Page 209 of Dare To Live

We stop inside the doorway, and he pulls me in for a kiss.

I smile. “Is it bedtime?”

“No.”

“Then why are we going back to our room?”

“I have no intention of letting you sleep.”

I mock gasp. “Mr. Travers, are you trying to ruin my reputation?”

Eli grins. “I think it’s a little too late for that after what just happened in the ballroom, Miss Gray.”

“What will the faculty think?”

“I don’t give a fuck what they think.” He takes my hand and guides me to our room.

Once we’re both inside, I wind my arms around his neck. Eli leans down and kisses my lips. I sigh into his mouth, my tongue seeking to duel with his, and we move in a tangle of limbs toward the bed.

Eli stops when we reach it. “Undress for me, Ari.”

“What happened to having sex in the back of a car or a cheap motel?” I tease. “I thought you said that’s what happens at a prom.”

“We’re going to make our own magic right here, Hellcat.” He lowers the zip on the back of my dress, the sides falling open.

I let go of his neck and step back to let the bodice fall. Eli’s attention drops to my exposed breasts. The look of unadulterated lust on his face sends a wave of satisfaction through me.

“Take it all off. I want you naked.”

“That seems a little unfair.”

Eli chuckles. “I promise it will be worth it.”

“Promises, promises.” With a tug on the material, I ease it down past my waist and over my hips. A little wiggle has the dress pooling around my ankles in a black and silver puddle. There’s a fluttering deep in my chest and in my stomach. I feel breathless as I stare into his eyes.

Eli is right.

I’m never going to forget tonight. I’ll carry the memory of every second of our time together to my dying day. No matter what happens between us now, I’ll always have this.

Chapter 122

Eli

“Get into bed.” I place my hands on her shoulders and turn her to face the bed, then press a kiss to her shoulder. “I’m just going to lock up and then I’ll join you.”

I cross the room to the door and twist the lock, then turn. A smile pulls my lips up as Arabella climbs onto the bed, and my hand hovers over the light switch. I’m tempted to leave the light on, so I can look my fill of her, but I need darkness for the next part of the evening. If I can see her, I’ll change my mind.

“Are you going to stand there all night?”

Her voice intrudes on the thoughts whirling around my head and I blink, refocusing.

“Just admiring the view.” I snap off the light, plunging the room into darkness, and wait for my eyes to adjust before stepping into the center of the room.

I strip out of my shirt and pants, peel off my underwear and then slide under the covers beside her. She immediately rolls toward me and wraps her arms around my waist.

“Mmm.” Her lips brush over my chest. “You’re finally naked.”

I tangle my fingers into her hair and gently tug her head back so I can kiss her. “And you’re finally in my bed.”

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