Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 105756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
“Ah, that’s where the spite came into it. She resented me for not cherishing her as she felt she had the right to be cherished. I’d wounded her vanity and her pride, so she set out for revenge, and revenge she got. I was thoroughly humiliated in front of all our friends and family.”
“Ugh, she must’ve been an enneagram three,” Ada muttered, looking angered on my behalf, which was somewhat adorable.
“Yeah?”
“Threes are driven by vanity and need others to affirm their worth. They enjoy attention above all, love to be admired and thrive on impressing people. Supposedly, a high number of serial killers are threes,” she went on, shooting me a pointed look, and I chuckled.
“Well, I don’t think Darcy was a serial killer, but you might be onto something with the other parts. I guess it never would’ve worked out between us in the end.”
“Don’t be so sure. With the right dynamic, ones and threes can be power couples because they’re both highly ambitious and driven.”
“Too late for that, I’m afraid. The last I heard, Darcy married a college professor. They have two kids and live in a very nice house in Wicklow.”
“In that case, I hope he gives her lots of attention and praise so she doesn’t go seeking it elsewhere. Whatever happened to the neighbour?”
“His wife left him. He and Darcy only lasted about six months after the breakup.”
“So, it wasn’t even worth it in the end, and he ruined his marriage. It’s both their losses.”
I nodded, my attention going out the window at the city lights twinkling in the distance before I brought my focus back to Ada.
“Tell me, if a one and a three make a power couple, what does a one and a six make?”
The question caused a slight intake of breath. She gulped more wine, a rosy tint staining her cheeks as she swallowed thickly. “Well, let me think. It’s been a while since I studied all this.” I sat back and waited, enjoying how I’d frazzled her equilibrium. She appeared distracted by the question of how we’d fare in a relationship. How I wished to crack open her skull and read her thoughts.
Again, what was I playing at? I’d already determined I wasn’t in the right headspace to be with anyone. It was why I’d ended things with Lissa. But with Ada, I just couldn’t resist pushing, prodding, seeking more from her. I already knew she was under my skin, but judging by how she reacted to my question, I suspected I was a little bit under hers, too.
“As far as I can remember, ones and sixes are alike in many ways. They’re hard workers with a strong sense of duty, which can be a strength in a couple. Because ones tend to be clear thinkers, they can be a guiding force for the six, who isn’t as confident during decision-making. They can run into trouble when life stresses come about, and the one becomes more critical of their six partner, feeling like they aren’t working as hard, and in turn, the six can become insecure and emotional in response to the criticism.”
“And if the one is old and wise enough to know when to reign in their criticism of the six, what then? Could the relationship work?”
Ada stared at the glass of wine in her hand, not meeting my gaze when she murmured, “I suppose it could in that respect, yes.”
“Interesting,” I said, smiling around a sip of wine.
Her eyes flickered to me, some kind of indecision there before she blurted, “Listen, Jonathan, we should maybe discuss what happened last night. I have no idea if you kissed me because you were drunk or—”
“I kissed you?” I questioned, feigning shock and enjoying the ruby flush to her cheeks, how it highlighted the faint freckles scattered there.
“What? Yes, you … I thought you remembered.” The crinkle that formed between her eyebrows was too cute.
I chuckled low. “Relax, Ada, I’m teasing you. Of course, I remember.” My gaze lowered hotly to her mouth as I quietly whispered, “How could I forget such sweet lips?”
Her throat moved as she swallowed, her eyes focused intently on her wine glass as she dealt with some internal conflict. “I should’ve put a stop to it sooner.”
I tilted my head. “Why?”
“Well, for one you were drunk and couldn’t properly consent.”
“Right, but I was also the aggressor so—”
“Still, I shouldn’t have…” Her words fell off, a deep ridge forming between her eyebrows. “I won’t lie and pretend I didn’t enjoy kissing you, Jonathan.” Her beautiful, seductive gaze met mine. “You’re an experienced man and can clearly tell when a woman is responding positively to you.” God, I wanted to touch her so badly. “I wouldn’t insult your intelligence in that regard, but—"
“If we’re both being forthcoming,” I cut in. “I didn’t kiss you just because I was drunk.” I leaned closer and pushed some of that silky hair over her shoulder. “I kissed you because I wanted to, and I would very much like to do it again if you’ll allow me.”