Page 55 of Make You Mine

I’m getting her out of here. Have to, no matter the cost.

Lifting her chin with the tips of my fingers, I give her lips a chaste kiss while wiping a lone tear with the pad of my thumb. “I’m going to make this right. I promise you.” Another small peck and I pull back, releasing her from my hold, and once she’s found her footing, I turn to leave. “My mom’s house in Colorado will do until I can figure out our next stop?—”

“Don’t go.” Ava’s choked plea stops me cold, and I turn to face her, the crestfallen look on her face gutting me. “I forgive you. I know we’re all under so much stress. Just…please.”

“Ava, sweetheart.” My tone is soft. Trying to be comforting. “I’m only going to make a phone?—”

“I need you.”

19

ELIJAH

Her plea to not leave breaks me in two.

It makes me feel like a king one second and an asshole the next. I did that to her. Brought the worry from that first night back into her warm eyes when all I should be is the reason she smiles.

Why she feels alive again.

I can’t fight this pull any longer. Fuck it, I’m done.

In two quick strides, I grab her hand and pull her tight against my chest. Ava trembles but never pulls away. Instead, she shimmies closer when a deep rumble climbs its way up my throat, and our eyes meet.

I see everything I’ll ever need in her gaze. In the way those succulent lips part, a tiny gasp leaves her throat.

We’re hungry. Longing. Need the other.

She’s mine.

“Baby, I need you to use your words. I need you to be very clear with me.”

“You. I just needyou.” It’s breathy andoh-so-sweet. “I want to be yours. I’m done fighting this pull between us.”

My reply is just as honest. Without a single hesitation, I slant my lips over hers.

“Fuck,” I groan into her mouth, almost shaking as that pure decadence that is Ava slams into my processors. I’m gone, metaphorically lying at her feet as I take what will always be mine. From now until the end of time, I'm keeping her after I kill Lyle Janson Porter. I’ll do everything and anything to convince her. “Are you sure? Because there’s no going back after this.”

“Yes.” She pulls slightly away, looking up at me with so much tenderness. “I love you, Elijah. And while I know it’s fast and crazy and the worst timing ever…it’s the truth.”

“I love you, too.” My hands shake on her skin as I exhale roughly. “I’ve been yours since the moment I opened my door and saw you standing there. So pretty and needing me.”

“I need you now.” Her smile is blinding, a serenity I’ve never seen before crossing her features. She’s relaxed and happy. How I always want her to be. Our lips meet once more, a renewed desperation taking hold of me. My fingertips dig into her flesh, holding her still as she tries to roll her hips—Ava’s just as overtaken as I am, clinging to me.

She claws at my shirt, pulling it over my head and ripping the collar in the process.

To get closer. Skin on skin.

I’m all too happy to oblige.

My hands explore lower, gripping and squeezing until reaching her thighs; I take one in each hand and lift her. My girl smirks as I do, a shiver running through her while she wraps those sexy legs around my waist. Ava squeezes tight, her hands in my hair as our tongues caress—stroking—as I walk us in the direction of my room.

I’m almost delirious with hunger and stop midway, backing her against the wall to thrust a few times against her clothed core. Pleasure rolls through me as her heat grazes my cock, theengorged head throbbing with each bead of pre-come she pulls from me.

I want more. Every glorious fucking inch.

“Take me to bed, Eli.” She’s hot, and her thighs are shaking, lips parted on a needy whimper. “I feel safe with you. Need more.”

Those words cause me to stop. My eyes close at the implication. “Sweetheart, are you a virgin?”

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