Page 61 of The Forbidden
Carson sighs, running a hand through his hair. “She looked like a deer caught in headlights” he says. “Innocent, with no understanding of what she’s getting herself into.” He chuckles. “Besides, they didn’t look like a couple who have known each other long. They seem very new.” He looks to me for confirmation.
I shrug. “First time I’ve seen or heard of her.”
“It’ll be interesting to watch this all play out,” he muses.
“Harrison’s a big boy, I’m sure he’ll be okay.” I say, stepping back. “I’m out of here.”
“Will we be seeing you soon?” he calls out as I start walking for the exit.
I shrug, throwing over my shoulder. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
His sardonic chuckle grates on me. I want nothing more than to get out of here, go home and rub one out in the shower. But as I take a step into the modern, pristine, lobby, everything stops. Because the last person I expected to see standing there, hand in hand with a man old enough to be my father, is none other than Valentina. My ex. The only woman I’ve been in a committed – well, committed on my side – relationship with. I haven’t seen her since I found out about her cheating on me.
Honestly, I was hoping I’d never have to lay my eyes on her again.
Her dark eyes meet mine. Her smile drops, and a gasp falls from her lips. The only acknowledgment I offer her is glare in her direction, before I brush past them without a word. I shove the door open, and step into the dark night, the cool air hitting my skin. My feet pound the dirty sidewalk as I ignore her voicecalling my name. I head straight for my car, one thought driving me forward, one person on my mind.
Anais.
Chapter 28
Anais
Saturday afternoon I arrive at pier 81, the salty breeze ruffling my dress as I prepare to board the yacht the Maxwell’s have hired for their annual staff appreciation event. Of course, I haven’t heard from Evan since last night – since he gave me an explosive orgasm then stormed out of his office, leaving me sated, breathless, and more confused than ever. Truthfully, I didn’t expect to hear from him. I know Evan. He’s most likely hiding from me, avoiding whatever is building between us. That’s his thing. Avoidance.
But that’s okay. Sooner or later, he’ll have to confront it head on. Face me.
As I step onto the gangway, a familiar voice calls my name. I pause, glancing over my shoulder, to find Eli striding toward me, a wide smile on his face, his eyes raking over me in a clear sign of appreciation. I turn to greet him.
“Anais,” he murmurs, closing the distance between us. He leans in, pressing a kiss to each cheek. “You look beautiful.” He pulls back to look at me. His eyes are soft, and so different from the ones I dream about.
My cheeks heat. I glance down at my emerald green, Grecian style maxi dress. It’s nothing special, but it fits the occasion perfectly. “Thank you. You look quite dapper yourself,” I say, motioning to his crisp white button down, navy pants and matching boat shoes.
He slides a hand into his pocket, his eyes intent on me. A moment passes, then his lips curl into a smile. “Thank you,” he sweeps his free hand toward the yacht. “Shall we embark?”
Laughing, I roll my eyes and turn to walk up the gangway. When Eli’s hand settles on the small of my back, I can’t stopthe way my body stiffens. The touch, though small, feels too intimate, especially after last night. I can’t stop thinking about Evan. About how he touched me. Eli’s hand on my back feels wrong. But still, I smile and play along.
“Are you looking forward to this evening?” I ask, feeling the need to fill the silence.
Eli chuckles, “These things can always be a little tedious, especially when you’re flying solo.” He pauses, smiling down at me. “But something tells me, tonight will be a lot more enjoyable with you being here, Anais.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m not sure how you’re still single. You’re such a charmer, Eli.”
His eyes spark. “Charming enough to convince you to have a drink with me?” he murmurs, brow raised.
“Of course,” I reply, grinning. “I–”
I’m cut off by a deep masculine voice that sends a shiver up my spine. “Anais. Eli. How lovely to see you… together.” The sardonic amusement in his tone is laced with something darker. I have no doubt when I face him, he’ll be wearing his usual scowl.
I freeze. One heartbeat. Two. Three. Duh Dum. Duh Dum. It hammers in my chest. Fuck. I swallow, hard. Then finally, I glance over my shoulder. He is standing just a few feet behind us, his gaze locked on Eli’s hand, still resting on my back. How I didn’t sense him approaching, I don’t know. My body usually feels him before I see him.
“Mr. Maxwell,” Eli greets politely. His voice sounds steady, but I notice the way he swallows and removes his hand from my back. Not so confident at all.
His cold eyes flick to Eli. “Elijah,” Evan replies coolly, deliberately using his full name. It’s an asshole move. He knows full well Eli hates it. “Why don’t you head inside and grab a drink.” It’s not a suggestion but a command, one Eliobeys. Evan watches him go, then his gaze shifts to me. My skin heats. The memories from last night rush in. His mouth, his fingers, his touch. My breath catches. My breathing shallows. Being around this man, might just be bad for my health. “Anais,” he drawls, his lips tugging up into a smirk, as if he can read every last thought in my head. He leans in, pressing a kiss to my cheek. My knees almost buckle. After I came all over his fingers, I’d expected him to ignore me for the rest of my internship. But instead, he’s touching me like it’s his right. His stubble grazes my skin as he nuzzles into me, and when he drops his head to my neck and inhales deeply, I almost faint. His hot breath fans my ear, when he whispers seductively. “You look beautiful. But tell me. Why was Eli touching you, when I clearly remember telling you to stay away from him?”
Snapping out of my Evan trance, I take a step back, my eyes narrowing on him. “Not that it’s any of your business, especially since you ran off like a pussy last night,” I hiss for only him to hear. “But Eli is my friend. I can talk to him whenever I damn well want.”
Without waiting for a response, I spin on my heel and head up the gangway. I snatch a glass of champagne from a passing server, murmuring my thanks, and scan the deck for Eli, but there’s no sign of him. I sigh. With a yacht large enough to cater to twelve hundred people, with both inside and outside spaces set up, he could be anywhere.
