Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 22685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
And that truth...was how much he wanted her.
Had always wanted her.
From the start.
And he still did, dammit.
His jaw clenched as he stared at his former stepsister. She stood awkwardly in the center of his study, looking out of place in her simple blouse and jeans. His fingers itched to touch her, to see if her skin was as soft as he remembered.
But he could not.
Or at least not yet.
Not until she understood that this time...
This time, he would not let her damn pride get between them. It was why he hadn’t gone after her when she’d left after the accident.
This time, he would make her understand that she would never be able to manipulate him.
Because this time, he would also make sure that she realized there was no need for her to do so.
She was his, and by his side she would stay...whether she liked it or not.
“So..." The single syllable from Hunter sliced through the silence between them. “Look at you.”
And even though Eve had been praying to God all this time—
Please make me humble, please, please!
Pride got the better of her once again, and she found herself lifting her chin. "Look at me."
Ugh.
She had no idea why she had even said those words or if they even made sense.
Did they?
“Thirty, homeless, and unemployed.” His voice gave nothing away. No amusement, no satisfaction. Just cold assessment. “A spectacular hat trick.”
“Did you bring me here just to gloat?” Eve shot back.
So much for being humble, yeargh!
“Because I’d rather sleep in my car—”
“How fortunate for you that choice isn’t necessary.” Hunter’s gaze swept over her from head to toe, lingering just long enough on her lips to make her pulse quicken traitorously. “Though I imagine even your car is gone now.”
Eve crossed her arms over her chest. "Is there a point to all these flowery compliments?” She knew she was being childish, but she just couldn't help it. Old habits died hard, and she would rather change the subject that admit Hunter was right.
“There’s always a point with me, Evelline.” He gestured to the leather chair across from his desk. “Sit.”
“I’m not one of your ranch dogs.”
“Sit,” he repeated, his tone unchanged. “Please.”
That unexpected “please” knocked her more off-balance than his commanding tone ever could. Eve sank into the chair, hating how the buttery leather seemed to embrace her tired body.
She’d lost weight, Hunter noted grimly. The shadows beneath her eyes spoke of sleepless nights. The delicate bones of her wrists seemed more prominent as she gripped the arms of the chair. A part of him was glad to see her suffer. At least this time, she would understand what she herself had made him feel the day she had walked out.
Now, she knew what it felt like, to lose fucking everything.
And yet...
Why did her vulnerability also feel like a knife twisting in his gut?
His Evelline began shifting in her seat, her movements speaking of restlessness and unease. It was the cue he had been waiting for, and his next words also gained him the exact reaction he wanted.
"Levi Perry..."
Eve sat up involuntarily upon hearing the name of the HR manager in her company.
"I had some time to spare while waiting for you to arrive," Hunter drawled. "And fortunately enough, my assistant—I'm sure you remember Tony?"
Eve could feel herself paling. Did this mean—
"Levi happened to owe Tony a favor, and so he was more than willing to talk."
Was this going to be the past all over again?
Hunter reached for a folder on his desk, flipping it open with deliberate slowness. “Interesting situation at Thompson & Burke. Corporate espionage. Client list theft. Senior executives implicated.”
Was he going to accuse her without even asking—
“You discovered it, didn’t you? Found evidence that your superiors were selling client data to competitors.” His eyes never left her face. “And when confronted, they made you the scapegoat.”
She stared at him, stunned into silence.
“Lucky for them, you're also the type to refuse to say anything to defend yourself.” It wasn’t a question. “You walked away rather than fight...just like when you left after I accused you about the accident.”
H-How did he—
How long had he—
"I can see all the questions you have in your eyes, Evelline. So ask."
Eve shook her head without knowing why.
"Damn you."
The words were uttered in quiet rage, and yet...it didn't scare her at all. It only made her want to cry, and she didn't know why either.
"When you left eight years ago," Hunter snarled, "I assumed you stayed silent out of guilt."
"Who says you were wrong—"
"Don't."
Eve didn't even realize she was being flippant out of habit until Hunter snapped.
"Why the hell are you so damn proud?" Hunter grated out.
Eve’s nails dug into her palms. “Not everyone feels the need to explain themselves to the world—"
"So you'll just let everyone hang you dry? For what?"
"I just don't want to—"