Sins from Her Past (Scandalous)

by Jules Bennett

  “I have all the time in the world for you, Evie,” he said, meeting her gaze. “But I hate the way you mentally beat yourself up and question what is right. That ugliness from your past has no room here. And unless you want to tell me about it, I have no idea how to move forward in this fight.”

  “You’re not fighting,” she told him, dropping her arm. “I am. I’ll always battle this because I can never fully get away from it.”

  “What?” he pleaded, grabbing her shoulders again. “What can’t you get away from? Please, Evelyn, for God’s sake let me help you.”

  “No.” She jerked away. “I refuse to let this ruin the lives of those I care about, and trust me, if I told you or anyone else, a whole new type of hell would exist for me.”

  Damn it. She wanted to scream at the proverbial rock and hard place she was stuck between. She wanted to throw something; she wanted to go into a fit of rage until she felt exonerated. But most of all she wanted Alan to get the punishment he so deserved. Unfortunately, that justice couldn’t come unless she was willing to risk the career of the man who’d taken her in and loved her as his own.

  “I can’t stand by and watch this, Evie.”

  The hurt, the anger in his eyes should frighten her, but she knew he was hurting and angry for her, not at her.

  “Then don’t stand by me.”

  A new fear slid through her at the idea of Vin giving up on her, but she couldn’t blame him and she had to give him the chance to walk away before they delved any deeper together.

  “Like hell.” He settled his hands on his narrow hips and glared back at her. “What kind of man do you take me for? You think just because you’re afraid that I should be too? I’m not afraid of whatever you’re hiding, Evie. I’m worried that it will destroy you because you’re letting it.”

  Anger consumed her. “I’m letting it? You think I enjoy the darkness that lives in me? You think that I haven’t had countless hours of therapy trying to get rid of the fear, the guilt and the humiliation I’ve endured? You have no idea what the hell you’re talking about, so don’t even pretend to.”

  “How can I know what you’re going through when you won’t tell me?” Vin’s voice rose as he flung his arms in the air. “I can’t believe you don’t trust me enough to help you and I sure as hell can’t believe you haven’t nailed this bastard for hurting you. Give me his name.”

  Evelyn stepped back as if slapped. This conversation was getting out of control and she had to get out of here. As if reliving the nightmare at night wasn’t enough, she wasn’t about to relive it every minute of her time together with Vin.

  “No.” She shook her head. “I’ll never reveal the name.”

  The muscle in Vin’s jaw ticced, his eyes narrowed. “So there is a guy who hurt you. Why protect him? What does he have over you?”

  Everything.

  “I’m going back to my room.”

  She turned and had almost made it to the open doors between their suites when his hand closed over her arm. She whirled around prepared for a fight, but stopped when she saw the sadness, the determination in his eyes.

  “When will you stop running?” he whispered.

  Evie swallowed and told the truth. “When I die.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Vin spent the following day at the construction site, purposely avoiding Evelyn. He honestly didn’t know what to say at this point and he didn’t want to have another blowup with her.

  He’d handled last night so wrong. When he’d wanted to show her how good they could be together he was so sure he’d break ground with her. He was positive he could be her savior in this…whatever “this” was in her life that she refused to discuss.

  She was so damn vague on the topic it was driving him out of his damn mind. His imagination was going into overdrive and the way she kept this secret only made him want to discovered it more to see what this bastard had over her.

  And God help the man when Vin found out his name…and he would find out.

  If Evelyn thought all hell would break loose when people found out, she had no idea. Vin could almost taste retaliation. He hated the faceless bastard who’d ruined her chance at love.

  Vin made his way back to his suite. Other than the text he’d sent Evelyn this morning reminding her of the restaurant opening tonight for an associate, they hadn’t spoken. Her only reply was k. And he’d left it at that.

