Chapter 30
Anais
Sunday morning, I headed out for an early run, when it became clear sleep wasn’t happening, and when I returned, I set up camp on my couch. Wrapped in a blanket, surrounded by a silly number of sugary treats, water, green tea and Netflix, I have made myself the perfect pity party for one.
I want to confront Evan, but right now I’m still too raw. Too vulnerable to face him.
After Evan took my virginity, then left me feeling discarded and humiliated, I pulled myself together, freshened up, then went back upstairs where I practically glued myself to Aria’s side.
I volunteered to look after Baron, needing something to distract me from my misery and rejection.
After a few puzzled looks she handed him over, without question.
I spotted Evan a few times, but we kept our distance.
I ignored him and he let me. It was only when Eli found me that I saw a change in Evan’s demeanor.
One second, he was the picture of a cool, controlled mogul, the next he was bristling with possessive jealousy.
Within minutes, he’d inserted himself between Eli and me, forcing fake small talk just to keep us apart.
Eventually, I walked away, leaving them to it.
Not long after, the yacht docked. I slipped away before anyone could stop me, and went home with an ache in my heart and my innocence lost.
Despite what Evan might think, he doesn’t have a claim on me. He’s made it clear every time we’ve been intimate. I respect his honesty. And though I thought I could handle casual, turns out I was wrong. My lovesick heart wasn’t built for casual. Not when it comes to Evan Maxwell.
Evan was right. I’m that cliché. I want the fairytale. I wanted the ring after sex.
I roll my eyes at my thoughts. I really am delusional. I should hate him for how he left me last night, but I only have myself to blame. He warned me. Has shown me several times who he is. I should’ve believed it. Unfortunately for me, I’m that girl. The one who thought I could change him.
Joke’s on me.
Evan fucked me like he owned me. Worked my body like an instrument he’d played his whole life. Made me feel things I never imaged were possible. Even hours later my body still thrums with the aftershocks of his touch.
Groaning, I bury my face in a cushion, trying to block it all out. How am I ever going to get over what happened? The simple answer? I won’t. And that fucking sucks.
My phone rings, dragging me out of my hiding place.
I move my hand blindly, across the coffee table, snatching it up when I finally locate it.
I smile when I see Lana’s name flashing on the screen.
When I got home last night, I sent her an SOS message.
She’s only just responding, but I can’t be mad.
I’m pretty sure she had a date last night.
“About damn time,” I answer in greeting.
“Yeah, yeah,” she grumbles, voice thick with sleep. “Long night. I just woke up and saw your messages. What’s up?”
My grin is wide. “And what kind of long night has you just waking up at…” I glance at my watch. “It’s past twelve!” I shriek.
“Jesus, Nais, dial it down a notch.” Lana groans, using her nickname for me.
“Nana,” I counter, using her own nickname. “Should I call you later?”
“Is your SOS life threatening?”
“No,” I chuckle.
“Then yes. You’ve woken the man beside me, and he looks like he’s about ten seconds away from devouring me. I’ll speak to you later.” She hangs up before I can respond. I laugh, shaking my head as I slide my phone on the table and burrow back in the couch.
But then my peace and solitude is disturbed. Again. There’s a knock at my door.
Great. It’s probably my brother. I’m going to kill him for disturbing me.
I drag myself off the couch, grumbling under my breath with every step to the door. I unlatch the keychain and pull it open, only for all the air to leave my lungs.
Because it’s not Harrison standing on the other side.
It’s the last person I expected to see.
Evan.
“What’re you doing here?” I breathe, trying to sound stronger than I feel.
He slides his hands in his pockets, his icy blues raking over me, leaving trails of heat on every part he touches.
Then his gaze meets mine. My heart hammers in my chest and I shift, suddenly aware of how I look.
Hair in a messy bun on top of my head, bags under my eyes.
Beige sweats. I’m a fucking mess, and less than prepared to face Evan Maxwell.
“You look… different,” he finally speaks. His deep rumble washes over me, making me shiver, and I resist the urge to close my eyes and soak in the sound of his voice.
I roll my eyes. “Sorry, boss,” my voice is filled with sarcasm. “If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve dressed for the occasion.”
His eyes spark, a hint of a smirk tugging at one corner of his lips. He’s so sexy my brain nearly short circuits. “You better watch that sassy mouth, Brat, or I’ll bend you over my knee and spank the attitude out of you.”
My heart stalls in my chest. Arousal tightens my stomach.
One sentence out of this man’s mouth and I’m a panting mess.
I’m still pissed at him. I need to be strong.
Show him he can’t just walk all over me.
My gaze narrows. “What do you want, Evan?” Instead of answering, he brushes past me, grabs my wrist and pulls me inside, slamming the door shut behind him.
“Come in, why don’t you?” I mutter sardonically.
“Oh, I will,” he drawls, pausing and eyeing my little pity party like it’s all that’s wrong in the world.
I suddenly feel defensive of my little set up, and move to stand in front of him, trying to block his view. I cross my arms over my chest, glowering at him. “I’m not going to ask again. What’re you doing here, Evan?”
