I shook my head, wincing. “No. I wanted to surprise her, but based on your reaction, I’m thinking that may be a bad idea.”
He shook his head. “No, man. I’m sorry. I just… I wasn’t expecting you. After everything….”
“I’m an asshole,” I said immediately.
“No shit,” Ryder muttered.
“Hey, man. No one invited you to this conversation,” I snapped at him.
“And no one invited you here,” he retorted.
He had me there.
“Ryder, it’s fine,” Evan said. “Let Klaus and Anson know Cole has… arrived.”
“What about Ellis and Rosalie?” I asked hopefully.
“Just because you show up here doesn’t mean you’re entitled to see them,” Evan said.
I bristled at his words. “I-I’m trying, man. Come on. I don’t want to fight. I only want to see my family. Please. If Rosalie tells me to fuck off, then off I’ll fuck, but at least give me a chance to be told. That’s all I’m asking for.”
Evan stared at me from behind his sunglasses before nodding. “Fine. But they’re not here right now. Anson and Rosalie are doing a photoshoot, and Klaus is at work. Ellis is at ballet with Trix.”
“Trix?” I asked.
“Her nanny.”
“Oh.” I stood in my spot awkwardly.
“You can sit,” Evan said, gesturing to one of the leather couches. I moved forward and settled on one across from him. The leather was white, and he was dressed in black and tatted to fuck. He didn’t look like he fit in at all.
“I’m sorry about what a dick I was in the underground,” I said after a few moments of silence. “I was shocked. I was out of line. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. I understand,” he replied.
I stared at him. He was unrecognizable.
“You don’t look like yourself at all,” I said softly.
“Because I’m not myself,” he said, getting to his feet.
I looked up at him. “Where are you going?”
“Smoke break,” he muttered.
I left my bag on the couch and followed him out to a back balcony that overlooked a lush backyard, complete with gardens and high walls. Even an infinity pool near the edge of the cliff they were on. They could overlook the city at night.
Fuck, the place was gorgeous.
Evan pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one up. I watched as he took a deep inhale before blowing out a cloud of smoke.
“Cigarettes are bad for you,” I said, eyeing him. “You never smoked?—”
“Evan has always smoked,” he said. “You want some?”
I hesitated before taking the cigarette from him. I wasn’t a smoker. Not even fucking close, but I wanted to bond with Fox, er Evan, so I was willing to kill my lungs for a bit.
I took a deep drag and blew the smoke out without coughing. Thank fuck.
