78. Scorched and Weary

Tallulah's POV

I stormed down the sidewalk, my mind reeling with a mixture of frustration and confusion. Marcus had always had a way of getting under my skin, and it seemed like he took pleasure in doing so. The rhythmic click of my heels against the pavement mirrored the rapid beating of my heart, each step a reminder of the temper brewing inside me which I was losing control of.

As I continued walking, I replayed the conversation we had in the car over and over in my mind. The way he had smirked at me, the playful tone in his voice and the recklessness in the way he stepped on the turtle—it was all so annoying.

But amidst the irritation, there was an undeniable attraction that still gnawed at me from within. His cocky demeanor and knowing smile made my heart race, even when I wanted to punch him in the face. Why did he have to be so damn irresistible?

The low sound of the engine and the tires rolling against the pavement braced the air from beside me, but I refused to bring myself