Page 21 of The Forbidden
“She’s nineteen. There’s eight years between you, Evan. That’s hardly an age gap. Plus, Anais is mature, she seems older than she is.”
My eyes narrow, and I’m sure the incredulity is evident in my expression. “She’s still my best friend’s little sister,” I grind out. “And you think I should go there?”
Aria shrugs. “No, yes. I don’t know,” she sighs. “I’m just saying if you did, I wouldn’t see a problem.” I scoff. Problem? Try every kind imaginable. Her face sobers, a look of pity in her eyes, that I absolutely hate seeing directed at me. “I’m just saying, after all the shit with Valentina, it’d be nice to see you settle down.” I open my mouth to argue, but she lifts a hand, stopping me. “Don’t bother denying it. I know you’re over her, but she hurt you more than you’d ever admit. You deserve to be happy, Evan.”
She’s not wrong. Valentina did hurt me with her lies and cheating. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to jump into bed with Harrison’s little sister. I’m happy with where my life is right now. I have women I fuck, no strings, no feelings, and they leave when it’s over. When I’m in the mood for somethingmore adventurous, I visit Elite. I’ve got my boys’ nights, my family and everything I need. I’m not looking for anything more. Especially not a relationship – with Anais or anyone else.
Sure, I can begrudgingly admit Anais is hot. But my life? It’s simple.
There’s also one small detail everyone seems to forget.
I don’t see Anais that way.
Your cock certainly does,that small irritating voice in my head reminds me.
And yeah, fine. My dick stirred with more than interest. But what man wouldn’t react when a gorgeous woman looks you dead in the eye, oozing defiance and confidence and purrs the word dick?
Exactly. No one.
I scowl at my sister. “I’m fine with the way things are.” My dad walks over handing me Baron. I take him, grateful for the distraction. “Hey, little buddy.” I coo. “Your mama’s being a pain in my ass. Will you do me a favor and talk some sense into her?”
Both my father and sister laugh, but I’m not joking. Them trying to push Anais Lauder on me is no laughing matter. If only they knew about her little declaration. I don’t even want to imagine their reaction then. They’d probably marry me off. I may not be a religious man, but I thank every higher power that we aren’t in the eighteenth century when arranged marriages were commonplace.
“What’d you say to get him all riled up?” my dad asks, settling into a seat, amusement lacing his tone.
“Oh,” Aria laughs, increasing my annoyance. “I might’ve mentioned a certain new intern.”
I feel Dad’s eyes on me, but I don’t look at him. Can’t.
“Hmm,” he drawls. “Seems Evan is a little sensitive when it comes to Anais.” When I finally glare at him, he smirks.
“I’m not sensitive,” I snap. Baron startles. “Sorry, buddy.” I soothe, bouncing him on my knee. “Uncle Evan didn’t mean to scare you.” I shoot a glare at both of them. “And shut up about her. I don’t want to hear another word about Anais fucking Lauder.”
As if summoned by name, there’s a knock at the door. Through the glass walls, we all spot the object of my annoyance. Fortunately for her the room is soundproof, so she wouldn’t have heard my little outburst.
“Oh,” my sister supplies cheerily, as if we don’t all have eyes and can see her clearly. “Here she is now.”
My teeth grind so hard I’m surprised they don’t turn to dust.
“Ah, good.” My father stands, striding to the door and pulling it open. “Come in, Anais.”
She walks in like she owns the place, confidence pouring off her. It’s a fucking aphrodisiac if ever I saw one.
Best friend’s little sister. You don’t like her. Not your type.My brain reminds me. I grit my teeth, even more frustrated.
“Anais,” Aria greets softly, a smile on her face as she rises from her chair and embraces her in a hug.
“Aria, hey. So good to see you.” Her eyes meet mine. My pulse spikes. Her stare lingers, searing my skin. My breath lodges in my throat, and I only release it when she flicks her gaze to Baron. I shift uncomfortably, tugging at the knot of my tie as if that will help. Then she gasps, and my gaze snaps to her face. Her eyes light up, her expression filled with reverence. “Oh my god, he’s getting so big.” She pulls away from Aria and walks over to me. Once again, I hold my breath. Then it bursts out of me in surprise when she takes Baron from my arms.
“Look at you,” she coos. “I’m your Auntie Anais.”
“No, you’re not.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
The room falls silent.
The only sound to be heard, Baron’s incoherent garbling.
Anais’s narrowed eyes snap to mine, which do the same. We stare at each other for a long beat, challenge thick between us.
