Page 76 of Dare To Live

My mother is sitting on one of the couches, and Eli is standing by the coffee table, arms folded. Her eyes widen, lips parting in surprise when she sees me. Eli meets my gaze and I look away quickly.

My mother’s sharp eyes dart over me before she arches an eyebrow.

“I guess I really shouldn’t be shocked to see you here. I’m not sure why I didn’t piece it together sooner.”

“I—”

“Ari and I had a long talk after the event last night.” Eli cuts in before I can say anything. He strides across the room and drapes his arm over my shoulders.

“A long talk, hmm?” my mom repeats. “Is that what you kids call it nowadays?”

Heat burns my cheeks. “Eli—”

He brushes his knuckles down my cheek. “You don’t have to be embarrassed.”

“I don’t?” I reply.

“It’s better if Elena knows what’s going on. Sneaking around isn’t my thing. It might have worked when we were eighteen, but not anymore.”

He doesn’t want to keep the fact we spent the night fucking a secret?

All I can do is stare up at him. “It’s not?”

My mother claps her hands. “Does this mean you are back together?”

Eli smiles, eyes not leaving mine. “I’m working on it.”

“It’s about time I got some grandbabies to dote on.”

“Babies?” I echo, turning my attention toward her in horror.

What is happening? How did I even get into this conversation? I should have stayed hidden in the bedroom where it was safe, instead of blindly rushing out here in panic.

Eli’s arm around my shoulders tightens. “I think you’re moving a little too fast. We’re going to have breakfast, and then dinner tonight and see where we stand.”

“I don’t think—”

His mouth captures mine, silencing my protest. I dig my nails into the front of his t-shirt, holding on tight, and fight not to melt into a puddle at his feet.

When he finally lets me up for air, I feel like I’ve run a marathon. I’m hot, dizzy, and panting.

“No running away.” He drops another kiss on my lips. “I’m not giving up without a fight this time.”

I blink, the fog of lust making it hard to think.

How the hell has everything changed in less than twenty-four hours?

I’m confused, a little frightened, and turned on all at the same time.

What is Eli doing to me?

Chapter 42

Eli

The look of horror in Arabella’s eyes when Elena mentions grandkids is almost laughable … or would be if I wasn’t sure that she was already looking for a reason to run. So, I do the only thing I can think of to distract her and kiss her.

When her body softens against mine, I lift my head.

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