You Will Be Mine (Forever and Ever #7)

  You Will Be Mine

  Book Seven of The Forever and Ever Series

  E. L. Todd

  “There is never a time or place for true love.

  It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.”

  Sarah Dessen - The Truth About Forever

  Chapter One

  Silke

  I headed to my mailbox before I walked inside then grabbed the pile of mail. Most of it looked like junk and coupons so I wasn’t excited to go through it. After I set my things down, I sorted it at the counter.

  One piece of mail caught my attention. “From Harvard Academy of Art…?” What the hell was that? I ripped open the envelope then pulled out the letter. In a wordy invitation, it explained that one of my sculptures had been nominated for an award. And I was also invited to enter the piece into the annual auction.

  “No fucking way…” I read it again just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Then I checked the envelope to make sure it was addressed to me and not someone else. I loved sculpting and was decent at it, but I never thought I was good enough to be recognized for it.

  Now I was on cloud nine. I couldn’t believe this was really happening. I jumped to my feet and did a dance I would never do in front of another living soul. “Yes!”

  I took out my phone and texted Denise. Guess who’s awesome?

  Not you. I can tell you that much.

  I rolled my eyes then texted her back. Actually, it is me.

  I find that hard to believe.

  I was nominated for an award for one of my pieces. And it’s going to be sold at an auction.

  She didn’t text me back. Instead, she called me. “Seriously?” she blurted once I answered the phone.

  “Dead serious.”

  “That’s so awesome, girl! I didn’t know you were so serious about sculpting.”

  “I’m not,” I said. “I actually didn’t think I was very good. I guess I was wrong.”

  “You’re always wrong. When is the award ceremony?”

  I grabbed the paper and skimmed through it. “In two months.”

  “Char and I will be there.”

  “I don’t have to drag you?” I teased.

  “You know we’re always there for you.”

  I plopped down on the couch. “How’d it go with those two guys the other night?”

  “You know…hit it and quit it.”

  “He hasn’t called you back?” I asked sadly.

  “No, I haven’t called him back.”

  I burst out laughing. “Such a heartbreaker.”

  “Love wouldn’t be nearly as fun if it always had a happily ever after.”

  Maybe that was why I was so hung up on Arsen.

  “So, you went home with your man?”

  How did she know that? “What makes you think that?”

  “I saw you with him.”

  I didn’t deny it. “We made up.”

  “Shocking…is he going to this award ceremony?”

  “I haven’t told him about it yet.”

  “You mean, I’m the first?” she asked.

  “Yep.”

  “I am your best friend…”

  “As I’ve been saying for years…”

  “Well, I’ll let you go. I’m sure you want to call your boy toy.”

  “Yeah, but it won’t be to tell him about the art show…”

  She laughed. “Dirty bird.” Then she hung up.

  I lay back on the couch then texted Arsen. What are you doing?

  Thinking about you.

  No, you weren’t.

  He texted back instantly. I was.

  What were you really thinking about? This could go into dangerous territory.

  Something that would get me slapped.

  I smirked. Come over. I want to see you.

  I’m a busy man, baby.

  You’re never too busy for me.

  He responded instantly. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.

  I fixed my hair and touched up my make up before he came over. When I heard the distant sound of a raging muffler, I knew he was there. Several minutes went by and he didn’t knock.

  I opened the front door and looked out. Arsen was leaning against the rail of the stairway, his hands in his pockets. “Why don’t you ever knock?”

  “Why? You knew I was here.” He wore dark jeans and a black t-shirt. His hair was messy but in a sexy way. Only he could manage to roll out of bed and still look hot as hell.

  “Coming in or what?” I shifted my weight to one leg.

  “I haven’t decided.” He looked down the hallway like he saw something interesting.

  “Why are you always playing hard to get?” I demanded. “It’s annoying.”

  “It keeps you on your toes.” He turned his blue eyes on me. “Give them just enough to want more.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Those rules don’t apply to me. Now get your ass inside.”

  He gave me a quick smirk before he walked into my apartment. Once he was near me, his cologne reached my nose. It was a mixture of masculinity and bar soap. He strutted through my living room and looked at everything like it was the first time he’d been inside. “Why did you want to see me?”

  “You’re my boyfriend. I don’t need a reason.”

  He opened his mouth to speak but abruptly closed it.

  I knew what he was going to say. Out of habit, he was going to make the argument that he wasn’t my boyfriend. But he realized his error just before it was too late. “Missed me, then?”

  “I always miss you.” I came to him then wrapped my arms around his neck.

  He flashed me a look of surprise mingled with emotion. It was sudden and quick, disappearing faster than I could process. He stared down at me, his eyes lingering on my lips.

  “Why do you do that?”

  “What?” His voice was deep and low.

  “Every time I say something like that, you flinch.”

  His eyes were guarded and didn’t convey his thoughts. “It just surprises me.”

  “Why?”

  His hands moved around my waist and to the small of my back. “One day you’ll figure it out.”

  “One day?” I asked. “Are you saying it’s obvious?”

