Page 191 of Dare To Live

Nerves flutter in my stomach. “Do you think Eli will like it?”

Miles raises bloodshot and puffy eyes to mine. “He’d have to be crazy not to like it, and if he doesn’t, I’m sure Garrett will.”

“Garrett is sweet, but he’s just a friend.”

“Because the only man who exists for you is Eli Travers.”

I don’t bother to deny it. There would be no point. We both know it’s the truth.

Chapter 110

Eli

I give a final wave to the guy transporting Kellan’s car back to my house in the Hamptons, then turn to look at Jace.

“Sure you want to be involved?”

He nods. “It’s only right.”

“Let’s go, then.”

I’ve already called ahead to make sure Ivan is alone. I don’t want to be interrupted by Miles or Arabella while I tell him what I’m planning. He opens the door to the room he shares with Miles at my first knock, and frowns at Jace, who is hovering behind me.

“What’s going on?” He steps to one side and allows us both inside.

“Can we sit?” I wait for his nod before crossing over to the small table in the corner of the room and taking a seat. “Where’s Miles and Ari?”

Jace sits opposite me, while Ivan perches on the edge of the bed closest to us. “This all seems very mysterious. Miles has taken Arabella for lunch. They should be gone for at least an hour. I told him I wanted to get on with some work, and I’d text him when I was done. Care to explain why I’m lying to my fiancé?”

“Because there’s something I need to do, and I don’t want either of them in my way.”

“Well, that sounds ominous.”

“Other than what we talked about the other night, how much has Miles told you about those final few months here?”

“Not a lot. I know it was a dark time, and your relationship with Arabella was … difficult. He feels guilty for not being a better protector.”

I snort. “That’s not what Miles is. He’s not a fighter.”

“Miles is gentle, kind and sensitive.” Ivan leaps to his lover’s defense.

“I’m not criticizing him.”

“But it’s clear you think he’s weak.”

“He was weak.” Jace says, his voice quiet. “It was probably what kept him from getting dragged in as deep with Evan the way the rest of us were.”

“Miles doesn’t like confrontation.”

“Kellan used to try and antagonize him all the time.” I smile at the memory. “He’d make suggestive comments to Miles, or blow him kisses, just to see his reaction. When he and Ari said they were dating, Kellan took it as a challenge. He needed to prove his theory.”

“Theory?”

I laugh. “Kellan was sure Miles was gay, so he made a point of finding out. That’s why they hooked up. But once they started dating, it got frustrating for Kell. He wasn’t one to hide who he was. He was unapologetic about being bi, or anything else about him. You either accepted him for who he was, or you didn’t. He couldn’t understand why Miles wasn’t the same way.”

“Because he was sure his family would hate him.”

“And do they?”

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