Page 26 of Heart of a Rebel

I’m the type of person who prefers clear lines. Limits that define what’s right and wrong, okay and not, good and bad. It’s why I thrived in the military. Structure, orders, clarity. But everything with Eloise feels the exact opposite. She makes me want to go rogue, and it’s fucking dangerous.

“I—” She reaches her hand out and finally takes the necklace from me. “It’s beautiful. Thank you, Adrian.”

She undoes the clasp and brushes her hair off her neck, wrapping the chain around it. I help her secure the clasp when she can’t and my fingers brush against her soft skin. I’m not sure how a woman can be the embodiment of everything gentle, while still feeling so damn strong, but she does.

Eloise places her hand over the flower on her chest and holds it, looking up at me. “Hopefully you brought presents for everyone. Wouldn’t want the guys to be jealous of my bling.”

“I’ll get them a round of shots.” I shrug. “They’ll be fine.”

The ease of her smile should comfort me, but inside I can’t help worrying about what it really does mean that I wanted to do this for her. If I’m going to be their manager, I can’t be treating any of them differently from the others.

“I’m still in shock from all of this.” Eloise rests her hands back on the bed and it tilts her body at an angle. Even in clothes three sizes too big, it doesn’t stop me from appreciating the simplicity of how she wears them.

“It’s something not many people get a chance at,” I say. “You should be proud. Enjoy it.”

“I’m pretty sure Sebastian and Rome will do enough of that for the rest of us.” She lifts an eyebrow and smiles.

“You’re probably right.”

“I’m glad you’re with us.” She sits up and places her hand over mine, where I realize I’m dangerously close to her thigh.

I swallow at the hard lump in my throat and force a smile. “Nowhere I’d rather be.”

Her body shifts and we might as well be magnets because I don’t feel in control of how I’m drawn to her. A force swallows me into a black hole I wish held hope, but it’s more likely to be regret.

Not that I can seem to stop this.

Eloise is so close; I feel her body heat radiating from her hot shower. I feel the humidity fogging my head when her lips part and she lets out the softest breath.

Gravity.

It’s what she is, dragging me toward her. And it’s not the fact that she’s beautiful. Or that she’s Eloise Kane, soon to be burrowed in the hearts of millions of fans. It’s that she’s genuine and kind, always looking out for those around her. It’s that she’s the softest part of the flower, beautiful at first sight, but that she’s also the roots—deep, strong, endless.

Her lips part and I know I should lean back. I should not want a taste of whatever life she blooms inside her. I should not want her to draw the decay from my bones. I should not crave something so pure when all I’ve done is bring destruction to those around me.

I should not drown at the feel of Eloise’s mouth on my own as she leans in and closes the distance. But there’s no use.

Eloise tips her chin up and presses her rose-petal lips against mine. Time slows down and sound drowns out. Anything but the feel of her against me ceases to exist.

Reaching in, I graze my fingers against her cheek. I hold her jaw in both my hands and wonder if it’s her or myself who suddenly feels fragile. Her mouth parts and I slip my tongue in. The feeling beyond whatever else in my life felt like coming home again.

She presses her body closer, and even if our legs are still twisted off the bed, we’re nearly chest to chest, hearts racing for each other. She moans, and I can’t help but swallow it for the sunshine it draws inside me.

Eloise brings her hands up to my own and covers the back of mine with her palms. Neither of us reaches for more because we both know that one kiss doesn’t mean we can actually have this.

I tighten my grip on her and wish this moment didn’t feel so fucking breakable. Like she doesn’t make me want to lose all control. Like if we could have met under different circumstances, where I’m not blown to bits inside and she’s not on the brink of everything she’s ever wanted, it could be possible. Like if we could take this kiss and move it to a time and place where life is simpler, things might be different.

Eloise breaks the kiss, but I don’t let go of her face. Her hands drag from my own, along my arms, and down my sides, leaving a path of fire in their wake. Until she collapses and buries herself against my chest. I wrap my arms around her and nothing has felt so right.

I breathe in her floral shampoo and press my cheek against her wet hair, wanting everything in the world for this girl, knowing that means I have to deny myself in the process.

“Everything’s going to change.” Her words are nearly a whisper against my chest.

“It is.” I hold her tighter, feeling the pain in the truth cutting to the bone. “And you deserve everything.”

10

Eloise

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