  But now they still had that awkward moment to get over. He didn’t care that he’d been a coward this morning when he’d got up and left before she was normally awake. He just couldn’t face her this morning, not when memories of holding her, pleasuring her were so vivid, so fresh.

  And the entire day had passed and those memories were still just as strong.

  So now what? It was apparent that keeping his distance didn’t remove the fantasy that he’d been so close to fulfilling. He wanted her now more than before and as soon as he could figure out how to remove that third-party phantom from the room, Vin would show Evelyn just how a woman should be treated, treasured.

  After he showered and changed into a black suit, he went to the adjoining door and knocked. There was no more stalling. He would just have to let her set the pace for anything personal from here on out. The fear in her eyes was enough to have him backing down—passing the control to her.

  Which just proved how much he cared for her. Control had been his middle name, but if he wanted to pursue anything with Evelyn, she had to be in charge—that’s where she was comfortable. He also wanted her to come to him. No way in hell would he force anything on her.

  When the door opened she stood there looking like sin wrapped in a strapless, floor-length black gown. There were no beads, ruffles or any other girlie accessories. The simplicity of the dress, her sleek black hair spilling over one bare, sexy shoulder, those eyes heavy with dark shadow—she was a temptress.

  “You’re stunning,” he whispered, cursing himself for not getting his voice under control.

  Yeah, she was definitely in charge here because he couldn’t even form a coherent thought.

  “I wasn’t sure what to wear and since you ignored me, I didn’t want to text and ask.”

  From most women that remark would’ve come across as a jab, but from the way Evelyn’s eyes darted to the side, the way she nibbled on her pale-pink glossy lips, he knew she’d been hurt.

  What a way to win the woman, dumb ass.

  He reached out, took one of her delicate hands in his and squeezed. “I won’t lie that I purposely stayed away from you today.”

  “I don’t blame you.” She offered a sad smile. “After last night, I’d like to avoid me too.”

  He tugged her closer until she was right against him. “I wasn’t avoiding you. I was trying to keep from scaring you further because every time I’m around you I want you naked and right now that’s the last thing you need.”

  Eyes wide, mouth open, Evelyn stiffened. “Well, at least you’re honest.”

  “I’ll never be anything but honest with you,” he promised.

  She searched his eyes, reached up to cup the side of his face. “Vin, if I could let myself be with anyone, it would be you.”

  “God, that’s not helping.” He grabbed her hand, kissed her palm and stepped back. “We need to go before I forget that I’m a gentleman and that I care about your feelings.”

  She laughed. “You may be a gentleman, but you can’t go out until that’s under control.”

  She darted her eyes down. Yeah, he had a major erection.

  “It happens,” he told her. “You do something to me, Evelyn. You tear me up with want.”

  “And you’re not angry?” she asked, quirking a brow.

  “Because I’m horny?” He shook his head. “Evelyn, I’ve wanted you for years. I’ve gotten a sample of you, which is more than I ever thought I’d get. So no, I’m not angry.”

  “Years?” she repeated.

  He moved closer, cupped her bare shoulders and grinned. “S
ince you first came to see Dylan at college. I knew I had no right to lust after you, but I couldn’t help it. I’ve waited years for you to see how much I want you, so waiting a little longer won’t kill me.”

  She opened her mouth, then closed it and shook her head.

  “We better go,” she told him. “You don’t want to be late.”

  He tightened his grip on her shoulders. “What were you going to say?”

  “Nothing.”

  She held his gaze as if willing him to argue. And being a smart man, he nodded, placed a short, tender kiss on her lips and smiled.

  “Then let’s go.”

  “I can’t thank you enough for your help with the women’s shelter.”

  Evelyn stilled next to Vin as he spoke with his friend who had opened a remarkably elaborate beachfront restaurant.

  “I was happy to help,” Vin replied.

  He settled an arm around Evelyn’s waist as if they were a couple. They weren’t a couple, but…what were they? They hadn’t officially crossed the friend barrier, but in her heart she felt they were so much more than just friends.

