Page 81 of Merciless

“We’re taking the same route,” Elijah says to Asher, his focus still on me. “Winner earns a secret from Eden.”

That sneaky son of a bitch.

“I don’t agree with the terms.” I glare at Elijah.

Asher’s expression doesn’t change. It’s the same bored look, as if he’d rather be anywhere else but here, playing Elijah’s games.

I hate thinking this, but he’s the better of the twins. He’d rather do his own thing and leave me alone, unlike Elijah.

Elijah leads me by the hand to his car. “Too bad, birdie. Maybe Asher will win and you won’t have to share the secret I’m dying to know.”

For my sake, I hope he’s right.

CHAPTER 29

EDEN

NIGHT 4 OF THE BET

Wind whips my hair over my face, but I don’t let go of the straps holding me in the seat as Elijah races through the streets. Asher keeps by his side, both cars taking turns moving in front of the other.

It’s a close call.

I’m not sure if it’s because the guys really want a secret from me or they’re just highly competitive and want to brag that they won. It could be the latter. I want it to be the latter. However, I’m beginning to suspect their attraction isn’t just for show.

My stepbrothers are fighting over me, and I’m overcoming my shock. Slowly, of course.

Elijah drifts around a corner and stomps on the gas.

I sink into the seat as my stomach flips from the opposing forces. I grin and close my eyes, enjoying the feeling it brings.

I haven’t had this much fun in . . . ever.

Elijah hits the brakes, and I jerk forward, my eyes flying open. The car drifts around as he turns the steering wheel. Dust kicks up and surrounds the car.

“Having fun, birdie?” Elijah puts the car in park and peeks at me with a subtle smirk.

“Yeah,” I say with a laugh. “I am.”

The dust settles, and I realize we’re in an empty parking lot.

Elijah rolls down the windows to let the night breeze blow through the car and cool us down.

I’m sweating for an entirely different reason now.

Being alone with him in his car is nerve-wracking. Not because I’m afraid he’ll do something bad to me. It’s because I’m afraid I’ll give in to his demands and do everything I’ve been denying myself since the night he ate me out.

He shuts off the engine and relaxes into his seat before looking at me. “Time to pay up, sis.”

“Shouldn’t it be Asher who tells you a secret?”

He slowly shakes his head. “Are you a virgin? And I want the truth this time.”

I raise my chin despite feeling an inch tall. “How about a different prize?”

Elijah slowly blinks and tilts his head, as if he’s considering my offer. “Fine,” he says. “I’ll play. What’s the other prize you’re offering?”

I unbuckle the straps with shaky hands. Elijah’s gaze makes it that much harder to do.