Page 13 of Owning Eva

Later that evening, I find myself once again avoiding the main lodge activities. Emily tried to coax me into joining the poker night some of the players are throwing, but the thought of sitting around a table with Eli staring all night was too much. Instead, I retreat to the library, a cozy space tucked away at the far end of the lodge, hoping for some peace.

The room is all dark wood and overstuffed armchairs, the scent of leather and books wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I curl up in one of the chairs near the fire, clutching a mug of tea and trying to convince myself I’m not hiding.

Which, of course, is exactly when he finds me.

The sound of the door closing makes me glance up, and my heart stumbles when I see Eli standing there, filling the doorway with his broad frame. His shirt sleeves rolled up, and there’ssomething about the way his eyes lock on mine that makes the already warm room feel stifling.

“You know,” I say, trying for lightness, “you’re starting to feel like my shadow.”

He huffs out a small laugh, stepping further into the room. “You keep running off. Makes me follow.”

“I’m not running. I’m reading.” I lift the book in my lap as proof, even though I haven’t turned a page in twenty minutes.

“Sure you are,” he says, his voice low and teasing. He doesn’t stop until he’s standing right in front of me, towering over the chair. “Mind if I join?”

“Would it matter if I said no?”

Still smiling, Eli sinks into the chair across from me, his long legs stretched out. For a moment, he doesn’t say anything, just watches me with that dark, smoldering gaze.

“You’re good at this, you know,” he says finally.

“At what?”

“Disappearing.”

I frown, the teasing comeback on my tongue dying before I can say it. “I’m not disappearing. I’m just…”

His lips twitch, but the heat in his eyes tells me he’s not joking.

I sigh, setting the book aside. “What do you want, Eli?”

His smirk fades, replaced by something heavier, more serious.“You.”

The word hangs in the air, simple and undeniable.

I blink at his straightfowardness. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough.” His voice is quiet but firm. “I know you’re smart. I know you’re strong. I know you make me laugh when you’re trying to piss me off. And I know that since the second I saw you, I haven’t been able to think about anything else.”

His words hit me like a freight train, and I can’t decide if I want to laugh, cry, or run.

“Eli…” I shake my head, trying to find the right words. “You don’t have to do this. I’m not some challenge you have to best.”

“I know that,” he says, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “I’m not trying to best you, Eva. I’m trying to make you my woman.”

Oh My God.

The fire crackles between us, the only sound in the room as his words sink in.

“You don’t even like people,” I say finally, my voice softer now.

He chuckles. “Most people, no. But you’re different, baby.”

I roll my eyes, though the heat in my cheeks gives me away. “That’s such a line.”

“It’s the truth.”

His honesty unnerves me, the intensity of his gaze strippingaway every defense I have.

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