Page 67 of Dare To Live

“I’m going to unlock the door, and then you’re coming back to my hotel with me.” He brushes a loose strand of hair out of my face and tucks it behind my ear. “Red or green, Kitten?”

I nibble on my lower lip for a second. “Do I get my panties back?”

“No.”

“Are you going to fuck me if I leave with you now?”

Eli nods but doesn’t smile. “Yes.”

Tendrils of uncertainty whisper through my head, but I ignore them. I want more. If this is the last time, I get to be with him like this, I want to squeeze every moment of enjoyment out of it. Make memories to tuck away for the future when we’re a million miles apart again.

I lift my chin and meet his watchful gaze. “Green.”

Chapter 38

Eli

Whoever knocked on the door has gone by the time I unlock it and step out. Arabella follows me a moment later, cheeks flushed and eyes still a little hazy from the orgasm I gave her. With one hand pressed to the small of her back, I lead her along the hallway to the front of the gallery.

“Do you have a coat?”

She blinks up at me. I hide a smile.

“Focus, Hellcat.” I turn her toward the room set aside for coats and jackets. “Did you bring a coat?”

“I … umm … yes.”

“Wait here.” I walk over to the woman in charge of taking and dispensing the coats. “Arabella Gray.”

“One moment, sir.” She disappears through the door and comes back a moment later with a long black coat over one arm. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” I take it from her and turn back. Arabella hasn’t moved, arms wrapped around her waist as she stares out of the window. I move up behind her and drape the coat over her shoulders. “Do you need to tell anyone you’re leaving?”

She pushes her arms into the sleeves and shakes her head. “I’ll text Mom. She arranged for a driver, so she’ll be okay.”

I nod and curl my fingers around hers. She stares down at them, then up at me, brow furrowed. “What are you doing, Eli?”

“Making sure I don’t lose you. Come on. I drove here.” I push open the door and step out into the cold New York air.

A valet comes toward us. “Mr. Travers, would you like your car?”

“Yes, please.”

I step back against the side of the building while we wait. Arabella is shivering, clutching the front of her coat closed with her free hand. I use the one I’m holding to tug her in front of me, then release it, to wrap around her waist and pull her into my chest. She tenses, flattening her palm against me to push away. I tighten my hold.

“I’ve just had my tongue deep inside your pussy while you came all over my face. I’m taking you back to my hotel room where I’m going to fuck you six ways to Sunday, but sharing body heat to keep you warm is crossing a line?”

“We’re in public.”

I lean back and frown down at her. “Are you ashamed to be seen with me?”

“Of course not.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

She huffs, then slips her arms around my waist. “Nothing. It’s just … weird.” She presses her face against my chest. “How are you so warm?”

“Just a hotblooded monster, I guess,” I deadpan.

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