Chapter 40
Anais
Evan pulls away, putting space between us. I reach for him, but it’s like grasping air. Impossible. My hammering heart sinks to my stomach. I’m losing him…
Again.
My gaze flicks to the woman watching us.
Valentina.
She watches us like a venomous snake ready to strike at any moment. But God… she’s beautiful. And just like that, insecurity washes over me. I know I’m considered attractive, but standing next to her, I feel inferior.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Evan snarls.
“I was invited.” She purrs, a triumphant smirk curving her full lips.
“Not by Parker.” Evan bites out. “You must’ve conned some poor idiot into bringing you.”
“Does it matter?” Her gaze flicks to me. “The real question is, what the hell are you doing with Anais Lauder?”
“None of your fucking business.” Evan snaps. “Now get the fuck out of here.”
The smug smile on her face widens, and nausea swims in my stomach. “I don’t think I will.” She muses, her eyes sparking with challenge. “I’m sure Harrison would love to hear what I just saw.”
Evan steps closer to her, his body tense. I feel the anger rolling off him in waves.
“Are you threatening me?” His voice is low, filled with warning.
“Hmm,” she taps her lip with a blood red talon. “Threatening? That’s such a strong word, Evan. But I do think Harrison deserves to know you’ve been screwing around with his little sister. God knows, he warned you all to stay away from her.”
“Tell him, then.” I goad, stepping forward. I won’t let this viper threaten my man. “Go on, Valentina. Tell–”
“The fuck?” Evan barks, his gaze snapping to me. “Shut up, Anais.” I shrink back, stunned at the tone of his voice. Guilt flashes in his eyes, which is strange. Evan doesn’t do guilt. His expression softens along with his voice. “Let me handle this. Okay?”
My teeth grind together. I bristle, defiant.
I know he sees it because the corner of his lip tips up in a smirk.
“Yes, little girl. Why don’t you go back to your friend and let the grown-ups talk.” Valentina mocks, sneering.
I want to snap, but instead, I ignore her, keeping my attention on Evan. I search his face, trying to get a read on him. But that familiar mask is locked in place, shutting me out.
He turns to face his ex-girlfriend, his voice low, cold when he speaks. “This is what’s going to happen, Valentina. You’re going to leave this house, now. Or I’ll have security escort you out.”
Her smug smile falters for a second but she recovers quickly, crossing her arms over her chest. “You think it’s going to be that easy to get rid of me?
I’ll make a scene.” She warns. “Then everyone here will hear about your dirty little secret.” Evan pulls his phone from his pocket and types out a quick message.
“What’re you doing?” Valentina asks, unsure.
Evan glances up at her, the dark look on his face is enough to make anyone walk away. “I warned you, Valentina,” he growls. “Told you to stay the fuck away from me. But you wouldn’t listen.” He lifts a shoulder nonchalantly. “Now it’s time to face the consequences.”
She searches his face.
Blinks.
A door opens, drawing all our attention. Parker steps in, followed by two large men. Security?
“You fucking asshole. You wouldn’t dare!” Valentina hisses, backing away.
“Oh, I would.” Evan responds coldly, jerking his head to Parker. “Take out the trash, would you?” His lips twist up in disdain.
“You can’t shut me up, Evan! Harrison will find out!” She shrieks as the two men lead her away. “I’ll fucking ruin you! This isn’t over.”
“I look forward to it.” Evan shoots back, just as they round the corner.
I exhale in relief. Crisis averted. For now.
I meant what I said. I want Harrison to know.
Parker looks between us. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Evan says quickly. Too quickly. “Thanks for that.”
Parker’s eyes narrow. “Not a problem.” His gaze lands on me. “But I suggest you figure this out – whatever this is.” He motions between us. “Before Harrison finds out.”
“It’s nothing.” Evan grits out, voice tight.
My heart plummets.
If someone stabbed me, it would hurt less.
“Right…” Parker drawls. “Well, I’ll leave you to your nothing then.” And with that, he turns on his heel and walks out the way he came.
Evan sighs heavily, dragging a hand through his hair. Emotion tightens my throat, intuition warning me, that whatever he’s about to say next, I won’t like.
“We can’t do this anymore.” I flinch at the ice in his voice.
This is emotionless Evan. The one I need a chisel and auger to break through.
“Evan. No.” I rush out, stepping in front of him and cupping his cheeks.
His jaw clenches, eyes boring into mine. He opens his mouth, but I don’t let him speak. Pushing up on my tiptoes, I press my lips to his, cutting off words I know will destroy me. He groans, his hands gripping my hips and pulling me close.
I want to stay this way forever. My mouth fused to his, moving in sync. The world falling away until it’s just us. It’s everything. And I know with everything inside me, we were made for each other.
His tongue slips inside my mouth, tangling with mine as he devours me.
This kiss feels different. Hard, punishing, desperate.
But still, I crave it. Need it. Want it.
I want every part of the man I have loved my whole life.
I want to crawl inside of him, make myself a home.
I want to be his everything. The air he breathes.
The beat of his heart. His every thought.
In one quick move, he lifts me effortlessly and pins me against the wall. I gasp when his erection presses into me, my skin burning with desire. I want, no need, him so bad, and I know it’s probably unhealthy. But there are worse things I could be addicted to.
If Evan Maxwell is my only vice, I don’t want a cure.
“Evan,” I moan, rolling my hips against him.
And just like that, he snaps out of whatever trance he was in and freezes. My eyes snap open. He stares at me, his eyes wild, chest heaving. Then he pulls away, gently lowering me to my feet. Stepping back, he slides his hands into his pockets, a look of acceptance crossing his features.
My heart pounds in my chest and I swallow, trying to wet my dry throat.
“Why’d you stop?” I whisper, though I really don’t want the answer.
He pins me to the spot with his glare. My heart thrashes against my rib cage, beating erratically. One heartbeat. Two. Three. Then I swear, it stops altogether. He throws me one last look, and I know, I just know this is it, but still, my delusion refuses to see it.
His expression turns blank, erasing any emotion.
And then he turns…
And walks away.
Taking my shattered heart with him.