Page 70 of Eternal

It’s soft and delicate.

Nothing like him.

“I’ll be right back,” he mumbles against my mouth, turning to follow his father.

My cheeks flush with heat while my heart races. Now that my body’s had a hit of him, I can’t deny it’s addicted. No matter how much he pisses me off with his arrogant comments or selfish motives, his touch sets my skin on fire.

Pressing my lips together, I watch his back as he disappears to the side of the room to talk to his father. All around, eyes are on me, and I remind myself the kiss was for the room.

This is a show we’re putting on.

It’s not real.

“I thought I was clear.” My father’s voice is a sharp razor slicing through my thoughts.

Turning, I find him standing directly behind me with my mom on his arm. Her smile is forced, and her eyes dart around the room like they do when she’s nervous.

“Hi, Dad.” I offer a tight smile.

“Don’t try and—” My father cuts himself off when something catches his attention over my shoulder. “Ah, Jase.”

Jase circles to my side, smiling at my father. When his attention moves to me, I don’t know what to make of him.

His family is a lot like mine in that they’re rich, with the lineage of Sigma Sin. I’ve seen Jase a few times in passing on campus, but we’ve never actually spoken. Anything I’ve heard about him or his parents is rumor. But whenhe smiles wide and reaches for my hand, I don’t trust it’s genuine.

“You must be the beautiful Teal.” He kisses the back of my hand. “Declan has said good things.”

“Declan?” I almost laugh but hold myself back, realizing I should probably pretend it’s believable in front of my father. “Right… that’s very…niceof him.”

Jase’s eyebrows pinch, watching me while he lowers my hand.

“I didn’t know there would be so many people here tonight.” I turn my attention back to my parents, trying to ignore how Jase won’t take his eyes off me.

I’m supposed to marry this man someday, and the most I know about him right now is that his lips on my skin made every bone in my body uneasy.

“Some of our guests were unexpected.” Dad’s tone sharpens. “You didn’t mention Declan would be joining you.”

“It was a last-second thing.” That’s not a lie, considering I didn’t know he’d be here until I stopped at the doorstep.

“I see.” Dad watches Declan and his father over my shoulder, his posture tense. “Well, the Ivans family will be joining us for our annual hunting trip next week. It will give you and Jase some time to get to know each other a little better without distractions.”

“I’ve never been on one of those trips.” And I don’t like that he’s still trying to set me up when I’ve done everything I can to make it clear I’m dating Declan.

“You’ll go this year.”

“I’m not—”

“We’ll see you there, Teal.” Dad releases my mom’s arm so he can move closer where no one can hear him whispering. “Don’t forget who is funding your summer in Paris. Or who is keeping you out of Montgomery, even when you’re not feelingwell. You will be on the hunting trip. It’s not a question.”

“Did someone say hunting?” Ian Pierce comes up beside my father, clapping him on the shoulder.

Declan is at his father’s side, and if it’s possible, his gaze is even colder when he sees Jase standing next to me.

My father takes a step back, and Declan steals my hand, pulling me to his side.

“Jase.” He nods at him.

“Hey, Dec.” Jase takes a step back. “I’ll see you at the house later.”