Page 22 of Stolen Voices

I bite back my smile. “I’m just surprised, is all.”

“At?”

“The fact that you drive an electric car and not a Bentley. I’m impressed.”

“What, I can’t care about the environment? Now, who’s judging?” He’s referring to our first meeting when he insulted me.

“Sorry,” I mumble, my cheeks heating with embarrassment. I didn’t like it when he judged me, so I shouldn’t judge him, but I can’t help myself. I’ve had this idea of him in my head for so long. Rude, cocky, flashy. I’m starting to see how off base I was about him.

“Relax, Callie. I’m kidding.” He lets out a low, deep chuckle. The sound hits me in my center, and I rub my thighs together. “You’re close, though. I used to drive a Maserati.”

Now, it’s my turn to chuckle. “Well, I’m glad you don’t anymore. May I ask what made you switch?”

“It’s more of a who.”

“Oh.” My heart flutters, and my breath catches in my throat.

Does Eli have a secret wife and kids? I can’t stop my eyes from glancing at his left hand. Empty.Doesn’t mean he’s single.

“Yeah, my nephew,” he says proudly, a smile pulling at his mouth. “When he’s in town visiting, I like to take him out—just the two of us—and having a two-seater sports car wasn’t practical.”

I let out a slow exhale as relief floods my chest. I like this side of Eli. He’s the charming guy I see talking to everyone but me. “That’s sweet of you. I bet he enjoys hanging out with his uncle.”

“He does. He’s a spoiled little shit, but I love him.”

My stomach somersaults at visions of Eli with his nephew. I bet he’s an amazing uncle. Fun but protective. “He’s lucky to have you.”

“Thanks. So, what about you?”

“What about me?” I ask, deflecting his question. It’s a knee-jerk reaction after Silla’s conditioning. I’m not allowed to answer questions about my family.

“I told you about my family. What about yours? Got any siblings?”

None that count.“No.”

My palms sweat and my lungs freeze because I’m afraid of what he’s going to ask next.

“It’s for the best. Siblings are nothing but trouble.”

Don’t I know it.I force a laugh. “So, tell me more about these brothers. Are any of them single?”

“No,” he snaps immediately. Eli’s lips purse as his eyes slide my way, his jaw ticking.

Was that a hint of jealousy?

“No, you don’t want to tell me more? Or no, they aren’t single.” I grin.

His knuckles turn white as he grips the steering wheel. It looks like I’m ruffling his feathers with these questions. Good. Why should I be the only one affected by this weirdness between us?

“No, they aren’t single. Even if they were, they’re too old for you.”

I wave him off. “Oh please, age is nothing but a number. My dad was ten years older than my mom when they got married.”

Fuck.

I’m usually good about not bringing up my family history, but here I am, fifteen minutes into a car ride with Eli, and I’m dropping information he should never have.

The car falls silent.