Page 27

I shoved Tristin out of the doorway and pulled Eli in, yanking the door closed.

“Wait!” Tristin yelled, “I have so many questions!”

“Ignore him,” I insisted. I turned to face Eli, his expression causing my stomach to dip and my heart skip a beat. Attempting to alleviate the heat building underneath my skin, I joked, “If you keep looking at me like that, we won’t make it to your parents for dinner.”

“I’m perfectly fine with that.” He moved in close, easing me back against the wall. “To be honest, I really don’t feel like going.”

I placed my hand on Eli's chest, stopping him in his tracks. “As much as I would enjoy stripping every article of clothing from your body, you said tonight was something you couldn’t back out of.”

“Not without good cause,” he argued. He took hold of my wrist, moving my hand from his chest, before pressing in closer. “And I would say that taking you on nearly every surface in your home is good cause.” His touch was feather light as his hands slid down my sides and around my back, his fingertips sinking into the muscle of my ass. He squeezed tightly, pulling me onto my tiptoes and bringing me forward so our bodies were flush together.

I exhaled a shaky sigh. I was easily swayed by Eli’s sexual advances, but tonight… “You can have me however you want me when we get back.”

“I’ll hold you to that, Laney,” Eli warned.

“As if I would need you to,” I scoffed. I lightly pushed him, moving him away. “Let’s go before we go from being fashionably late to flat out rude.”

I struggled to identify what I felt as we were pulling into the gates of the large estate. I was more than likely feeding off of Eli’s nervous energy. He’d become increasingly more agitated the closer we drew to the home.

“Young master,” one of the staff acknowledged Eli with a courteous bow after opening the driver side door.

I narrowed my eyes in his direction, but the “young master” was actively working to avoid my gaze.

“We’ll inform your parents you and your guest have arrived,” the same staff member stated.

“There’s no need,” Eli rushed out. “I’ll find them.”

“As you wish, sir.”

I was led forward by a warm hand placed at the small of my back.

“I know you have questions and I promise I’ll answer all of them as soon as we leave.” Breath fanned out across my ear as Eli heatedly whispered.

I opened my mouth to speak but was rendered silent once we crossed into the foyer. Beautiful, vaulted ceilings boasted crystal chandeliers that threw glittering rainbows on the white marble tile flooring. A double staircase was the focal point, and large vases of red, orange, pink, and champagne peonies rested on every other step. Staff waited off to the side with silver trays topped with champagne flutes and hors d'oeuvres. Centered between the double staircase were three harpists whose gentle music was somehow still audible over the buzzing conversation of the guests. Double doors were open behind the musicians, allowing me to catch a glimpse of a large, seemingly endless garden, complete with ornately decorated tables, a dance floor, and a live band. I turned on my heels, facing Eli. “You—” I started, but a man bearing a striking resemblance to Eli sidled up next to him.

“I’m surprised you actually came, brother. Especially after last time.” His light brown eyes slid over to me and a wicked grin curved his mouth. “And you actually brought a plus one.” His laugh was cold, sending a shiver down my spine. “Our parents will be delighted to make your acquaintance, I’m sure.” He extended his hand as he introduced himself. “I’m Jackson. Nice to finally meet the man that has caught my dear brother's attention.”

Out of politeness, I quickly took Jackson's hand. The stark contrast between the warmth of his hand and his frigid personality, along with the insidious undertone in his introduction, left me feeling off balance. “Delaney,” I introduced myself, mindful to not snatch my hand back once the exchange was done. “You have a lovely home.”

Jackson looked around the room, his gaze coming back to me as he shrugged. “Our home in the countryside is more lavish, but too far for Elias to drive to, apparently.”

I had to school my expression, fighting to keep it neutral. I felt Eli's eyes on me, his gaze practically boring a hole in the side of my face. “Not everyone is up for a long drive,” I offered, hoping the subject would change.

However, Jackson slapped a hand on Eli’s shoulder, chuckling softly. “He wouldn’t need to drive. Any one of our staff would gladly pick him up from that place he has the audacity to call home.”

“Enough, Jackson,” Eli finally interrupted, pushing his brother’s hand away from his shoulder. “Where are Mother and Father?”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll run into them soon. Please come and find me before you do. I would love to be there when they meet your little friend.” He smiled at me before turning towards Eli. The grin melted from his eyes, replaced with a look of deep disdain and a hint of loathing. “Enjoy yourselves tonight,” Jackson stated before taking his leave.

“Before you ask—” Eli rushed out.

“I wasn’t, Elias,” I hissed. My anger was sparked by a sense of betrayal, creating a chill that bloomed in the pit of my stomach. For over three months, I believed his name to be “Eli”, and why wouldn’t I? What type of person didn’t tell someone their full name at least once?

Probably the same type of person who hasn’t told the man he has feelings for that he can’t have children…

I pushed the thought aside, arguing within myself that my omitted truth was different. Eli willfully hid something pertinent, like his actual name, on top of the fact that his family was extremely wealthy. I was simply holding onto my truth because I wasn’t sure if the relationship would become serious enough to even divulge my medical condition.

“I promise I will explain.” Eli sounded weary as he took my hand. “I will tell you everything when we leave.” His voice had a pleading edge to it, one that almost made me give in. But when I spied Jackson in the background, a malicious grin brightening his eyes, my outrage flared, becoming white hot.