Page 70 of Merciless

“We’ll see about that. I like a good challenge.” Elijah’s taunting words follow me as I put well-needed distance between us.

I walk outside and join Asher in the car, but I settle into the front passenger seat this time. While I’d love to sit in the back to keep a distance from Elijah, I don’t feel like squeezing into the back again.

This last hour of the drive will be torture—just as I knew this whole trip would be.

It’s not long before Elijah shows up, fills the car’s tank with gas, and then sits behind the wheel.

It’s deadly quiet in the car as he drives back onto the freeway. Not even music plays to fill the silence.

I shift in my seat too many times to count, and I keep biting my tongue before asking Elijah why he’s attracted to me. Isn’t he afraid of being ostracized by everyone like I have been?

“I don’t like being touched,” Elijah says, softening his voice.

I blink and turn toward him.

He glances at me for a second before turning back to the road as he drives. “Everyone is always touching me, and it becomes too much.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you said you don’t know me.” He casts a wary look at me. “So I’m telling you something personal that I don’t share with anyone.”

“But you touch me.” I flinch and check if Asher is still asleep. It’s hard to tell with his hoodie up. “I mean, you always put your hand on my back or play with my hair.”

Elijah’s grin comes out tight, and he nods.

“I do.” He softens his voice as if he’s talking to himself. “I don’t know why.”

I don’t know why either, but I hope he keeps his hands to himself while we’re at our parents’ house. If they catch us doing anything outside of normal, I’d imagine there would be hell to pay. Especially if his dad found out.

I’d lose everything.

CHAPTER 25

EDEN

DAY 4 OF THE BET

“Oh, good. You’re here!” Mom’s bracelets jangle together as she claps, then opens her arms for a hug.

“Hi, Mom.” I let go of my bag’s handle, step into her embrace, and close my eyes as I melt into her.

I last saw her over Christmas break. It was only a few months ago, but it feels like ages. It seems even longer since I’ve had the old version of her. Mom has changed since marrying Joe. She’s acts like the uptight assholes my stepfather hangs out with.

“How have you been?” She pulls away. “You haven’t called.”

“It’s been a little busy this semester, and I’m okay,” I lie straight through my teeth.

Her eyebrows rise. “Just okay?”

I shrug. “It’ll be better if I can⁠—”

“We’ve been over this before, sweetheart. We want you at the most prestigious school so that you get a better education. You can’t have that at a community college.”

My shoulders sag. “Right.”

There’s no point in arguing with her about it. That ship sailed two years ago during my freshman year. She acts as if she’s truly concerned about how I’m treated, but nothing is ever done about it. It always got worse.

“How’s school? Are they treating you okay?” She rubs my arm, seeming genuinely interested, but her gaze slips past me and focuses on whatever is behind me.