  “It’s damn obvious.”

  “Enlighten me.” I leaned closer to him then brushed my lips past his, teasing him.

  His lips parted slightly, wanting to take the bait. “Sometimes it’s hard to believe that such a beautiful woman wants me—and only me.”

  My eyes softened. “I thought lots of women wanted you.”

  “They do,” he said truthfully. “But they’ve got nothing on you.”

  Arsen claimed he wasn’t a romantic guy, but he always was when he was with me. I cupped his face and gave him a slow kiss. His lips were wet and soft, delicious. When I pulled away, I saw the heated look in his eyes. Whenever we touched, he was equally affected. “For teasing me all the time and trying to make us seem insignificant, you know how to make me feel beautiful.”

  His eyes brightened. “I promise you, I’m not doing it intentionally.”

  I leaned close to him. “I think you’re full of it.”

  His hands moved up my shirt slightly, his warm skin pressed to mine. “I’m not. You’re cute but I’ve had better.”

  “You’re such a terrible liar.” I pulled away, leaving his hands in the air.

  He returned them to his pockets then trailed behind me. As I picked up the letter, he pressed his chest into my back then placed a gentle kiss on my neck. Then he grabbed my shirt and stretched it down my shoulder, exposing the skin. When he pressed his lips there, it made me feel warm everywhere. “
You’re the only one who can read between the lines.”

  “Because I know you like no one else.” I skimmed through the lines of the letter, feeling elated that I accomplished something for once in my life.

  “What’s that?” His lips were pressed to my ear.

  “A letter.”

  He chuckled lightly. “I figured that.”

  I turned around then started to read it out loud.

  “I can read, you know.” A playful smirk was on his lips.

  “But this is above second grade reading level.” I returned his smirk with my own then kept reading. When I finished, I tossed the letter onto the table.

  “Your work was nominated for an award?” he asked in surprise.

  “Yep.” I couldn’t stop smiling.

  “I guess I’m not surprised…you are a nerd.”

  I shook my head. “I’ve never been particularly good at anything. I just skate by doing the bare minimum.”

  “That’s not even possible,” he said firmly. “So, when is this ceremony?”

  “In two months.”

  “Cool. I’m sure you’ll get it.”

  I shrugged. “I don’t want to get my hopes up. I’m just thrilled I’m even considered.”

  “Well, let me know how it goes.” He stepped back then headed to my couch.

  Whoa…what? “You’re coming as my date. You’ll know when I know.”

  He stilled then slowly turned around. “You aren’t serious, right?”

  Was I missing something? “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  He leaned against the couch then crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not stepping foot on that campus. All I’ll do is embarrass you.”

  “With an attitude like that, you will.” My playful mood was gone, replaced by annoyance.

  “Silke, I don’t belong there.”

  “You belong with me.”

  He looked away and sighed. “I have more important things to do instead of making a bunch of nerds feel cool with my presence.”

  “You think I care?” I challenged. “I want you to be there, Arsen. End of story.”

  He narrowed his eyes at me. “No. Forget it.”

  “No? Forget it?” I asked incredulously. “This is important to me, Arsen.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck while he stared at the ground. “I realize that. I wish I could support you. I do. But attending this shindig would be a bad idea.”

  “No, it won’t. You’re my boyfriend. That’s what boyfriends do.”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t exactly excel in that category.”

  “Because you haven’t tried,” I snapped. “Now grow a pair and get over it.”

  He moved to the couch then sat down. His shoulders were tense and he had an annoyed look on his face. He seemed more interested in staring at the ground than me.

  I decided to drop the subject. I’d pushed Arsen hard and fast, and I knew I needed to slow down. He was doing the best he could, and asking for too much at one time would make him crack.

  I moved to the couch then crawled into his lap. “You know what I want?”

  He leaned back and rested his hands on the couch, not touching me. He didn’t respond to my question. He acted like I hadn’t said anything.

  “For you to satisfy me.” My meaning hung in the air.

  His eyes darted back to mine. “Sex will postpone this fight, not end it.”

  “We aren’t having a fight. You’re going to that ceremony with me. End of discussion.”

  He growled in annoyance. “I like that you see the good in me, but you shouldn’t see things that don’t exist. I’m not ready for that.”

  “You will be. Give it time.”

  He looked away again, the annoyance brewing in his eyes.

  “Now are you going to make love to me or will I have to do it by myself?”

  One side of his lip upturned in an involuntary smile. “I wouldn’t mind watching that.”

  I slowly moved off his lap then headed to my bedroom. “Then hurry up before you miss the previews.” When I reached my door, I heard his quick footsteps behind me.

  “I wouldn’t miss that for anything.”

  ***

  Theo was quiet and thoughtful. His face was set in a permanent scowl, and every now and then he released a random grunt like he was pissed about something.

  “Why are you acting like a caveman?” I asked.

  We were sitting in the library at our usual table. It didn’t feel the same without the rest of the group, but we made due without them. I missed Skye and Trinity, two of my close friends, and I hated being the only girl left in school.

