Page 34 of The Forbidden
Evan
From across the table, the heat of Anais’s stare on my face burns hotter than the sun. And yet, I resist the urge to look her way. I pretend to focus on the conversation between my father, Mr. Lauder, Theo, Bishop and Harrison. Truthfully, I checked out of the exchange fifteen minutes ago when Theo opened his mouth. The sound of his voice irritates me on a good day, but today, with Anais sitting there, looking like that, he’s grating on my nerves even more than usual.
“What is wrong with you?” Thalia’s whispered voice pulls me from my thoughts as she nudges me in the shoulder.
Lifting my wine glass, I take a long sip before glancing over at her. She stares at me; concern etched on her expression. I swallow down the smooth flavors of theChâteau La Mission Haut Brion Blancand smirk.“Absolutely nothing, little sister. I’m perfect.”
Her brows furrow, as she blinks those big grey-blue eyes at me. “I know you, Evan. And something is definitely off. We’ve been at this lunch for hours, and you haven’t thrown a single insult Theo’s way. Call me suspicious, but that’s not like you.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. My sister is more observant than I give her credit for. The absence of my usual insults thrown at her…manfriendis clearly a cause of concern for her. And honestly, she’s right to be alarmed.
Under normal circumstances, I’d be throwing out insults like it’s second nature. But today, I promised my father I would behave. Not that my restraint is simply out of respect. A larger part of me can’t seem to focus on anything but Anais. The image of her in that god damn dress is burned into my brain. From the moment she walked into my house, I haven’tbeen able to focus on anything else. The way the material clings to her every curve, exposing the smooth olive skin on her back, looking like every man’s wet dream come to life…
Jesus fucking Christ, that dress should be illegal.
My jaw clenches, and I try to shove the image away for what feels like the hundredth time since the little brat arrived.
Thalia watches me expectantly, one eyebrow arched, waiting for a response. I roll my eyes, shrugging. “Maybe I’m just bored of baiting yourmanfriend. I mean how many times can I call him a cradle snatcher before it gets old.”
Her eyes narrow. “It’s pretty hard tosnatchsomething when it was willingly given.” I grimace at her use of words. “And for the record, in the eyes of the law and in all fifty states, I’m legal. So, your insult is not only ignorant, but also inaccurate,” she hisses for only me to hear.
Grinning, I wrap an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. “It’s so easy to get under your skin, little sister.” I whisper, pressing a kiss to her head before releasing her.
Thalia glares at me, but before she can say more, Theo, the asshole, speaks up. “Is your brother spouting his usual nonsense, baby?”
“No,” Thalia quickly defends me, but of course Theo sees through her lie.
He wraps his arm around her waist, tugging her closer to him. “It’s okay,Piccola. Nothing Evan says could offend me. Honestly, I’ve been waiting for his hostility. The suspense has been killing me. It’s unlike him to stay quiet for so long.” He nuzzles her neck, but his eyes stay on me. Mine narrow, my jaw clenching. I hate when he uses his affection for my sister to provoke me. Thalia is too good for a man like Theo Rhodes. Too young. Too– “I’m sure it goes against your natural instincts not to bait me.” The bastard smirks. “Really baby, we should give him a reward for behaving himself.”
My eyes turn to slits as I stare at him. I’m not a fucking dog. And that smug expression on his face? I want to smack it off.
When I realize the table has gone quiet, I tear my gaze from the asshole, glancing around. My father catches my eye and shoots me a warning look. My teeth grind together, biting back any retort clawing its way up my throat. I will not lower myself to his level. Not today. And honestly, I think there’s some truth in what I told Thalia. Maybe I am bored.
If that is the case, that doesn’t bode well for anyone around me. I know me. A bored, Evan Maxwell is a dangerous one. I need something to focus my attention on.
You’ve found something to focus on,that annoying voice in my head reminds me, and I can’t help that my eyes flick to Anais.
Just as I knew, she’s already watching me.
I tear my gaze away, before she reads too much into it – or worse, Harrison catches me staring.
Leaning back in my seat, I take a slow sip of wine. When my gaze drifts to Theo, I can’t stand the smirk on his face. What is with all these people wanting a reaction out of me? Theo. Anais. Is it their life’s mission to provoke me?
Well, I won’t give them the satisfaction.
Not now. Not ever.
Placing my glass down, I exhale a breath, and flash him a wide smile. “So, when do you leave for Europe?”
Theo’s brows shoot high, and his mouth opens, then closes like a damn fish gasping for air. For once, he’s speechless. Satisfaction pulses in my veins. This feeling in my chest? It could be more addictive than when I goad him.
“When do I leave for Europe?” he repeats slowly, as if he doesn’t understand the question.
Nodding, I swallow down my laugh, noting the silence around the table. “Yeah.”
Thalia answers for the pussy. “We leave in a week. The horses landed in Amsterdam yesterday.” She waves her hand animatedly. “We have a team of staff that travelled with them, and they will be setting up the base in Holland.”
I nod again in acknowledgment.