The smile that crosses his face takes my breath away, and I will my thumping heart and hormones to calm the fuck down. We. Are. Mad. At. Him. He. Took. My. Virginity. And. Left. Me. To. Deal. With. The. Aftermath.
I remind myself, but it’s no use.
The heart wants what the heart wants.
“You’re cute when you’re mad.” He smirks, running a finger down my cheek. I pull away. He sighs. “Okay. I wanted to see you.” I raise a disbelieving brow. “I don’t apologize, to anyone,” he continues. “Not ever–”
“Is this supposed to make me feel better?” I snap, cutting him off.
His jaw tightens. For a second, I think he’s going to reprimand me for my attitude. But then he runs a hand through his hair and exhales. “Listen, regardless of what you said, I know yesterday meant something to you. I shouldn’t have just left you like that.”
“Wow, Evan Maxwell taking accountability for his assholeness. Alert the media.”
“Assholeness?” he repeats, scowling. “That’s not even a word.”
I laugh, but it fades into a serious look.
“I appreciate the…” I trail off trying to think of the right word.
It wasn’t exactly an apology, but it’s as much as I’m going to get from Evan, so that’s got to mean something.
Right? “I appreciate you coming here. I don’t want things to be awkward at work, and that.
..” I wave my hands toward him. “Sort of apology, helps.” He nods, his expression indifferent.
I can’t tell what he’s thinking, or if he’s going to say more.
His blank mask is firmly in place. “So if that’s all… ” I widen my eyes, shifting on my feet.
Evan freezes, then he blurts four words I never expected. “I want you again.”
I freeze. Blink. Then I gaslight myself into thinking I misheard him.
Did I hear him right? I definitely heard that right.
My smirk is unstoppable. “Well, well, well, the great Evan Maxwell, who doesn’t do girlfriends, wants more.
” I tease, nudging him. “Even when you consider me dressed less than acceptably?”
His jaw clenches, his glare intense. “I don’t do girlfriends,” he grates, throwing out that reminder once again, as if I could ever forget. “This would just be sex. I could …” he smirks smugly. “Teach you.”
I feel a rush of heat leak into my panties, and I clench my thighs together, hoping he’ll miss it, but this is Evan and of course he notices. Perceptive bastard.
“How very noble of you,” I mutter, rolling my eyes.
“Teach me all things sex. Fuck me when it’s convenient for you.
How could a lady resist such an offer?” No way would I ever refuse the chance to have Evan between my thighs again, but I at least want to mess with him a little.
And maybe this would work out in my favor.
If we’re sleeping together, surely there’s a higher chance of him falling in love with me?
In my head, I mentally calculate the chances of that.
“Don’t pretend it’s not something you want, it’s unbecoming.
” His voice drags me from my thoughts. “I can see the arousal in your eyes, smell it dripping between your thighs.” I jerk as if I’ve been shocked by an electric current.
Who knew Evan Maxwell had such a dirty mouth.
His eyes narrow. “But that means no Eli and no Freddy.”
I roll my eyes. I messaged Fredrik days ago to tell him I wasn’t interested in anything more. Like the gentleman he is, he wished me well and that was that. As for Eli, I have no interest in him in any capacity other than a friend. What will it take for Evan to see I only have eyes for him?
“That’s a non-issue.” I shoot back. “But what happens when you decide you’re done?” I ask. “You’ll go back to just being my brother’s asshole friend and I’ll move on, experienced and knowing how to please a man.”
I don’t miss the flash of jealousy sparking in his eyes.
He steps closer, wrapping an arm around my waist, and pulling me into him.
His head drops to my neck, inhaling me – something I’ve noticed he likes doing – and his hot breath hits my ear.
“Trust me. You won’t want another man. Not after me.
” I shiver. He laughs. “My cock will be imprinted on your pretty little pussy, a constant reminder of the fuck of your life.” He nips my ear, and a moan falls from my lips.
“When I’m done, you’ll never want anyone else.
You’ll spend the rest of your days celibate, wishing and praying for one more chance with my dick. ”
I snap out of my trance, growling. “You’re such an asshole.”
He steps back, his expression serious, dark. “So you keep telling me,” he drawls. “But you still want me. So, what do you say? Do we have a deal?”
I hesitate as I mull over his offer.
At this point, I have nothing else to lose when it comes to Evan Maxwell. Sure, this arrangement could ruin me, break me. But I’d rather be broken than never feel his touch again.
Decision made, I extend my hand, making a deal with the devil. “You have yourself a deal, your royal assholeness.”
He smirks, looking every inch the handsome, heartbreaking, devil, I believe him to be.
Taking my hand, he pulls me into his body, his mouth dropping to my ear.
“I’m glad you’ve accepted my offer, Brat.
No strings. Just amazing sex…my favorite.
” He groans, grinding into me and letting me feel just how much he appreciates my agreeing.
My heart stalls in my chest when his arousal hits my most sensitive spot, and in that moment, I suddenly have a better understanding for the bulls in Spanish bullfighting.
Because I used to think bulls were crazy for chasing those red flags, yet here I am chasing the biggest red flag of them all, without a care in the world for my future health.