The Arrangement | Book 2 | Completed

35

Evan's POV

A pounding at my door was evident, and I already had an idea of who it is.

Or at least who I'm hoping it is.

As I answer the door, Clarissa pushes past me and marches into my apartment.

"What the hell are you thinking?" She yells at me.

"I guess I could ask you the same question." I say as I shut the door.

"So you just leave my fucking office and then immediately go to Tiffany and ask her if she wants to hang out?" She says in a sickening slow way.

"Actually, I didn't. She offered it and i agreed, but never made actual plans. Nor do I plan on doing so." I say, crossing my arms in front of her.

"You're lying." She spits out.

"No i'm not." I state.

"Prove it." She says, crossing her arms the exact same way I am. I truly wonder if she knows how fucking insane she is.

"Excuse me? I don't have to prove anything to you." I spit out.

"So you are guilty!" She yells in triumph. She always has to be right.

"No! I'm not! But why would I prove myself as loyal to someone who literally doesn't care about me at all?"

"I don't know, Evan. Why would you? Maybe because I have been cheated on in every single relationship I have ever been in? Maybe because I don't trust you because I don't fully understand my own feelings for you. Maybe because you're leaving to go back to Russia and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. Maybe that's why I wanted to push you away. Did you ever think about that? That maybe acting like I don't care at all is easier than putting all of my emotions out of the table? Maybe I care too much about you! I mean, I just showed up to your fucking apartment and barged in so I could jump your ass about this shit! Because do you know how it felt to hear that? Right after everything? After everything we have been through in this month of you being here? Maybe I need reassurance that you're not just trying to sleep with me while your here and then never speak with me again once you leave!" She yells at me.

The angry words that leave her mouth are everything that I've wanted to hear. They're absolutely everything and more.

"Clarissa." I say, but she continues her rant.

"And you know what, I don't just sleep around! I haven't been with someone in a really long time. I honestly dont even know why I even let you-"

"Don't say something you'll regret." I warn her, and for once she listens.

"I just dont know how to handle all of this." She sighs.

"Do you want to be with me?" I ask her. She looks at me with surprise. She looks at me as if I just asked her the most appalling question.

"I don't know how-"

"Yes or no, Clarissa. Do you want to be with me?" I ask again, this time stepping towards her and holding her face in my hands. She stares up at me with bright and scared eyes, but finally sighs and mumbles what I've always wanted to hear.

"Yes." She says quietly.

"What was that?" I ask, wanting her to say it louder.

"I want to be with you, Evan." She exclaims in frustration.

I stare at her and wait for her to continue.

"So please, just...give me a chance?" She asks softly.