The Scarlett Legacy (Woodland Creek)(35)
Evie leaned over to him, her eyes narrowed. “Answer me!”
Avalon didn’t look upset by her outburst. His eyes looked from her to Olivia and back before he shrugged. He sipped his wine, set it down, and cut into his steak.
Infuriated, Evie watched him, waiting for an answer.
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“Is what obvious? To think, I was starting to feel sorry for you.”
“I kept my word. That’s more than your brother ever did. I’m setting her free.”
“Good for you,” she snipped. “Aren’t you a saint?”
“No,” he said, his eyes darkening. “Good for you, Evelyse Scarlett.”
His smug grin sickened her.
“You’re a hero.”
AS THEY WERE DROPPED OFF at the front door of the restaurant, Evie trembled as her eyes scanned their surroundings. She knew that if she saw Parker that she would lose her composure. She prayed that she’d never have to look him in the eyes again, and see the pain that she put there.
Under the chauffeur’s umbrella, they walked to the awning of Terrace Café.
Woodland Creek felt different with Avalon at her side. Like a stranger, Evie walked side by side with the man that had nearly destroyed her family, the one that had ruined her chance for happiness with Parker.
Still, when they entered the restaurant, something was different.
She couldn’t quite place what it was, but the room didn’t turn cold at her appearance. Instead of dirty looks, glares, and quizzical stares, everyone looked to Avalon with curiosity and adoration.
Evie gave him a sidelong glance.
With Avalon at her side, the people of Woodland Creek had also changed.
Was this some form of wizardry? Did he charm the entire town?
“We have a table set for you, Mr. Prince,” the host said, motioning for the two of them to follow him.
Evie pulled held her clutch before her as she stepped through the new bistro in a black cocktail dress. She was thankful that Avalon had her wardrobe shipped to the mansion. It seemed that everything was cause for formal dress.
What happened to the geek chic style he’d exhibited on their first meeting? It was as if Avalon was set on replacing his father, Hugh. Evie was certain of it.
Woodland Creek had a new boss, and the town knew it. And Evie was his arm candy. If only they knew the truth of their relationship.
Evie sat in the circular booth at the back of the restaurant. It was private and cozy.
When Avalon sat next to her, she couldn’t help but notice the way he looked at her exposed thighs. She wished she’d worn her glittering black tights.
It was a chilly October. What was she thinking?
He gave her a smile.
“You look nice,” he said, accepting his menu. “Not that you don’t always.”
Evie forced a smile. “Thank you,” she said, looking down at the menu.
“Get whatever you like,” he said.
“I already know what I want.”
“Do you now?”
Evie nodded, closing her menu.
“Good,” he said, giving her thigh a squeeze. “I already have what I want.”
She swallowed, looking into his eyes. The heat his hand sent through her body was unwanted, but undeniable.
“Here’s a little sparkling water to start you off. Can I get you a cocktail, or glass of wine?”
Unable to break her gaze with Avalon, Evie never turned to the waiter.
“The strongest red wine you have,” Evie said.
Avalon cracked a grin, smoothing her thigh with his soft palm. He took his hand away, leaving her cold.
He’s messing with me, she thought. He has to be using magic. I cannot melt like a desperate school girl whenever he looks at me or touches me.
She shivered and lifted her glass of water to her lips the second the waiter was done pouring from the glass jug.
“I’ll have a whisky,” Avalon said.
“Very well,” the waiter said. “I’ll be back for your orders.”
Evie drank her entire glass of water before setting it back down on the white tablecloth.
The wine and whisky was brought to their table by another server. Evie took a hearty sip, wincing at the bitter flavor of the rich cabernet. Avalon swished his whisky around in his glass before taking a sip.
“Do you like your new room?”
Evie took another sip, shrugging. “Its fine. I miss my own.”
“No you don’t. You know you’re glad to be out of that place. Admit it.”
Evie frowned. “What do you mean? Scarlett Hall is my home.”
“No,” Avalon said. “Albrect Mansion is your home now.”
Pursing her lips, Evie nodded. “Not much I can do about that, is there?”
“Of course there is,” he said, rubbing his tattooed knuckles across his chin. “You can get used to it.”
“How long do I have to stay?”
Avalon’s face went serious. In his eyes, she saw how much he adored her. It was scary. Parker looked at her the same way.
“Until you love me,” he said.
Swallowing hard, Evie couldn’t break free from his gaze. She hated how he did that, but his statement caught her off guard.
“What are you talking about?”