Enticing Eve: Scandalous Secrets, Book 2 Read Online Free PDF

choose my brother? Please explain to me – if not out of spite, then why?” He again inhaled the heady scent of roses, the once sweet fragrance now searing his nostrils.
    “Why didn’t you contact me?”   Eve clutched his wrist tighter, her tone rising while desperation emanated from her every word. “Why didn’t you write me?   Just once in three years.”
    “Don’t you mean two ?” he asked, his jaw tensed to the point that he could feel a muscle twitch.  
    Eve’s expression softened. “I never thought you would return,” she stared at him for several seconds before glancing at her hand, which remained wrapped around his wrist. Eve released him so fast that his arm fell to his side. “I—I didn’t think—”
    He raised his palm in the air to silence her. “It matters not. Congratulations on a splendid match, Miss Weston. You are aware, no doubt, that Tristan stands to inherit a title and fortune?”
    “Don’t,” she warned, “You of all people should know that I’m not some ambitious woman seeking a prestigious match.”  
    Shaking his head, he narrowed his gaze. “I know nothing of the sort.”
    Her wounded expression was laced with pain and confusion yet, though she donned innocence like the latest Paris fashion, he sensed it was an act. Eve’s betrothal to his younger brother proved she was callous and calculating.
    Colin condemned her with his heated gaze. “Would it make you feel better if I accepted the blame for your decision to become betrothed to my brother?”
    Eve wiped her eyes with her palms. “The truth would be welcome.”
    “Very well, then,” he leaned closer to her before continuing. “I admit that I made a mistake in overestimating you and your affection. I had no idea you were so heartless, so selfish, or so hateful.”  
    A cold draft replaced the thick tension that had hovered in the air just minutes before.
    Or perhaps it was her frosty expression?  
    “You haven’t inquired about my family, Mister MacAlistair.” Eve steeled her shoulders, her smooth visage now contorted into a mask of loathing.  
    Colin raked his fingers through his hair. “You now expect me to take part in polite conversation?”
    “Wouldn’t you like to know what happened after your desertion?” Eve paused, tipping her head to the side. “Or do you prefer to condemn me with no knowledge of my life following your departure?”  
    “Fine, I’ll play along,” his tone dripped heavily of sarcasm as he leaned against the back of a chaise, crossing his arms over his chest. “How is your grandmother, Eve? Are your parents still traveling abroad? Oh, I know! Has your father gambled away more of his inheritance?”  
    Eve shot him a look of reproof. “My parents are deceased,” she hissed.
    Colin’s conscience slammed into his ribs, his words haunting him. Dear God, why did he taunt her like that? “Eve, I had no idea.”
    “Of course you didn’t. You failed to take any interest before my visit today.” Eve wiped her eyes with her fingertips, a regal attempt to salvage her pride he supposed as new tears began to form.  
    Colin reached into his vest pocket and offered her his handkerchief, silently cursing himself for his vicious remarks.
    Eve shoved his offering aside. “You have no idea what my grandmother and I have endured since you sent me that cursed missive.”
    “I am truly sorry,” he reached for her but she yanked her arm free.
    “What other questions did you have?” she asked, pressing her finger against her full lips as if in contemplation. Eve shed no more tears he noted, opting instead to make him feel as much guilt and shame as possible.  
    “Ah, yes, I remember. You asked if my father gambled away more of his inheritance. I refuse to address that remark as I am certain you suspect the humiliating answer. That is why you asked the question, is it not – to demean me?”
    Words failed him. Colin had assumed Eve’s life would remain the same. Never did he