The Scarlett Legacy (Woodland Creek)(41)

Quinn sat at her desk in her Hello Kitty pajamas, and watching her while finishing the pizza they had shared.

“I wish I knew what you were thinking,” Quinn said.

“What do you mean?”

Quinn stood, fixing her hair. Her brows were scrunched up as she looked at Evie in the full length mirror hung on the back of her closet door. She reached for her glasses on Quinn’s table and put them back on.

“I get that Avalon is hot and all, but what about Parker? I thought you loved him.”

Evie tensed. “I did. Avalon is the better pick for my future.”

Quinn twisted her mouth. “You’re lying. Why are you lying to me?”

Evie sighed. “Stop asking me questions, Quinn. Aren’t you glad that I’m going to be stuck in Woodland Creek? Aren’t you happy? I’m staying.”

Quinn’s face softened. She took Evie’s hand, surprising her by her gentleness.

“Talk to me. Be real.”

Evie sighed, her eyes leaving her reflection to stare at her sparkling silver heels.

Quinn had helped her paint her toe nails. One night with her best friend worked wonders, even if she knew that soon she would be in more danger than she’d ever experienced.

It was as if Evie was getting ready for prom, and Quinn was all too excited to make her shine like a princess. She loved her like a sister.

Evie couldn’t lie to her. She was tired of lying.

She turned to Quinn, holding her hands within hers.

Face to face, and eye to eye, Evie told the truth.

“I miss Parker more than anything in the world,” she said, her voice cracking.

Quinn pulled her into a tight embrace. “Then why the hell did you leave him, Evie? What’s going on?”

“I had to do it, Quinn. Avalon hates my family. He was going to harm them unless I became his… girlfriend, plaything… I don’t know what I am anymore. He actually asked me to marry him. I’ve known the guy for a week and he’s already ruined my life.”

Evie sniffled against Quinn’s shoulder. She sucked in a breath, composing herself. She couldn’t ruin her makeup.

“My goodness,” Quinn sighed, smoothing her back. “I can’t recall ever seeing you cry. You didn’t even cry at your father’s funeral. Why would you let that stranger do this?”

Evie pulled back and took a deep breath. “It won’t matter soon enough,” she said.

“Why?”

Evie shook her head. “Because I’m not going to let him ruin my life for good. I have to do something before it’s too late.”

“Can I help?” Quinn’s lips curled at the corners.





THE ALBRECT MANSION was swarmed with people, cars, and decorations when Evie returned.

Evie lifted her dress’ skirt and quickened her speed. She would not be late.

She could not.

The stairs waited before her. Her heels tapped along the concrete as she ran up to the front entrance. She paused before the doormen, hoping they’d simply glance at her invitation.

“Identification,” the tall slick-haired doorman said.

Evie raised a brow, looking down at his hand. She looked up to him.

“Really?”

He nodded.

She huffed and searched her gold clutch for her driver’s license.

“I live here. How could you not know that?” She handed her license to him, annoyed.

“Everyone gets carded, ma’am.” He read her ID, looking up at her and back at her photo.

“She’s clear,” he said and the other man opened the door.

“Enjoy your night, Miss Scarlett.”

“Yeah,” Evie grumbled, smoothing her dress. She entered the lobby.

A pretty blonde in a black cocktail dress took her coat and handed her a ticket before retreating to the coat check closet made from the front study.

Everything looked different from just a few hours ago. The foyer was decorated to look like a haunted house with men and women dressed in horrifying costumes depicting vampires, devils, and witches.

The real monster didn’t even need a costume.

Evie straightened her dress and took a breath. “Here goes.”

As she stepped from the foyer to the main ballroom, the number of people present made her nervous.

“Whoa,” she whispered as her eyes took in the grandeur before her.

Spider webs covered the walls and ceiling. Purple and red lights flickered, making the room feel like an expensive nightclub.

The beauty, pomp, and theatrics left her spellbound.

There was a time when her parents would host parties like this in Scarlett Hall. Evie and Parker would play outside instead, chasing fireflies, or hanging out in the attic.

“You’ve made it right on time,” a deep male voice called from her right. She turned to see Avalon Prince approaching her with two champagne flutes. He gave her his bright smile, revealing perfect white teeth and a dimple in his right cheek.

He looked genuinely pleased to see her, and she noted how handsome he was in his costume. She instantly knew who he was supposed to be.

“Prince Charming… from Cinderella, right?”

He had the costume down to the exact buttons from the movie. She raised a brow as she looked him up and down.

He nodded. “Good eye. I figured you’d figure it out. It was your favorite movie when we were in school together.”