  Theo narrowed his eyes at me. “I’m not acting like a caveman.”

  “You growled at me.”

  “No, I didn’t,” Theo argued.

  “You growled at me too,” Conrad added.

  “I did?” he asked. He shook his head quickly. “Whatever. I’m just tired.”

  “Is it that girl?” Conrad asked.

  That caught my attention. “What girl?”

  Theo rolled his eyes. “This stupid girl at my studio is making my life a living hell.”

  “What did she do?” I asked.

  “She’s just annoying.” He pulled out his phone and avoided eye contact.

  I turned to Conrad, silently asking him what the problem was.

  He shrugged then looked away.

  “You want me to take her out?” I asked.

  Theo laughed lightly. “She’d rip you apart, Silke.”

  “I could take her,” I said firmly.

  “No, you couldn’t.” Conrad was smiling broadly. “Because she kicked Theo’s ass in a match.”

  Theo looked like he might explode. If he had a gun, it would be pointed at Conrad. “She did not!”

  “He’s still touchy about it…” Conrad’s eyes were bright with mischief.

  I covered my mouth and tried not to laugh. “A girl beat you up?”

  “She didn’t beat me up,” he argued. “We were sparring.”

  “But she beat you?” I asked.

  “No…well…technically. But only because I let her.” He leaned back in his chair with a sneer on his face.

  The idea of Theo being thrown to the ground by a girl was hilarious. “She and I would probably get along well.”

  “You and everyone else I work with,” Theo said miserably.

  “I want to see this chick,” Conrad said. “She deserves a medal.”

  “She challenged me to another match,” Theo said. “Loser has to apologize to the other.”

  Conrad’s jaw dropped. “I’m so going to that—with popcorn.”

  “Me too,” I said. “She’s my hero.”

  “I’ll beat her this time,” Theo said. “I won’t go easy on her.”

  Conrad winked at me. “Sure, man.”

  “I will,” he hissed.

  “We aren’t judging you,” I said. “Lots of guys get beat up by girls.”

  “They do?” Theo asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “Yeah, in second grade,” I said with a laugh.

  Conrad cracked up and tried to keep his voice down.

  “Go to hell.” Theo ignored us and played with his phone.

  I exchanged a smirk with Conrad then pulled out the letter. “I’ve got news.”

  “What?” Conrad asked. “That guy left you alone?”

  I forgot about that. “Yeah, he’s not a problem. It’s something else.”

  “What guy?” Theo’s voice was serious. He went from hating me one second to being protective a second later.

  “Nobody,” I said. I handed the paper to Conrad. “One of my sculptures has been nominated for an award.”

  “Seriously?” Theo asked.

  Conrad read through the letter. “Sick.” He nodded his head enthusiastically. “Congrats, Silke.”

  “Thanks.” I felt my cheeks blush slightly.

  “Let me see.” Theo snatched the paper away. “Cool. That’s aw
esome.”

  “I’m pretty excited. Even if I don’t win, I’m flattered I was considered,” I said.

  “Is this the Oscars?” Conrad asked sarcastically.

  I hit his shoulder playfully. “Shut up.”

  Conrad looked at the paper again. “I’ll be there.”

  “You will?” I asked.

  “Why wouldn’t I?” Conrad asked.

  Theo looked at the date and time. “Me too.”

  I didn’t even ask them to come and they were planning on it. It meant a lot to me even if I didn’t say it. I wished Arsen had the same reaction. He spooked easily. I had to be patient with him but sometimes that was difficult.

  “Did you tell your parents?” Conrad asked.

  “Not yet,” I said. “I’ll call them.”

  “Don’t expect Slade to show,” Theo said.

  “I think he will,” I said. “He’s a jackass but I think he cares about me—a little.”

  “Sometimes I’m not sure,” Conrad teased.

  I turned back to my textbook and tried not to fall asleep because it was so boring.

  “So, what’s the deal with this guy that was stalking you?” Conrad said.

  “Stalking you?” The threat was in Theo’s voice.

  “He wasn’t stalking me,” I said immediately.

  “You needed me to pick you up because he was blocking your car,” Conrad said.

  “It wasn’t like that,” I said. “He was just trying to talk to me.”

  “Blocking your car?” Theo asked. “I think this guy needs an ass-kicking.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Knock it off. He’s fine.”

  “He left you alone then?” Conrad asked.

  “We made up,” I said. “We’re fine now.”

  “Is this guy your boyfriend?” Theo asked.

  I’d never told anyone about Arsen before and I was tired of keeping him a secret. If he wanted to have a real relationship, we needed to act like we were in a real relationship. “Yes.”

  Conrad’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.”

  “Why is that surprising? I’m a young and attractive woman. You two may think I’m ugly but other men don’t,” I said.

  “Debatable,” Theo said.

  “Who is this guy?” Conrad asked. “He goes here?”

  Should I be honest about him? I wasn’t sure. “No, he doesn’t. He’s a few years older than me.”