Page 94 of The Forbidden
Valentina.
She watches us like a venomous snake ready to strike at any moment. But God… she’s beautiful. And just like that, insecurity washes over me. I know I’m considered attractive, but standing next toher, I feel inferior.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Evan snarls.
“I was invited.” She purrs, a triumphant smirk curving her full lips.
“Not by Parker.” Evan bites out. “You must’ve conned some poor idiot into bringing you.”
“Does it matter?” Her gaze flicks to me. “The real question is, what the hell are you doing with Anais Lauder?”
“None of your fucking business.” Evan snaps. “Now get the fuck out of here.”
The smug smile on her face widens, and nausea swims in my stomach. “I don’t think I will.” She muses, her eyes sparking with challenge. “I’m sure Harrison would love to hear what I just saw.”
Evan steps closer to her, his body tense. I feel the anger rolling off him in waves.
“Are you threatening me?” His voice is low, filled with warning.
“Hmm,” she taps her lip with a blood red talon. “Threatening? That’s such a strong word, Evan. But I dothink Harrison deserves to know you’ve been screwing around with his little sister. God knows, he warned you all to stay away from her.”
“Tell him, then.” I goad, stepping forward. I won’t let this viper threatenmyman. “Go on, Valentina. Tell–”
“The fuck?” Evan barks, his gaze snapping to me. “Shut up, Anais.” I shrink back, stunned at the tone of his voice. Guilt flashes in his eyes, which is strange. Evan doesn’t do guilt. His expression softens along with his voice. “Let me handle this. Okay?”
My teeth grind together. I bristle, defiant.
I know he sees it because the corner of his lip tips up in a smirk.
“Yes, little girl. Why don’t you go back to your friend and let the grown-ups talk.” Valentina mocks, sneering.
I want to snap, but instead, I ignore her, keeping my attention on Evan. I search his face, trying to get a read on him. But that familiar mask is locked in place, shutting me out.
He turns to face his ex-girlfriend, his voice low, cold when he speaks. “This is what’s going to happen, Valentina. You’re going to leave this house, now. Or I’ll have security escort you out.”
Her smug smile falters for a second but she recovers quickly, crossing her arms over her chest. “You think it’s going to be that easy to get rid of me? I’ll make a scene.” She warns. “Then everyone here will hear about your dirty little secret.” Evan pulls his phone from his pocket and types out a quick message. “What’re you doing?” Valentina asks, unsure.
Evan glances up at her, the dark look on his face is enough to make anyone walk away. “I warned you, Valentina,” he growls. “Told you to stay the fuck away from me. But you wouldn’t listen.” He lifts a shoulder nonchalantly. “Now it’s time to face the consequences.”
She searches his face.
Blinks.
A door opens, drawing all our attention. Parker steps in, followed by two large men. Security?
“You fucking asshole. You wouldn’t dare!” Valentina hisses, backing away.
“Oh, I would.” Evan responds coldly, jerking his head to Parker. “Take out the trash, would you?” His lips twist up in disdain.
“You can’t shut me up, Evan! Harrison will find out!” She shrieks as the two men lead her away. “I’ll fucking ruin you! This isn’t over.”
“I look forward to it.” Evan shoots back, just as they round the corner.
I exhale in relief. Crisis averted. For now.
I meant what I said. IwantHarrison to know.
Parker looks between us. “What’s going on?”
