Page 84 of Cruel Devotion

My cheeks would hurt from smiling this much. Yet, I grinned, gazing up at him with all the love my heart could hold. “I love you, too.”

Over the rest of the night, we settled into this new reality. Of love, as Eli and I shared little looks as if wanting to remind ourselves that we’d reached this point of intimacy, comfortable to say those three all-important words. Of friendships, as Davina and Finn stayed to eat with us and bring Eli’s things inside.

We also discussed what could happen next. It was obvious that we’d finish the semester, but longer-term plans had to wait for the college’s decision about Eli.

It seemed so surreal at first, getting used to Eli always being here with me. He moved into my room, but we both agreed to abstain when Cindy was home. My aunt got along well with him, appreciative of all the little things he could take care of around the big house and yard that needed repairs. Davina and Finn came over often too, and of course, we were still on campus, in class and readying for finals that would be coming up soon.

The only thing that would make it all better was if we knew what would happen to Eli.

At last, news came from the unlikeliest person.

After dinner on the Friday before finals week would start, Natasha showed up with Grayson.

Aunt Cindy and I were excited to see him, and even Eli seemed to have a good time with the boy, patient to help him with his lisp. His name was a hard one with thel, and Eli was gentle with helping him get it right.

“I wanted to come and share the news in person,” she said after saying she and Grayson could only stay one night to visit.

“What news?” I asked as we all sat in the living room as Aunt Cindy and Grayson did a puzzle on the coffee table.

“About Eli.” Nat smiled at him. “I think Greg said that the college committee would tell you Monday, but I didn’t want to wait with the news.”

“Who’s Greg?” Eli asked. Then his eyes opened wide. “Wait. Greg Larson? The college president?”

“That would be his father, Greg Sr.” Natasha rolled her eyes. “GregJuniorhates to be reminded that he is supposed to be a junior at anything, even in name. My Greg,” she amended with a blush.

“Yours?” I teased.

She nodded. “Greg and I met at work. He’s one of the owners of the company, and from day one, it was clear that we would be enemies. Workplace enemies.”

I smiled, thinking back to how she’d said she loved the idea of enemies to lovers. I saw where this was going.

“He and I developed a mutual hatred, but it sort of turned into a friendship when I was promoted to assist on a project. And that friendship got to be a little more. Until”—she leaned over to cover both of Grayson’s ears—“it seemed that he slept with his ex who hates me and lied about it. And I wanted nothing to do with him.”

Aunt Cindy and I raised our brows as she moved her hands off Grayson’s ears.

“I planned to never speak to him again,” Nat said matter-of-factly with a glance at me. “But when you called and told me about his issues at the college, I recalled how Greg once told me that his father thought West was a pain to deal with.”

“So you… talked to him?” Eli guessed.

She nodded. “I did. I remember how helpless I felt here in this town, and I realized I would never live with myself if I didn’t try to help. If I didn’t speak up. I prepared all the details and brought them to Greg.”

“And did he”—I covered Grayson’s ears—“sleep with this ex?”

“No.” Natasha shook her head. “He didn’t, but hedidlie about where he was that night in question because he panicked that it would look like he was with his ex and didn’t want me to think that.” She rolled her eyes. “Greg was desperate for weeks to get me to talk to him again. And I’m talking hardcore, nonstop groveling. It took talking to him about Eli’s situation for me to listen to him and give him another chance. Which…” She rubbed the back of her neck, smiling shyly. “I have. And he was able to talk with his father on your behalf.” She smiled at Eli. “Mr. Larson has more sway and power than Preston’s dad. Maybe they won’t donate as much as usual, but according to Greg and his father, that’s not a loss. They’re a pain to deal with.”

“So… what does this mean?” Eli held my hand and squeezed it.

“You can graduate—so long as you pass your courses. There won’t be any record of ‘bad’ behavior. Mr. West also lost his argument with the scholarship committee. It won’t be revoked, and you won’t owe a penny.”

He lunged at me, hugging me and kissing me soundly.

Aunt Cindy and Natasha joined in the celebrations, too, but Grayson was confused.

It was over.

The wait was over.

No more dreading and wondering and worrying and stressing.

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