15. Eva

Fifteen

Eva

Later that afternoon, I find myself back in the library, curled up in my favorite chair. I tell myself I’m here to write, but my laptop remains closed as I stare out the window, watching the snow fall.

“Productive?”

I glance up to find Eli standing in the doorway, his broad shoulders filling the frame.

“Not really,” I admit, my voice softer than usual.

He steps inside, closing the door behind him. “Mind if I join you?”

I hesitate, but only for a moment. “Sure.”

He sinks into the chair across from me, his dark eyes never leaving mine.

“You’ve been quiet today,” he says, his voice low.

“Just thinking,” I reply, my cheeks heating under his gaze.

“About me?”

I snort, trying to deflect. “You wish.”

His lips twitch, but he doesn’t press. Instead, he leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “You don’t have to be scared, Eva.”

“I’m not scared.”

“Then why are you running?”

His words cut through me, and I hate how much they resonate.

“I’m not running,” I say weakly, though it feels like a lie.

He reaches out, his mammoth hand brushing mine. The touch is light, but it sends a jolt of electricity through me.

“You’re not alone anymore,” he murmurs, his voice so soft it makes my chest ache.

And just like that, the walls I’ve been holding up crack.

The air between us is charged, heavy with everything we’re not saying. I should pull away, put some distance between us, but instead, I lean closer.

“Eli…”

He doesn’t wait for me to finish. His hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing against my skin as his lips capture mine.

The kiss is slow at first, gentle, but it doesn’t stay that way for long. His other hand slides to my waist, pulling me closer as the heat between us ignites.

The way he kisses me is overwhelming, like he’s claiming me, like I’m the only thing that matters.

When we finally pull apart, I’m left breathless, my heart pounding in my chest.

“You’re not running anymore,” he murmurs, his forehead resting against mine.

“No,” I whisper. “I’m not.”