Page 45

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want to,” she snaps, flipping her notebook closed like that’s supposed to end the conversation.

I grab it before she can stop me, holding it out of reach.

“Eli, what the hell?” she hisses, her eyes darting around.

I grin, flipping through it. “Let’s see what’s got you so busy.”

“Give it back!” She reaches for it, but I hold it higher, standing now.

Clearing my throat dramatically, I start reading. “Why is he so infuriating, and why do I—”

Her hand clamps over my mouth. “Shut up! You’re gonna get us kicked out.”

I lower the notebook just enough to meet her glare. “Then talk to me.”

“Fine,” she mutters through gritted teeth.

I stand, pulling her up with me.

“In private.”

She looks like she’s about to argue, but I’m already moving, dragging her toward the shelves.

“Eli, this is ridiculous,” she says, her voice sharp but quiet. “I don’t have time for this.”

I stop between two rows, the space tight, the scent of old books heavy in the air. I turn to her, crowding her back against the shelf.

“Make time,” I say, my voice low.

Her arms cross over her chest like she’s building a wall. “I already told you. You’re not my type.”

“Liar,” I murmur, stepping closer.

Her eyes widen slightly. “What?”

“Pretty little liar.” My hand slides up to her hair, threading through the strands before I tug gently, tilting her face up to mine.

She sucks in a sharp breath, and I kiss her, hard and deep. Her lips are soft, warm, and for a second, she doesn’t move. Then she melts into me, her body leaning into mine like she’s been waiting for this.

She whimpers, the sound going straight to my head. My hands move, one wrapping around her waist, the other sliding to cup her breast. She arches into my touch, her breath hitching.

“Eli,” she whispers, her tone a mix of warning and something else.

I move my hand lower, finding the zipper on her shorts. Slowly, I tug it down, the sound impossibly loud in the quiet space.

Her eyes lock on mine, wide and hazy. “Stop,” she says, but there’s no conviction in her voice.

I pause, my fingers resting on the waistband of her shorts. “I will if you admit you’re interested in me.”

Her jaw tightens. “I’m not interested.”

“Liar,” I say again, dragging the zipper lower.

Her pink lace panties peek out, and I let out a low growl. “Princess in pink,” I murmur, my voice rough.