Page 28

“You’re annoying, you know that?”

“Yeah, but you’re still helping me, so what does that make you?”

She shoots me a glare, but the corner of her mouth twitches like she’s fighting a smile.

This is gonna be fun.

Chapter 7

I’m staring at the car like it’s a spaceship. Sleek, black, and mean-looking. The curves of the body scream expensive, and the way the sun hits it… yeah, this is a McLaren. I know it because Aaron, my ex, wouldn’t shut up about these cars every time one passed us in LA.

I hug my books closer. “I’m not drivingthat.”

Eli raises a brow, leaning casually against the car like he doesn’t notice the fortune he’s perched on. “Why not?”

“In case I crash it,” I snap, crossing my arms. “That’s why not.”

“You won’t crash it,” he says, his voice easy, like that’s all the reassurance I need.

I glance at the car again. This thing is a beast. I want to argue, but he’s already moving, opening the driver’s side door.

“Let’s go,princess,”he says, smirking like I’m amusing him.

I swallow hard and step forward, nerves twisting in my stomach. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I can’t help but notice the buttery leather beneath me, the clean, masculine scent of the interior. It smells like… I don’t know, rich fuck boy and confidence. I glare at him for a moment as my entire opinion of him changes once again.

“What car is this?” I ask, my voice barely steady.

Eli settles into the passenger seat, closing the door with a soft thud. He leans back, clearly at home. “You mean you don’t know?”

I glare at him, not in the mood for his games.

He smirks. “McLaren 720S. Didn’t know you’d be impressed.”

“I’m not into cars,” I admit, running my fingers lightly over the smooth steering wheel. “But this is…”

He lifts his hand. “Can you help me with my belt?”

I blink, caught off guard. “What?”

“My hand,” he says, holding it up again like I’m dumb. “Can’t use it properly. Help me out?”

I call bullshit. We just glare at each other for a moment. With a sigh, I lean over, my fingers fumbling with the belt. He smells incredible like something sharp and woodsy mixed with the leather of the seat. I hate that my cheeks get hot, and I’m hyper-aware of the way he’s watching me.

I finish buckling him in and pull back quickly, staring straight at the dashboard. “How do I drive this thing?”

He grins, like he’s enjoying this way too much. “Push-to-start. Foot on the brake, hit the button.”

I follow his instructions, and the car roars to life. The engine’s deep growl vibrates through the seat, sending a rush of adrenaline through me.

Before I can adjust to the sound, his phone rings. The name on the screen flashes across the sleek dashboard display:Real Estate Lady.

He answers, putting it on speaker. “Yeah?”

The woman’s voice pours out, soft and flirtatious. “Eli, I’ve got your papers ready. Should I drop them off at your place later? You bruised my throat yesterday, but I have an off day tomorrow and three condoms with your name on it.”

I almost choke on my own spit. Her tone is pure sex, and I’d bet money she’s twirling her hair while she talks.

Eli clears his throat. “You’re on speaker. I’m not alone.”