"But then what is love? Why can't we just take it out of the heart and chuck it in the garbage?"

"It's beautiful. . being in love is. But what makes it ugly is . .desires. Desires are like wild horses. .if you don't reign them in , it will break your back." Grace said thoughtful look on her beautiful face.

Hailey nodded. "But Ethan likes you. .I can see it in his eyes. Isn't it the best thing ever? To be loved by the person you love?" Hailey said observing her face that was blank but then a rueful smile light up her face.

"I consider it a trap. Men use it against women to get what they want. Men are predators who loves pretty things... pretty humans." Her voice was steady lacking warmth.

Hailey who had opened her mouth to protest shut up when the door burst open.

Ethan who had come to talk to Hailey and had been standing by the door, couldn't handle her harsh words for him.

"Your thoughts deserves a round of applause but I hate to break it to you , not all men are that." His tone was curt but his eyes held another story and thayt what made her stand up from the bed...all her confidence went up in the air.

"I....what's that suppose to mean?"

"It means , try me."

The way he said those words as if Hailey wasn't around , Grace could see he meant his words . .his gaze wouldn't leave her face for a second and she just had to hide somewhere he wasn't around.

Hailey who watched the back and forth talk stood frozen to the spot. She didn't move even when Grace walked out and Ethan just shook his head , disappointed.

×××××××

And then when she went out of the room to find Hailey , he was right there in the lounge and she had to pass by him to get to the other side.

"Careful now , I'm a predator and all." He smiled seeing her entire face turn beet red.

Damn him, she thought bitterly.

×××××××××

Matilda had to go shopping and Van was taking her so she tagged Grace too. Done with breakfast , Van got up and patted his pant's pocket for car keys when Ethan stood right over his head , outstretching his palm.

"What?"

"Keys. Now."

They could hear the distinct chatter of the Matilda and Grace . They were coming.

"But-,"

Ethan snatched the keys from his hand and Grace saw that when she entered the room, instantly knowing Ethan would be the one taking them.

"Mom, I don't feel like going anymore." Grace said in a soft voice getting his immediate attention.

He turned on his heels at her.

"You were fine with Van. .," He trailed off , not at all liking where she was going with it.

Van shrugged.

"Is there a problem with me taking you out?" Ethan's voice turned low and a little fierce . .his eyes lost its cheerfulness and Matilda instantly straightened up knowing well Ethan lost his cool quickly.

"Calm done everyone. We are going. Start the car." She ordered.

×××××××

Grace didn't feel like leaving the vicinity of car and Matilda had to get her cavities checked , knowing well Ethan would accompany her she stayed back in the car.

But all her plan turned to dust when she saw him emerging from the clinic, looking damn sure about himself with that sexy smile and-

She averted her gaze when he slipped into the driver's seat , whistling.

"Hey there , prey."

Grace rolled her eyes and kept staring out the window.

"So. .you make me feel as if there's something wrong with me? Why are you so. .uptight around me?" Being the straight forward person he was , he didn't have qualms asking her right away . .his blue eyes watched her in the rear view mirror.

She didn't answer.

Ethan signed rubbing the back of his neck. "Listen I'm sorry alright? I don't know what I did but... I'm sorry."

Her eyes turned at him, a fierce look in them.

"I don't want it , your apology."

He crossed his arms across his hard chest ,"How about love?"

Her eyes widened at his advance ,"Hailey told me the kind of man you're. Why not waste your energy on women that will actually respond to you?" Her tone laced with accusation.

For a second she surprised him , he could see the anger on her beautiful face as if he had betrayed her in the worst way possible when he didn't know her.

At first , his temples pounded but he kept his cool.

"How much do you know me?"

"Enough to keep distance."

He nodded in a fair enough manner and then , "I have something for you."

She smiled , one that could burn him.

"Like I said , I will not give you what you want. Ever. " But he didn't listen when he slipped out a a rectangular box from his jacket and opened it up. .it had his family heirloom. .a bracelet and he always thought he would give it to the girl he fell for. .

His mouth moved in it's own.

"I think-no, I'm sure of it. I'm falling for you and well, I don't know what to say," he smirked snapping the case shut.

Not knowing he had flipped her world upside down with his . .words and all the warmth. .when he had her rejected.

"Why don't you give it to your wife?! The same woman you dumped!! I know you're married!!"

Ethan's blue eyes kept watching her seeing her eyes fired up and burning and then...to her utter astonishment. .he started to laugh.

Really hard.

Clapping his hands.

"Aw man! Now I know the reason ," he grinned hard ," just so you know, I don't know her name . .it has conveniently slipped off my memory. I don't need her I don't want her , my father forced me and like an obedient child I did."

The jest in his blue eyes broke her heart in million pieces.

××××××××

A/N

I hate this cover but I'm too busy with everything to make one