Page 198 of Dare To Live

My lips move against his. “I hope you can live up to that promise, Mr. Travers.”

His mouth takes mine in another passionate kiss. We’re not even at the prom yet, and I’m already a wanton puddle of mush.

Chapter 114

Eli

Am I finding reasons to avoid taking those final steps into the hall where the prom is being held? One hundred percent yes. The second we walk inside, it’s going to potentially trigger a sequence of events we have no control over, and it could well result in me never seeing Arabella again.

If that’s going to be the case, I need to store up as many memories as I can and, if the worst does happen, it’ll leave her with good things to think about later … after the dust has settled and she’s stopped hating me for hurting her … again.

I hope whatever happens, it doesn’t come to that.

“Eli?” Arabella’s quiet voice snaps me out of my thoughts, and I realize I’ve stopped on the path and I’m staring across the grass toward the trees.

“Sorry. I spaced out.” I curve my arm around her waist and tug her into my side. “I can’t believe how everything looks exactly the same as it did ten years ago.” I summon up a smile and drop one more kiss to her lips. “Did I tell you how gorgeous you look?”

Her smile lights up her face. “You might have mentioned it. But I don’t mind hearing it again.”

I drop my arm from her waist, link my fingers with hers, and turn to face her. “Ms. Gray, you look positively ravishing.” I keep my voice light and push away the dark thoughts. Lifting her fingers to my lips, I kiss each one. “You are the most beautiful woman in the world, and I’m humbled that you chose to spend tonight with me.” My smile turns into a smirk. “Not that you have many other options. I’m the best of a bad bunch.”

Her free hand cups the back of my head to slide into my hair. “I think you underestimate your appeal, Mr. Travers.” She pulls me down for another kiss.

I smile against her lips. “We’re never going to make it to the prom.”

“For goodness sake, put the girl down!” Ivan’s voice booms through the darkness.

Arabella jumps, then laughs. Her hand drops from my hair, and she turns to greet Miles and Ivan.

“You two look very handsome.” She kisses both men on their cheeks.

“And you look radiant.” Ivan smiles, but his gaze shifts to me over her shoulder. “Are you ready?”

“For a night of dancing and debauchery?” I arch an eyebrow. The last thing I need is for Miles or Arabella to think something is wrong.

“Debauchery?” Arabella spins back to face me.

“It’s prom, Hellcat. What do you think happens at these things?” I hold out my hand and wait for her to take it. “As your official date, it’s expected that you’re going to give it up to me. Usually, it’s in the back of a car, or a cheap motel room, but I think I can do better than that.”

“Oh, I see. You think I’m a sure thing?”

“Aren’t you?” I duck the punch she aims at my shoulder. “It’s in the rules, Kitten. Prom date gets the goodies.”

“That’s disgusting.” She glares at me, but she’s laughing when she says it.

“Stop flirting with each other and get moving.” Miles rolls his eyes, smiling at Arabella. “I’m going to need a strong drink if I have to watch the two of you like this all evening.”

I’m going to need a strong drink to get through the evening, anyway. But I don’t say that out loud. Ivan’s eyes catch mine. I give a small shake of my head. We’re not going to ruin the night for Arabella or Miles by telling them what we’ve discovered. We’ve both promised to make tonight as special as we can for as long as we can.

If Evan does make his move, we’ll be ready. If he doesn’t … well, like Bret said, there’s always plan fucking B.

***

“My feet are killing me.” Arabella collapses against my chest, looping her arms around my neck as we move around the dancefloor.

“Poor little Princess. Maybe this is how Cinderella lost her slipper. Took it off to ease the blisters on her feet.”

I adjust my grip on her waist and swing her up into my arms. She shrieks and clings tighter to my neck.

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