The Scarlett Legacy (Woodland Creek)(38)

“You should see it.”

Evie didn’t reply. She wanted to see the world, but with Parker.

As if he’d read her mind, Avalon scooted close to her. He put a hand on hers, making her switch her thoughts to something different.

His hand was gentle and warm.

Strong.

Electric.

She fought the heat that filled her whenever he was so close. Every touch, despite how she abhorred him, made her feel weak. She shouldn’t feel that way. It was a betrayal to Parker.

Evie had to hate him.

He brought her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles.

Avalon made it so hard sometimes.

“Listen, Evie,” he said, looking down at her hand in his. “I know this arrangement isn’t what you had in mind for your life, but in time you will find happiness with me. We can have a good life together; one where you don’t have to worry about anything. I will love and protect you always.”

Love?

The word frightened her when it fell from Avalon’s lips.

Her heart could never be anyone’s but Parker’s.

Evie turned to the flames, taking her hand back and tucking it under her leg. She watched them flicker and rise against the logs of the fireplace.

“Was that some sort of lazy proposal?”

She bit her lip, fighting tears. She never imagined she’d end up in an arranged marriage like the women from the classic novels she read.

“It was,” he said.

Oh God.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. There wasn’t a box. The ring didn’t need it. It was huge. The diamonds captured the light from the fire, shining bright as she gawked at it.

It was stunning.

The ring Parker gave to her was smaller… much smaller.

But better.

Evie tensed. What was she supposed to say?

“Listen, love, you can accept this ring when you are ready.”

“Thank you,” she said, relieved to be let off the hook.

“I want to make you happy. I don’t want to disrupt your world however, so you’ll continue with school. I believe an education is important. But, I really don’t want you working at the book store anymore. It doesn’t look good for my girl to work in such a shabby little place. You don’t have to work.”

“I can’t work?”

He’d already assumed that she’d accepted his proposal. Avalon was insane. She was certain of it. All of his loss had affected him on a level deeper than she could imagine for herself.

This was how he handled his grief.

She understood it, but it didn’t change her mind about her plan.

Avalon gave her hand a squeeze, his eyes hard. “No. You will not work. You will go to school, and come home.”

“I don’t understand why it matters.”

The look on his face made her regret speaking at all. His grip on her hand tightened slightly.

“Any more questions?”

The tone is his voice made her shiver. She shook her head. “No,” she said, her voice wavering. “I was just curious.”

“Good.” Avalon smiled. “Curiosity is okay.” He patted her hand. “But in moderation.”

Evie nodded. “Yes. Okay.”

“Good,” he said. “Now where were we? Oh, right. I will take you to Scotland over winter break. How does that sound?”

Evie raised her brows. He really did mean to make a life with her.

“You’ll take me to Scotland?”

“That’s right.”

If I’m good? God, help me.

She forced another smile. “That would be great.”

Avalon’s eyes narrowed. “Something’s holding you back. What is it?”

She looked up at the ceiling, forcing Parker’s name from her mind. She didn’t want Avalon going after him.

“Mother would never let me go.”

His grin faded a little. “I don’t think you understand, Evie. What your mother wants is no longer a concern. What Wesley wants is of no concern. You should only worry about what I want.”

Evie clenched her jaw.

She was more of a hostage than a guest. She focused on keeping her mind free of any thoughts of escape or retaliation lest he read her thoughts. Doing so was one of the hardest things she’d ever done. Such concentration took discipline that she’d never had to master.

He grinned. “Why are you trying to keep me out, Evie? Don’t you know I can read you like a book? But still, something is missing.”

Her cheeks reddened. He knew exactly what she was doing.

“What are you hiding?”

She ripped her hand from his and stood. Flustered, she looked down at him, hoping her sudden action didn’t anger him.

Avalon’s face was unreadable.

That frightened her.

“Nothing,” Evie blurted. “I’m not hiding anything. I’m going back to bed.”

Before he could reply she hurried away. First, she walked quickly. Her walk turned into a run for her room, as she imagined that he was chased her.

She didn’t even look back until she was in her room and had the door shut.

Shaking, Evie stood at the door. She listened for any noises outside the door in the hallway. She covered her mouth with both hands when she heard footsteps stop just outside.