Page 74 of Stolen Voices

With everything that’s happened, I don’t want to waste any more time not taking a chance. Even if Eli rejects me, at least I’ll know and I can move on, right?

The world stops as Eli comes close enough that I can feel his breath on my lips. I bow forward, ready to kiss him, to submit to my desire for him—and only him—when an excruciating stab of pain in my neck stops me with a yelp.

Reaching for my neck, I close my eyes and breathe through the pain.

“Fuck.” Eli lets go of my hand to press the call button for the nurse. “You’re supposed to be resting.”

“It’s fine. I’m fine. Just a little whiplash,” I grit.

“It’s not fine. You could have died.” He stands from the chair, gripping his hair, and moves to the foot of my bed. The internal struggle over yesterday’s events is making its way outward.

“But I didn’t because you saved me.”

He whips his head around, shocked at my words. “You know?”

“I know,” I whisper.

We stare at each other, the tension between us thick and heated. I want to scream at him to say something. Anything.

His mouth moves as the nurse enters the room, oblivious to the stare-off happening between me and Eli. Her presence sucks all the energy from the room, and whatever was on the tip of his tongue.

“What can I do for you, Ms. Wright?” she asks, rushing to my side.

“Nothing. Just a little twinge.”

“Twinge, my ass,” Eli snaps, his eyes narrowed at me.

I know that look. I’ve been on the receiving end way too many times.

“Zip it, Eli,” I snap at him. He’s so damn frustrating. We went from almost kissing to him growling at me in seconds.

He ignores me and speaks to the nurse like I’m not here. “She’s in pain and won’t admit her neck hurts.”

I stare daggers at him. “She is right here and can speak for herself.”

“Then admit you’re experiencing pain.” His demanding tone hits me right at the apex of my thighs. I hate how he gets my blood boiling with his controlling attitude. “Admit it,” he growls like an angry animal.

Half of me wants to slap him for being so bossy and condescending, while the other half wants to shut him up by riding his gorgeous face.

“Admit you like me.”

Our eyes clash like swords in battle.

Admit it, you stubborn jerk.

“Calliope.” He says my name like a warning and my body reacts, desire rushing through me.

“Elijiah,” I reply in the same tone.

His chest rises and falls in a mesmerizing rhythm.

Unsure of what to do, the nurse’s head ricochets between the two of us.

“Knock, knock.” Doctor Taylor breezes into the room, flipping through the stack of papers in her hand, unaware of Eli glowering at me. “How’s my favorite patient?”

I keep my eyes on Eli and answer her. “I’m doing much better, thank you.”

Eli’s eye twitches and the gold flecks burn like embers in a fire, and not from being turned on. No, this time, he’s pissed.