Page 22 of Elevating Eve

That word reverberated in her head like the ring of a cathedral bell, clear and beautiful and endless.

Camden turned his head, throwing her a smug glance. “See? I told you it would work.”

The rage flickered in Jonathan’s dark eyes before going out completely. “Excuse me?” After a few seconds, he let go of Camden’s ruined shirt, backing up a step.

“She—” Camden started.

“Shut up,” Jonathan ordered, holding up a hand to stop him. He turned to face her, where she still sat huddled on the bench. “I want to hear this from you.”

She suddenly felt like a naughty student sent to the principal’s office. Unable to stop herself from squirming, she fixed her gaze on the severe line of his lips as she answered in a small voice. “I sent in an application last week.”

Those furious lips parted as he drew in a sharp breath. “Why the hell did you do that?”

“Because I couldn’t think of any other way to get your attention,” she admitted, mortification making every inch of her skin burn. “But you didn’t even notice.”

She risked a glance up at his eyes. The anger had disappeared, but she couldn’t read the new expression there.

“Zach told her you only took applications from theFifty Shades Litepile,” Camden said, smirking. “You know—the pile he normally has to force us to go through so he can send out the rejection letters. What’s that about?”

Jonathan kept his gaze locked with hers while he snarled, “I said shut up, and I fucking meant it.”

Clearly not remotely intimidated, Camden laughed. “It’s not her fault you’re oblivious. Can you blame the woman for taking matters into her own hands?”

Ignoring the other man completely, Jonathan continued to stare her down with that peculiar look in his eyes. “This was a set-up.”

It was a statement, not a question. Still, she felt compelled to respond. “Zach helped me come up with a plan. And Camden?—”

“I overheard their scheming and volunteered my services,” he interrupted proudly. “I’m all for delayed gratification, but this is extreme, brother.”

“Fuck you,” Jonathan said, giving Camden a hard look. “You’ve never delayed your gratification once in your life.”

Camden grinned in response. “You wound me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my guest. I’m sure you two have a lot to talk about. Also, you owe me a new shirt.” He sauntered out of the alcove and toward the main house as if he hadn’t a care in the world.

God, she envied his confidence. She’d never felt that sure of herself for even one second in her entire life.

Least of all right now. Something very close to panic coursed through her as she tried—and failed—to make herself meet Jonathan’s eyes again.

The silence between them dragged out, making her even morenervous. She’d give anything to know what he was thinking right now but was far too terrified to ask.

At long last, he stepped slowly toward her, coming to a stop right at the edge of the bench, one of his legs nestled between her thighs, forcing them to spread. “Look at me,” he said, cupping her chin in his hand.

She didn’t resist as he tilted her head back, finally daring to look into his eyes. Anger still lingered there, making her wince. But something far more powerful waited beneath it—a lust that made her blood feel like liquid fire in her veins.

Mine.She remembered the way he’d said the word, like he would fight whoever dared challenge his claim.

Like he was sure he would win.

“Jonathan—” she started.

“You will refer to me as Sir during our scenes. Do you understand?”

Holy fuck. She needed a new pair of panties.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good girl. Now answer these questions for me as honestly and succinctly as possible. If someone other than me had seen your application and approached you, what would you have done?”

“Told them the truth,” she answered simply. “I only want you.”

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