The Scarlett Legacy (Woodland Creek)(33)

Parker reached for her hand on his face and pulled it away. He stepped backward.

“What the hell are you talking about, Evie?”

“Just forget me,” she said and ran out the door, too afraid to look back. “It’s better that way. Forget I ever existed. I wish I didn’t right now.”

She cried the entire way to Albrecht Mansion. The hours to save her brother’s life were ticking away, and all she wanted was to hold Parker, kiss his soft lips, and love him forever.





EVIE LOWERED HER EYES the moment Avalon Prince walked down the main black stairway of Albrecht Mansion.

Her bags were packed and stacked at the door as she waited to find out exactly what Avalon had in store for her.

He was one of the most attractive men she’d ever seen, but she hated him. Wearing a black suit and expensive black shoes, he was the man that could ruin her chance at happiness.

Why was he so dressed up?

She wore a green cardigan over a pink sweater and skinny jeans tucked into slate gray boots that came to her knees.

Should I have worn a cocktail dress for my new servitude?

Evie wanted nothing more than to rip his head from his shoulders, for hurting her brother and possibly killing her sister-in-law.

His bright green eyes brightened when he saw her face.

“Evie,” he called. His voice echoed off the walls.

She looked up, her hands shaking. She gripped her purse strap to steady them. “Mr. Prince. I’ve come to end your attack on my family.”

Amusement came to his face as he reached the bottom of the staircase. The butler didn’t betray any emotion on his face as he stood at her side, just inside the foyer.

“Lovely.” His reached an arm out for her.

Evie stared at his arm, wishing she had an ax to chop it right off.

His charming grin at the reluctant expression on her face only angered her more.

“Come now. Let’s have a little chat. Walk with me to the sun room.”

“Fine,” she said. She stepped to him and laced her arm through his. He stood a foot taller than her, and beneath his suit she could feel his hard muscles.

“But I want to know what your expectations are for me.”

He placed his hand over hers, surprising her by its warmth. She’d half expected his hand to be frigid.

“Of course. It’s only natural that you’d want an explanation.”

Evie had expected a bit of resistance, not the calm kindness he displayed at that moment.

Hesitant, she nodded. “Good.”

They walked through the first floor toward the back of the mansion. Her insides were in a bunch, but the beauty of Albrecht Mansion still overwhelmed her.

For a home so large, it was bright and airy. The scent of fresh cut flowers and berries tantalized her senses the further they went into Avalon’s home.

The heels of her boots made soft tapping on the exquisitely painted wood floors as they crossed hundreds of square feet to get from one end of the mansion to the other.

They went through two dining rooms, an elaborate sitting area, a long hallway, and a ballroom before reaching the French doors that led to the sunroom at the back of the house.

“You came at the perfect time, Evie.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I’m hosting this year’s Halloween party, and I want you by my side.”

“A party?”

“Yes. It’s a big tradition here. Isn’t it?”

Evie nodded.

“Well, the mayor wants it held here. It will be part tradition and also a way to welcome me back to town. Of course there will be all of the pomp and circumstance fit for a king.”

Avalon put his hand on the small of Evie’s back. “And his queen.”

Evie tensed at feeling his hand on her body as he led her into the room.

She stepped away from him, his hand slipped down her bottom. A glance caught him smirking before folding his hands before him.

Inside the sunroom were some of the most beautiful flowers Evie had ever seen in one place. Lush greenery and vibrant colors mixed to create a sight worthy of being immortalized in a painting. Caged birds chirped and sang from their perches, making the room feel like a glamorous exhibit at a zoo.

“Fit for a king, huh? You really think highly of yourself,” Evie said.

“Why shouldn’t I? Do you not feel the same about yourself?”

Evie stopped and faced him. “No. I really don’t think I’m better than anyone else. But, I know that I’m not an evil person. You are. And I don’t really think you’re someone that should be celebrated and honored.”

Avalon didn’t drop his smile. He nodded, dropping his hands to his sides as he took a step toward her.

Evie didn’t back down. She tightened her jaw as she glared up at him, her chest pressed against his abdomen. She didn’t flinch; she wanted him to know exactly how she felt about the entire arrangement. She would not forget what he did to her brother.

The green in his eyes was especially ethereal in the bright sunlight. She didn’t like how enchanting they were, and yet she couldn’t bring herself to look away.

“Maybe I am evil.”

He lowered his voice as he spoke to her, the smell of mint escaping with each elegantly spoken word. The thickness of his accent was incredibly sexy, but she refused to let her expression betray her.