Page 77 of The Forbidden
The fake smiles, the monotonous small talk, the tedious networking I have no interest in. It’s all so fucking boring, andI can think of a million better ways to spend my time. At the top of that list is being buried deep inside Anais Lauder, teaching her things she’ll never forget.
“And I recently bought one of your lovely necklaces for my wife’s birthday. Cost me a small fortune.” New York City Mayor, Clemont Wright, drones on, as if I give a shit about birthday gifts for his wife. “She’s wearing it somewhere around here.” He takes his eyes off me for a moment, scanning the room for his wife.
That’s my cue to excuse myself.
“If you’ll excuse me, Mayor, there’s someone I need to talk to,” I say, dropping my empty glass to a passing server’s tray.
“Of course, Evan.,” His smile is tight.
Dinner is over and now it’s the networking part, before the auction begins. All I want to do is get out of here, but I can’t do that until I’ve presented the earrings my father donated for the charity.
I search the room, looking for anyone remotely tolerable. I spot Anderson Michaels; someone I’ve shared drinks with at Elite. He’s good company, and a hell of a lot more fun than the mayor.
I head toward him, when fingers wrap around my forearm.
As I glance down, I see pink nails against tan skin. My heart beats unevenly in my chest as my gaze works its way up a slender arm, along her neck and then suddenly, I’m looking into the eyes of my ex-girlfriend.
Valentina.
She smiles softly, looking almost timid, but I know better. It’s a pretense. I shake her off of me. Her expression falters.
“What are you doing here?” I hiss, glaring down at her.
She flinches at the sound of my voice, her throat bobbing on a harsh swallow. “I miss you, Evan.” Scoffing, I turn toleave, but then I stop. She’s grabbed my arm again. I grit my teeth. “Please. You never gave me the chance to explain.”
I turn to face her, glowering, as thick hot anger pumps through my veins. “There’s nothing to explain. You cheat like a whore; you get treated like one.” She gasps, her eyes darting around, checking to see if anyone heard us. I don’t give a fuck if they did. Everyone in here – if they’re not already aware – should know Valentina is a cheating slut.
“Where’s the old man I saw you with at Elite? Did he find out what a lying whore you are and decide to cut you loose?”
Her eyes fill with tears. “No. That was nothing. A mistake. Just like I made a mistake with Liam–”
“Don’t say his name to me.” My voice is low, lethal. It’s not jealousy. I couldn’t care less about Valentina or who she fucks. But she doesn’t get to speak the name of the man she screwed behind my back. I might not care anymore, but she still betrayed me. “Just leave. I don’t want to see you.”
“But I love you,” she pleads, desperate. “I never stopped loving you. Please Evan, just…” she sobs, her breath hitching. “Just hear me out.” Her fingers wrap around my wrist, but I shake her off immediately. Her touch burns. Anais’s soothes.
I open my mouth to dispute her declaration when a familiar slimy looking creep interrupts us. He works for one of the trashy gossip rags, always trying to get the next big story on me or my friends.
“Ah, the power couple back together?” he grins salaciously.
Valentina presses her body into my side, snuggling into me. I barely register it, too focused on the asshole with a camera snapping pictures of us.
“No.” I say, just as Valentina shouts, “We’re working on things.”
I step away from her, brushing off my suit jacket like her touch left a stain. I straighten, my gaze meeting the reporter’s. He smirks as if he just found the story of his career.
“No. We are not together. In fact, I was just leaving.”
Without another word, I step away from the vipers and finally make my way over to Anderson at the bar. He grins when he sees me coming, extending his hand for me to shake.
“Evan Maxwell. It’s been a while.”
I signal the barman, ordering myself a scotch. “Anderson, didn’t think I’d find you at one of these events.”
He laughs, taking a sip of his drink. “You wouldn’t, usually. Can’t stand these things. But a lady needed escorting and being the gentleman, I am…” he trails off, smirking. His gaze flicks to a red-haired woman in a stunning green dress.
“She’s a little young for you, no?” I quip. Not that I can talk. I’m currently fucking the one woman I shouldn’t have even touched. A little too young. A lot my best friend’s sister. I quickly shake the thought aside. “I also didn’t take you for the monogamous type.”
He finally tears his possessive gaze from the woman and looks at me. A storm of emotions flickers in his brown eyes. “I wasn’t. But with the right woman…” he clears his throat, his gaze shifting to her once more. “Anything is possible.”