  “The money was one thing,” Vin’s friend went on. “But to send actual workers to volunteer was above and beyond. You really come to the rescue, don’t you?”

  Vin laughed. “I just knew you said they were short-handed and I knew of some people in the area who were happy to help.”

  “Well, if there’s ever anything I can do to repay you…”

  “I don’t need to be repaid for helping,” Vin replied as he glanced around. “This place is amazing, Hunter.”

  The young entrepreneur smiled and Evelyn was positive this man was quite the charmer with that devilish grin, broad shoulders and dark eyes. But next to Vin, he paled in comparison. Lord, she had it bad for a man she wouldn’t allow herself to get close to.

  “I figure since I live here, I should have one of my businesses here. Besides, with the tourist numbers rising each year, it was only the smart thing to do.”

  Vin nodded. “That’s precisely why I’m building the resort. It’s always been a dream of mine anyway. Besides, who wouldn’t want to own a piece of prime real estate on this beautiful island?”

  Evelyn yawned, trying to hide it behind the back of her hand.

  Hunter laughed. “I think we’re boring your girlfriend.”

  Her back stiffened, but Vin’s hand tightened against her waist. “We’ve put in some long days working.”

  “Sorry,” she said with a smile. “It’s really not the conversation or the company. I’m just not used to all the traveling and long hours that seem to accompany Vin’s work habits.”

  Vin laughed. “Get used to it.”

  She had a feeling he wasn’t just discussing the business side, but something much more personal.

  “I’ll let you two get to your meal,” Hunter said. “I’d hate to keep you longer than necessary. It was great to see you, Vin. And, Evelyn, it was truly a pleasure.”

  When he leaned in and kissed her cheek, Evelyn tried not to freeze. She was so not the huggy-kissy type and she really, really valued her personal space.

  When Hunter walked away, Vin turned to her and smoothed a stray strand from her forehead. “I’m sorry if you were uncomfortable.”

  “I’m not,” she assured him. “This is all new to me. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes girl, where you like to be front and center.”

  His eyes searched hers as the corners of his mouth tipped up. “Anytime you want to be behind the scenes, just let me know. I’d be happy to join you.”

  She couldn’t stop the smile, nor could she stop the thrill of anticipation that spread through her.

  “You know,” she told him in a low voice, “one of these times I may give in to your offer.”

  His eyes widened as he pulled her against him. With his mouth a breath away from hers, he whispered, “You’re worth any amount of time I have to wait.”

  Taking a page from his book of courage, Evelyn nipped at his lips. “No normal man would say that and mean it.”

  He pulled her into a hug. A hug. He didn’t go for her lips or try to cop a feel since they were standing so close. The man literally enveloped her in those big, strong arms of his.

  “Then that just proves I’m the man for you,” he murmured in her ear. “Because any man who wouldn’t wait on you is a damn fool.”

  Vin kissed her lightly on her cheek before ushering her to a table on the balcony that Hunter had reserved just for them. With the golden-orange sunset over the crystal-blue ocean and the gentle breeze floating off the water, Evelyn knew this was a moment she’d remember forever. Not just because of the romantic ambience, but because of the company.

  And she hadn’t been teasing or lying when she’d said that at some time she’d give in to Vin. He was breaking down that wall of fear little by little and she knew the inevitable was coming.

  She was going to give herself, body and soul, to Vincent Hawk. God help them both once they started down a path that would take them well beyond friendship status.

  Who in the world was pounding and why wouldn’t they stop?

  Evelyn rolled over, adjusted her covers, punched her pillow and tried to get back to the very erotic, arousing dream she’d been having. Vin had been sliding down her body, dark bedroom eyes looking up at her while he grinned like he had a secret and only he knew it.

  Bam! Bam! Bam!

  Obviously she was not going to get back to the dream anytime soon. Evie threw the thick comforter aside and padded to the door, only to realize the sound had been coming from the adjoining door.

