Page 164 of Stolen Voices

“I’m scared,” I finally admit.

Eli grips my hips and flips me around to face him. My knees fall around his waist, and my core rests on his lower abs. “Tell me, what are you afraid of?”

“I’m afraid of Silla, of my mom getting hurt… Mostly, I’m afraid of losing you.” Speaking the truth makes my shoulders lighter.

“Silla will get what’s coming to her. I will protect you and your mom; she can stay in Malibu, or we can move her somewhere else. That’s up to you, and I will help and support you no matter what you decide. As for losing me? Impossible.”

“But I don’t live a normal life. I can’t go anywhere without being noticed. People take pictures and videos of me, and ask for autographs.”

“No way. That is new information,” Eli deadpans, making me smirk, but I bite back my laugh.

“I’m serious,” I continue. I need to get this all out and release the chains holding me back. “This life was forced on me and so was the spotlight. I know hiding away here with you isn’t real life, but what if when we get home you change your mind and don’t want to be with me? What if it’s too hard because we work together? What if people talk? What if—”

“What if the sky turns purple and pigs fly?”

“Elijiah Miller. Be serious.”

“I am fucking serious, Calliope Astra Cartwright. Now, listen to me.”

My heart flutters at the warning in my name. The only time I have ever mentioned my middle name was when I signed the contract with Blaze. I didn’t see him, only Hudson, look at the signature. A little zing zips through me. Eli looked.

“I’m listening.”

Eli tucks a stray strand behind my ear and runs his finger down my jaw the way he always does, making me feel seen and precious. It’s so simple, and yet his touch is so much more. I tangle my fingers in his hair at the nape of his neck as he bores his contrasting blue-green eyes into mine.

“I already know what your life is like, and guess what? I don’t give a fuck about people following you around and taking pictures. I know who you are, Callie. You’re crazy talented and fucking gorgeous. You’re warm and generous. People would be stupid not to admire and follow you around. But those people don’t see you like I do. They don’t get to see your strength. They don’t know how you’ve persevered and survived unimaginable heartbreak, but I do. I’m so proud of you for fighting all these years on your own. For waiting for me to catch up to my feelings. I’m sorry it took me so long, but I’m here now, Cal. You’re my sunlight during the day, warming my world, and my stars in the sky, guiding me home at night. I fucking love you, princess. And everything that comes along with it.”

He’s here now.

Tears well in my eyes at his proclamation. I would endure the pain of his cruel words and actions a thousand times over if it led us here every time. With his powerful arms holding me up, his big heart wrapping me in love, and his unique eyes seeing me to the bone, I know I’m where I’m supposed to be.

“I love you too. So much. You don’t even know. But are you sure? The last thing I want is for you and everything you built to be destroyed.”

Eli grabs my face and slams his mouth to mine in a steamy, wet kiss, shutting me up. My brain synapses misfire, and the world melts away. When we break apart, I’m left hot and dizzy, desperately trying to catch my breath.

“Princess, the entire world could burn to the ground around us, and I’d still only have eyes for you.”

An electric thrill shoots through me at his confession.

He slips a finger under my necklace and rubs the back of his finger over my throbbing pulse point. “Do I need to remind you again what this necklace means?”

The dull throb between my legs turns into a furious pounding as Eli shifts beneath me, his cock slipping through my pussy lips.

“I think I could use a refresher.” I shift my hips, notching the tip of his thick cock at my entrance.

“It will beyourpleasure.” A sinful smile that promises a dirty lesson spreads across his face as he thrusts his hips, spreading me apart around him.

And that’s exactly what Eli gives me in the bathtub, on the counter, and up against the wall until we leave for the airport.

I spend the flight back to LA asleep on his lap, with a delicious ache between my legs and comfort in knowing I won’t have to face reality without Eli by my side.

Hopefully, forever.

thirty-five

Callie

Spinningsidetosidein front of the full-length mirror, I take in the designer lilac metal mesh dress. I love it. The gown drapes in the front above my breasts and in the middle of my back. The cap sleeves and spaghetti straps give the dress an old Hollywood vibe that I adore, and the high slit up the left thigh gives it a modern, sexy flare.