Page 91 of The Forbidden
I scoff. “So you’re willing to marry someone you don’t know for control?”
Harrison nods firmly. “Lauder Telecommunications will become the most powerful telecom company in the world.”
I roll my eyes, mumbling out. “Because that’s what love’s about.”
“No one said anything about love.” He bites out. “It’s a business arrangement. Nothing more. I’ve never been in love and I don’t plan to be. Love is for fools.”
My head cocks, studying him carefully. Harrison means every word and my heart breaks for him. But really, I shouldn’t be surprised. Evan pretty much said the same.
“Sweetheart,” Mom says gently. “Can you at least be supportive? This is Harrison’s choice.”
Scolded, I slump back in my chair. I glance around the table at my family. My brother may not look thrilled, but this is his decision. And who knows, maybe despite his feelings, he’ll end up falling in love with his bride. Stranger things have happened.
And honestly, most people deserve to experience love at least once in their lives.
I sigh. “If you’re happy with your decision, Harrison, I’ll support this.”
Chapter 39
Evan
The Rothmans’ annual summer party is already in full swing by the time I make it out to the Hamptons. The rich and powerful scatter across the manicured backyard, drinks in hands, laughter spilling between conversations.
My eyes scan the scene in front of me, searching for the familiar faces of my friends. My search comes to a stop when my gaze lands onher.
Anais.
She’s laughing at something her friend just said, fucking radiant in a floral summer dress that clings to her every curve. I swallow. Hard. Fuck me, she is the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. Even among a crowd full of stunning women, she shines like the sun. There’s just something about her that draws you in and drags you under.
How I ever thought I could resist her… hell if I know.
My thoughts flash to this same party one year ago. Everything was completely different then. She had drunkenly cornered me outside the bathroom, declaring her love like she had every right to. If someone had told me then, that a year later I’d be standing here, completely infatuated with Anais Lauder, I would never believe it. Actually, I’d have laughed in their faces.
Guess the joke’s on me.
Because despite my attempts to stay away from her, I crossed the line. I willingly walked straight into that fire, arrogant to think I’d come out untouched. That I would get what I wanted and remain the same cold, detached asshole I’ve always been.
I’m a fucking idiot.
Ahumbledfucking idiot.
Since the night she stayed at my apartment, I’ve done everything I can to put distance between us. She’s noticed, of course she has. She has even gone as far as storming into my office and demanding we talk. Every time, I’ve turned her away. Told her I was too busy, that we’ll talk later. For the first time in my life, I’ve been working from my home office. I even made Janice delegate Anais tasks. I’m a fucking coward. I know it.
Still, I hide away, buying time. Trying to delay the inevitable.
Anais knows something’s wrong. Her blowing up my phone is evidence of that.
Brat: I know you’re avoiding me. Come on Evan, we have to talk about this.
We really don’t have to talk about anything.
Brat: Mature of you leaving me on read…
After that, I’d stopped reading her messages all together. If she wasn’t interning at my company, I might’ve blocked her number. Not that it would stop her finding me...
You don’t want her to stop finding you…That voice. He can fuck off, too.
It’s been a week since I last touched her. A week since I silently let her go. Every day, it gets harder to look at her. My hands twitch with the need to touch her soft skin. My cock begging me to take him home. But I’ve wrestled back some control. Warned my limbs, and my fucking dick, that if they so much as twitch in her direction, then I won’t hesitate to cut them off.