  Vin. What in the world did he want at—she turned to look at the clock—six in the freakin’ morning.

  She jerked the door open. “What?”

  Rich laughter filled the space between them as he thrust a box her way. “Happy birthday, sunshine.”

  She took the wrapped white box with a sparkly silver bow and shoved her hair from her eyes. “You got me a gift?”

  His eyes traveled over her hair—and she knew what a hot mess it was in the mornings—then on down to her silky cami-and-panty set she liked to sleep in. Suddenly she was very awake and, judging from the bulge in Vin’s jeans, he was awake…everywhere.

  “Um…” She turned, set the box on the chair and yanked the comforter from the bed to wrap up in. “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking. I was…”

  What? Having an erotic dream? Fantasizing what it would be like to be on the receiving end of some fabulous oral sex?

  “…asleep,” she told him now that she was wrapped like a mummy.

  Yeah, she was sexy personified with her bedhead and bulky comforter around her shoulders.

  “I wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday,” he told her with a slight grin. “Why don’t you open your gift?”

  Holding the comforter together with one hand, she scooped up the box with her other and sat on the bed. Vin, damn him in all his naked chest and gloriously tattooed muscles, leaned against the doorjamb.

  Mercy, that man made mornings so much easier to bear.

  She pulled the bow apart and hooked her fingers beneath the lid of the box. When it popped off, she gasped.

  “Vin, my God. When did you get these?”

  “I’ve had them, but I put them in my suitcase because I knew we’d be here for your birthday. I had it wrapped last night while we were gone and the concierge put it back in my room.”

  Tears pricked her eyes as she slid a finger over the cover of a book by her favorite author. She pulled it out, beneath that was another and by the time she’d finished, she’d pulled out eight books, all by her favorite author.

  “I know you more than likely have most of those,” he told her, pushing off the doorframe and coming to sit beside her on the bed. “But the one on top doesn’t come out for another month and I had them all personally autographed to you.”

  Her gaze jerked up to his. “No, you didn’t.”

  That cocky, mouth-watering grin spread
across his face. “Yes, I did.”

  Juggling the box on her lap, the comforter between her hand, Evelyn used her free hand to flip open the front of one book. There was a message to her, with her name and everything, signed by her favorite author.

  Evelyn searched the rest of the books, not caring she’d lost total control over her shield, the comforter. Modesty be damned when there were books in her hands.

  Those tears that pricked her eyes spilled over and she knew that hot mess she’d thought she was only moments ago had just gotten another level hotter because she was so not a pretty crier.

  “It’s just books, Evie.” Vin chuckled. “There’s no need to cry.”

  She shifted on the bed to look at him. “It’s not just the books, Vin. You went to so much trouble for me. You actually put thought, a lot of thought, into what I’d like and… How in the world did you get an early copy and signatures anyway?”

  He shrugged. “I sent an email, explained who I was and asked for it.”

  She quirked a brow. “You just asked for a new copy and signatures and, just like that, you got them? Tell me the rest of the story.”

  “I offered her a week’s stay at the new resort when it opens at Christmas.”

  Evelyn studied him, unable to even fathom the fact he cared for her on a level she hadn’t thought possible. Yes, they’d been friends for years and he’d gotten her birthday presents before, but this present… God, this was simply the present to beat all presents.

  There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that he wanted to be with her, not just in the intimate sense, but Vin wanted her. He wasn’t lying when he’d said she was worth waiting for. A man who went to these lengths to get such a personal, heartfelt gift would do anything for a woman he…loves?

  No, he couldn’t love her. He wanted her, he may want to explore a relationship, but love was just a whole other level and one they weren’t anywhere near.

  Evelyn set the books back in the box and placed them on the bed beside her. When she turned back to Vin, she reached out to cup his cheek. Coarse, dark stubble tickled her palm as she looked into his gray eyes.