Page 50 of Trapped With You

I chuckled. “I knew you were a little crazy.”

“You’ve seen nothing yet, Cade.”

“Show me all your colours,” I rasped. “I’ll embrace them all, Ella.”

“Oh,querido. You’re stuck with me. I’m never letting you go.”

“I don’t want you to ever let me go.”

When our lips touched in another searing kiss, I knew this was forever.

I was going to marry Ella Ximena Cordova one day.

Mark my words.

C H A P T E R1 1

Unwanted Memories of a Lone Wolf

Cade

The Past - 3 years ago

There was a feeling of bliss moving through my chest as Ella grabbed my hand and led us downstairs to the basement after we finished eating. Though she kept taking pit stops to kiss me in between and playfully demand I show her my dimples.

It’s like someone took a knife and permanently carved a smile on my face. My cheeks hurt from grinning so much. I couldn’t remember the last time I was this content.

Maybe when my parents were still alive. Or maybe the first time I saw baby Olivia and knew I was going to be her big brother.

I went so long without experiencing true happiness. Now that I was getting my first dose after years, the hardened layer of ice caging my heart thawed in my girlfriend’s presence.

Ella Ximena Cordova was the sun of my galaxy.

The universe finally gave me my reward for all my suffering. I was clutching Ella with all my might. I’d never let her go.

Holding hands, we walked down a massive hallway in the basement, encased with many family photos of the Cordovas. I barely glanced at Ella’s baby pictures before she tugged me in a room to our right.

“Welcome to my secret lair.” She cackled like a villain, Mr. Burns style.

She was crazy.Mykind of crazy.

Walking ahead, Ella toyed with some switches until the fancy bulbs hanging from the ceiling were dimmed to create a cozy ambiance. Then she hummed while lighting up some candles resting on a coffee table.

“Is this where you are when we have our late-night calls?” The room was spacious. Quotes and symbols related to feminism and girl power were painted in various shades on an accent brick wall in graffito manner. There was a work desk with half-finished knitwear, tall shelves with cubbies housing colourful rolls of yarn, a velvet couch, a wall-mounted TV, and other knick-knacks that were part of Ella’s personality.

“Mhm. Do you like my place?”

“It’s really nice, Ellie.” I walked towards a table sitting under the basement window. There were lots of colourful rocks laid out in a mishmash. “What are these?”

Ella sauntered towards me. “Those are my crystals. I charge them whenever there’s a new moon.”

My brows furrowed. I was extremely confused. “What?”

She stifled a chuckle and threw her arms around my neck. I grabbed her waist, pulling her closer. “Many ancient cultures believed that crystals contained healing properties that helped our mind, body, and soul. Each crystal is different and they are meant to boost good energy and rid you of the negative kind. I’ve been collecting them since I was a little girl. I like to carry a few crystals with me and even wear them as jewellery.” Ella showed me her wrist, adorned with a friendship bracelet from Darla and a pink beaded bracelet. She touched the latter for emphasis. “This is rose quartz. It’s said to emit strong vibrations of love.”

The way she smiled up at me had my chest tightening. “I love how passionate you are about this. Where do you get your crystals from?”

So I can buy you more.