Page 120 of The Forbidden
Evan places me gently on his bed, while Mom fluffs my pillows and hovers, trying to help me get settled.
“I’ve got it,” Evan grates out through clenched teeth.
Mom narrows her eyes at him. “She’smydaughter.”
“And she’smygirlfriend.” He shoots back.
And like a silly little girl, butterflies take flight in my stomach with that one word.
Girlfriend.
Who would’ve thought I, Anais Lauder, would be Evan Maxwell’s girlfriend?
Shaking my head, I get back to the pointless competition happening between them. “Enough,” I growl, making them both freeze. “I’m not a damn invalid, so stop treating me like one. I am more than capable of moving my body to a comfortable position, so just back off and give me some space. Both of you.” I glare between them.
Mom sighs, her expression full of contrition. She straightens. “Would you like some tea? I can make tea.”
“I don’t have tea,” Evan says unapologetically. And God damn him, there’s not a hint of shame or remorse on his face for the way he is acting.
“I’ll go to the store.” Mom hisses back, glaring at him. Evan glares back, not backing down.
They have always had a good relationship, but right now they’re at logger heads over me. It’s ridiculous.
I shake my head, sighing. “I’m fine, Mom. Really.”
She smiles tightly, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Okay, well, I’ll leave you to it.” She leans down, wrapping me in a hug. “Call me if you need anything. Anything at all, honey, I’ll be here.”
“No, you won’t,” Evan mutters under his breath.
My gaze swings to him, eyes narrowing. He sighs.
“I will,” I murmur tiredly.
She releases me, stepping back. With one last glare in Evan’s direction, she turns on her heel and leaves.
“You didn’t have to be an asshole,” I say flatly.
“Your mother was being a pain.” He shoots back. “I am more than capable of looking after you.”
I search his face. It’s not like Evan to be so combative, especially toward my mom. So why is he acting this way?
That’s when it hits me.
Oh my God, Evan is jealous… of my mom.
A smirk spreads across my face. “You know you don’t have to be jealous. She’s my mom.”
“You’re mine to take care of.” He throws back dismissively, as if that settles everything.
A laugh bursts out of me before I can stop it. Evan glares, but I ignore the caveman. “You’ve got issues.”
He shrugs. “I’m aware. But guess what?” It’s a rhetorical question so I don’t respond. “It changes nothing.”
Chuckling, I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him in for a gentle kiss.
“I love you,” I whisper.
His eyes spark with satisfaction. “And I love you, Brat.”
