Page 68 of The Forbidden
But the alarm inside me won’t let me change my mind.
I need to get out of this suffocating room.
So, after one last soft peck to her lips, I leave.
Chapter 30
Anais
Sunday morning, I headed out for an early run, when it became clear sleep wasn’t happening, and when I returned, I set up camp on my couch. Wrapped in a blanket, surrounded by a silly number of sugary treats, water, green tea and Netflix, I have made myself the perfect pity party for one.
I want to confront Evan, but right now I’m still too raw. Too vulnerable to face him.
After Evan took my virginity, then left me feeling discarded and humiliated, I pulled myself together, freshened up, then went back upstairs where I practically glued myself to Aria’s side. I volunteered to look after Baron, needing something to distract me from my misery and rejection. After a few puzzled looks she handed him over, without question.
I spotted Evan a few times, but we kept our distance. I ignored him and he let me. It was only when Eli found me that I saw a change in Evan’s demeanor. One second, he was the picture of a cool, controlled mogul, the next he was bristling with possessive jealousy. Within minutes, he’d inserted himself between Eli and me, forcing fake small talk just to keep us apart. Eventually, I walked away, leaving them to it.
Not long after, the yacht docked. I slipped away before anyone could stop me, and went home with an ache in my heart and my innocence lost.
Despite what Evan might think, he doesn’t have a claim on me. He’s made it clear every time we’ve been intimate. I respect his honesty. And though I thought I could handle casual, turns out I was wrong. My lovesick heart wasn’t built for casual. Not when it comes to Evan Maxwell.
Evan was right. I’m that cliché. I want the fairytale. I wanted the ring after sex.
I roll my eyes at my thoughts. I really am delusional. I should hate him for how he left me last night, but I only have myself to blame. He warned me. Has shown me several times who he is. I should’ve believed it. Unfortunately for me, I’m that girl. The one who thought I could change him.
Joke’s on me.
Evan fucked me like he owned me. Worked my body like an instrument he’d played his whole life. Made me feel things I never imaged were possible. Even hours later my body still thrums with the aftershocks of his touch.
Groaning, I bury my face in a cushion, trying to block it all out. How am I ever going to get over what happened? The simple answer? I won’t. And that fucking sucks.
My phone rings, dragging me out of my hiding place. I move my hand blindly, across the coffee table, snatching it up when I finally locate it. I smile when I see Lana’s name flashing on the screen. When I got home last night, I sent her an SOS message. She’s only just responding, but I can’t be mad. I’m pretty sure she had a date last night.
“About damn time,” I answer in greeting.
“Yeah, yeah,” she grumbles, voice thick with sleep. “Long night. I just woke up and saw your messages. What’s up?”
My grin is wide. “And what kind of long night has you just waking up at…” I glance at my watch. “It’s past twelve!” I shriek.
“Jesus, Nais, dial it down a notch.” Lana groans, using her nickname for me.
“Nana,” I counter, using her own nickname. “Should I call you later?”
“Is your SOS life threatening?”
“No,” I chuckle.
“Then yes. You’ve woken the man beside me, and he looks like he’s about ten seconds away from devouring me. I’ll speak to you later.” She hangs up before I can respond. I laugh, shaking my head as I slide my phone on the table and burrow back in the couch.
But then my peace and solitude is disturbed. Again. There’s a knock at my door.
Great. It’s probably my brother. I’m going to kill him for disturbing me.
I drag myself off the couch, grumbling under my breath with every step to the door. I unlatch the keychain and pull it open, only for all the air to leave my lungs.
Because it’s not Harrison standing on the other side.
It’s the last person I expected to see.
