Tangled Temptations

Chapter 200

The atmosphere in the office was as still as a held breath.

Eloise's face was noticeably pale.

It took her a moment to find her voice. "Harvey," she said, her tone ragged, "I would rather keep our dealings strictly business. We shouldn't be discussing feelings, futures, and certainly not marriage."

She tilted her head slightly, "Who was it that said marriage is just a piece of paper?"

Harvey's expression slightly changed.

His voice was hoarse yet gentle, "I'm sorry, Eloise. I've broken your heart."

He pulled out a tissue and offered it to her.

Eloise suppressed her emotions, her voice low, "You want a chance, Harvey? I'II give you a chance. One year. I'll be with you for a year. Once that year is over, we're done."

Harvey sat with his back to the window.

His figure was shrouded in shadows. His brows lifted slightly at her words. "And what if you fall for me within that year? What if you want to marry me then?"

Eloise didn't answer.

He understood her silence. She would protect herself, keep herself from falling for him.

This year, she would only give him what she had already promised.

Harvey leaned back on the couch, seemingly relaxed but visibly tense. He had helped her grow, and now she was setting conditions, negotiating skillfully.

He was silent for a long time.

Eloise watched him, her voice tense, "Do you wanna do this or not, Harvey?"

"I do," he heard his own voice conceding.

...

Eloise was momentarily dazed.

He had already risen and moved behind her, gently wrapping his arms around her. He whispered in her ear, "I want this, Eloise. Stop with the talk of being simply a bed mate. I could never treat you like that. Our relationship is legitimate. Stop saying otherwise, okay?"

Harvey was a master of charm and tenderness. He knew exactly how to play her.

Eloise was all too aware of this.

She stated calmly, "We won't live together. We won't meet each other's parents."

"Okay."

"But occasionally, I'll join you for a weekend. That's not too much to ask, is it? Isn't that how couples normally interact?"

Eloise didn't object.

Truthfully, she didn't want him to come to her apartment.

had settled the terms, Eloise prepared to

shoulder, then leaned in and kissed

for a kiss, but it made

but she didn't

you forgotten

gently tilted her chin,

involuntarily let him in, and he made himself

turning what was meant to be a light kiss into

pounded in their chests

voice was a whisper, "You still have feelings for

Embarrassed,

shakily buttoned

the heat of the moment, Harvey had unbuttoned it. Now, as she calmed down, she felt exposed. In her hurry, she struggled with

"I really don't want to

but that

as he used to. Instead, he helped her straighten her clothes, whispering, "I have more work to do. I'll have my

couldn't bear

up to face him, struggling to maintain her composure, "I can take a cab,

at her with a look that was entirely that of a

woman.

calling me Attorney

Eloise was slightly flushed.

anything else, instead pressing the intercom to call

Help her... get a

smile was sweet, "Ms. Laurent,

smart enough to figure out the relationship between Eloise and her boss.

waiting outside

Seeing Eloise come

His gaze was murderous.

off, "Ms. Laurent,

scene. She gave a weak smile to

quickly

in the car. Dwight brushed her hand away and

you sleep with him?" He

voice was icy, "Do you want the

going crazy. Fucking hell, he had come to Peterborough to get under Harvey's skin, and before he had even had

something else

for what it was, he didn't

so angry he was speaking without thinking, "Why can't you accept me? Is it because Harvey is more competent? Is it because he's older? Or

Eloise was livid.

with Harvey. Now she had to deal with this punk. Her voice

always been bold, couldn't tolerate her

at her, kicking at the car, "You like him, don't you? What's

old man? He's no match for

didn't want to

She flagged it down and moved

grabbed her arm, "You're