this shit all the time. He ain’t gonna win this fight. I’m done having kids. He’ll just have to accept it.”
It amazes me how she can brush off such a serious matter with laughter and a wicked smile.
“Damn, Eleanor,” I mutter, shaking my head.
“Damn right.” She smirks as she takes a swig of her whiskey, the ice clinking against the glass.
“Listen, Aurora…” she begins, her eyes locked on mine with a fierce intensity, “…
you gotta learn how to deal with men like these possessive dickheads, you know?
You let ‘em win most of the time, but when it comes to the big things, you stand your ground and say no.”
She chuckles darkly, swirling the amber liquid in her glass. “One single tear on my face sends that man into a tailspin. I get what I want easily.”
“Really?” I snort, unable to help myself. “You think that’ll work on Felix?”
“Maybe,” Eleanor says, suddenly serious.
“But I’m glad he found you. Never seen him so…
soft before. Normally, he’s hard as nails, rude, and mean all the time.
He’s a dangerous man, Aurora. But there’s something about you that seems to so ften him.
” She hesitates for a moment, then adds, “When we arrived and he introduced you to us, his face went all soft and proud. Only ever seen that look on one man’s face before. ”
“Who?” I ask, curiosity piqued.
“Matteo.” She beams at me. “Just know you got something special, girl.”
I laugh, feeling a pang of gratitude for this woman who barely knows me yet has my back. Still, the thought of Felix, the man I’m falling in love with, being so dangerous sends a shiver down my spine.
“Thanks, Eleanor,” I tell her sincerely. “I’ll try to remember that.”
“Good.” She grins, raising her glass in a toast. “Here’s to us and dealing with our fucked-up men.”
“Cheers to that,” I agree, clinking my glass against hers and relishing the burn as I swallow my whiskey.
Footsteps echo through the hallway as the men make their way up from the basement. I glance at Eleanor, who smirks knowingly, and we can’t help but burst into laughter when they enter the kitchen. Their eyes narrow suspiciously, probably thinking we’re hiding some deep, dark secret.
“Whatcha ladies giggling about?” Matteo asks, trying to sound intimidating but failing miserably.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Eleanor teases, taking a swig of her whiskey.
Felix rolls his eyes at our antics and claps his hands together. “Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s eat,” he commands, his voice firm but with a hint of amusement. “Darling, can you grab some plates and cutlery?” He moves to the bench and grabs the bag of pasta, placing it on the table.
“Sure thing,” I reply, walking to the cabinets. As I gather the necessary items, I can’t help but think about what Eleanor told me earlier. Could I really have such an effect on this dangerous man? What would it mean for our future together?
We all sit down to eat, the atmosphere more relaxed as we share stories and jokes. The hours pass by in a blur of laughter and camaraderie, something I never thought I’d experience with these hardened individuals.
Eventually, Eleanor and Matteo rise to leave, with the clock striking well past midnight. As she hugs me goodbye, Eleanor slips me a business card with her cell number on it.
“Call me anytime, alright?” She looks at me seriously, her eyes filled with genuine concern. “You’re gonna need someone to talk to in this crazy world.”
“Thanks, Eleanor,” I say, clutching the card tightly. “I appreciate it.”
With a final wave, Eleanor and Matteo depart, leaving Felix and me alone in the kitchen.