Page 40 of The Forbidden
I can’t stop my eye roll. “If you think that was a kiss, then you’ve never been kissed properly. Now go to bed, Anais.”
I turn to leave, only to pause when she speaks again.
“I’ve been kissed, Evan,” she calls after me. “And trust me, it doesn’t get better than that.”
I don’t respond. I can’t. Instead, I haul ass out of there, needing to get away from the brat. She clouds my mind, messes with my carefully constructed control.
And the annoying voice in my head, the one whispering there might be some truth in her statement…
Yeah, that can fuck off too.
An hour later, I’m at Nathanial’s apartment, interrupting his fuck session with his latest conquest, one he managed to convince to come home with him tonight. It’s boys’ nighttomorrow, but I couldn’t wait another second to get this off my chest. There’s also the small issue of Harrison being present and, knowing him, he’ll try to get all up in my business whichcannothappen. Not when it concerns his sister.
Now here I am, taking a large gulp of whiskey, while Nathanial leans against the wall, arms crossed against his chest, in nothing but his boxer briefs. He watches me, like I’ve lost my god damn mind, his expression indifferent as he waits for me to start talking about what brought me here tonight.
“I fucked up,” I start, rolling my neck as if that will ease the tension in my body.
He sighs. “And how exactly have you fucked up Evan? Someone should be dead, if you’re knocking on my door past eleven, interrupting me while I’m balls deep in a good pussy.”
My glower sharpens. “Because it’s fucking serious,” I hiss.
He runs a hand through his hair. “Alright.” He waves me on. “Go on. Let’s hear it.”
I grit my teeth, my muscles tightening as I ready myself to admit what happened, out loud. “I kissed Anais.”
His eyes widen a little, before he blinks his shock away. “Jesus Christ is that all?” he growls. “You pulled me out of prime cunt for a fuckingkiss.” He spits the word like it offends him.
My jaw tightens. Why does my friend never take anything seriously?
“Anais, Nathanial.” I snap. “I kissed Harrison’s baby sister.” I explain as if he doesn’t know exactly who I’m talking about.
He pins me with a droll look. “And? Was it good?”
My head reels back. Of all the things he could say… I mean, yes it was good, more than good, even. And sure, I only kissed her to distract her, but that doesn’t change the fact I still pressed my mouth to hers.
“That’s not the point.”
“Well?” Nathanial prompts, eyebrow arched and a stupid smirk on his face.
I glance at him, even more worked up than I was when I left Anais. It was pointless coming here. Nathanial is no fucking help. And I don’t know why I expected him to be.
Placing my glass down on the bar cart, I shoot him a scowl. “That is not the question you should be asking, and the fact you did, tells me I was wrong to come here.” I move past him, heading for his front door.
Gripping the handle, I pull it open, faltering when he speaks. “It was a kiss, Evan. If it meant nothing, you can go on with your life like it never happened. But if it did…” he trails off, laughing darkly. “Well, then you are well and truly fucked.”
I don’t bother to respond. What’s there to say?
I slam the door behind me, cringing as his words echo in my mind long after I’m gone.
Chapter 20
Anais
When I arrive at work the next day, I’m more unnerved than I anticipated. Last night left me vulnerable in a way I’m not used to, and the thought of stepping into the elevator gives me severe anxiety. I stand frozen in the lobby, as people move around me, eyeing the metal doors like they personally offend me. And in a way, I guess they do. The damn thing stalled between floors and forced me to reveal a side of myself I never wanted Evan to see.
Shifting uncomfortably, I check my watch. I’m running out of time, and the last thing I need is to be late. I don’t want to give Evan another excuse to disapprove of me. And I really don’t want…my panic spikes as I watch the doors close, trapping my co-workers inside and concealing them from me. I try to calm myself down from the growing anxiety, whispering reassuring words in my mind, but they don’t help. My gaze drifts over to the doors leading to the stairwell. For a brief moment I consider climbing the thirty-eight flights of stairs. But in these heels? Not a chance.
“Anais?” A masculine voice cuts through my fog, bringing me back to the now. My head snaps up and I find Eli frowning down at me. His eyes dart between mine. “Is everything okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
