Page 30 of Shiny Things

What the hell was happening?

“You do know I still haven’t changed my mind about anything. Just because I said your mother wasn’t a complete tyrant doesn’t mean she’d ever agree to us being together.”

He huffed. “Then just let our ravens meet, babe. Once it’s confirmed that you are my true mate no one will stop us from bonding, and we won’t have to sneak around or keep us a secret.”

I really did want to give in and let him have his way. It would be so easy, like falling in love.

I gulped hard.

Love?

Was I really falling in love with Elias Davenport?

I stopped and really thought about it.

Yup, I was in love with Elias.

I started to hyperventilate. Of course, he completely misread why.

“Hey, calm down. It’s okay. I will wait a lifetime for you to be ready.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “What if I’m never ready?” Or what if I already was and just too stubborn and scared to admit it?

“As long as we’re together, it’s fine. I’ll take whatever you feel you can give. Because . . .”

My phone rang, interrupting him. I checked it and saw it was Gia.

Holding up a finger, I answered.

“Hey girl, what’s up?”

“Can you either fly over or drive to Mom’s tomorrow? And will you murder me if I say be there by seven even if I won’t be in until later?”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s fine. Send me a list of everything you need done.”

“You are the best. I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”

“Just part of the job, boss.”

“Yeah, whatever. I’m texting you now. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye.”

I tapped the end button and looked back at Elias.

“Sorry about that. What were you saying?”

“Nothing.”

Elias

Chapter 10

I’d almost confessed my love to Kim. Life these days was pretty perfect, even if we were the only two who knew it. I wanted to shout to the stars and to anyone who’d listen, “This girl is mine!” Yet, with one little interruption, I chickened out and couldn’t even tell her.

The next day I was moodier than usual and short tempered with everyone I encountered.

Sitting in meetings all morning was not helping the situation.

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