Tangled Temptations

Chapter 404

She purred, a hint of mischief in her tone.

He thought she was up to her usual tricks, but instead, she gently massaged his neck and asked softly, "Tired, babe? If you're beat, we can skip the mall run and just head home for dinner."

Brett felt a wave of affection wash over him. He turned to look at her, thinking about how he hadn't given her much, and yet she had endured so much for him, treating him with such kindness.

Gently pulling her hands to his lips, he asked tenderly, "Feeling sorry for me?"

Orlena hummed in affirmation, snuggling closer to him, her cheek resting against his neck, inhaling his refreshing masculine scent. "I just want you to relax a bit," she murmured.

Brett stroked her hands and reassured her, "I'm not tired, Orlena." He used to be, but with her by his side now, he truly wasn't.

The door opened, and Donny walked in with a steaming cup of ginseng tea. Caught in the intimate moment, he opted to tease them, "Looks like Miss Orlena here is really concerned about you. This tea will do wonders for you."

Brett, suppressing a smile, gestured to the side and said, "Just set it down, Donny. You can head out."

Donny happily obliged.

With the door closed, Orlena still hadn't moved away from Brett as he kept hold of her hand. She playfully punched his shoulder. "Let me go. What would people think if they saw us like this?"

Brett pulled her onto his lap instead and handed her the cup of tea. "It's good for you."

Orlena refused the drink, claiming she was too young for such remedies.

Brett chuckled, kissing her lips gently, "Your lips are chapped. You're dehydrated. Come on, have a little."

Orlena didn't fully understand what he meant but knew it wasn't entirely appropriate. She didn't resist when Brett indulged her, finishing his work with one arm around her, eventually coaxing her to drink half the cup.

Afterward, they got ready to go out for dinner and a movie. Orlena wrapped her arm around his.

Brett looked down at her. Orlena's feelings were as strong as ever, and now she would be by his side as his wife. He wasn't one for sweet nothings, but he squeezed her fingertips affectionately in these stirring moments.

Downstairs, a sleek black Range Rover waited.

"You're driving this in Brockville?" Orlena asked as Brett opened the door for her, revealing a car filled with her favorite pale pink accessories, children's toys in the backseat, and even her preferred perfume.

He laughed softly, "It's the family car. No one else rides in this."

The quaint town of Brockville was buzzing with activity, its streets filled with tantalizing aromas of food.

"What do you fancy for dinner?" Brett asked as he parked the car.

Orlena bit her lip, struggling to decide. "Thai food," she finally said.

Brett teased her cheek. "Thai it is."

As they walked towards the restaurant, Brett draped his coat over her shoulders. Their surroundings were lit by twinkling lights that made the square glisten like a scattered galaxy. But it was Orlena who shone brighter than any starry night.

coaxing her into a shy embrace. When they parted, Orlena's heart raced as she nestled into

touching her face gently. "I've never been so reckless

woman seemed to eye Brett. Orlena couldn't help but feel a touch of

jewelry store, regretting not having the time before to treat

he teased when she hesitated

was trying to save it for

they dined amongst the glances of others, Brett's affection and possessiveness only grew. It was clear to everyone that Orlena was the one who held his

had a treasure trove of jewelry at her disposal, but like many women, she yearned for those pieces to be gifts

wall. With a light chuckle, he peeled the shrimp

women nearby flickered their way, but Brett was unfazed. Instead, he ladled a bowl of spicy tomato bisque for her. "Have some of this. It's good for the soul,

teased, "I bet you've had your

"Let's not sour our

quite influenced by his words. She hummed in an obedient agreement, letting her grievances slide

filling his chest. This was a slice of life he wanted to hold onto for

dinner, they strolled through the streets, Orlena practically attached to his arm. Brett had never

been anticipating their arrival, showcasing a collection usually kept from public view. "Mr. Brett, these are our legacy treasures, not

Brett's companion, wondering which lucky lady had caught his favor. Upon

sets - rubies, sapphires, diamonds, emeralds - each worth a fortune. After

set.

softly, "Saving me money? I know Eloise just gave

so, two sets

Card was swiped, and the jewels

continued. With the year-end festivities approaching, Orlena wanted to buy

watching her focused expressil.ne

me? could do with some new shirts and a

cheeks blushed a soft pink. "I'll look

his clothes, Brett lounged comfortably, browsing through a magazine. She thought

outing took a turn when Stephanie appeared, also perusing men's accessories. The women's eyes met in brief surprise before Stephanie settled on

as Stephanie approached Brett,

off to Dawson after the New

however, made no move to accept it, signaling the end of whatever they once shared. Stephanie's face was a mask of bittersweet acceptance as

eyes were glassy with unshed tears as

lighten the atmosphere, quipped about being lucky

to which she retorted

- their date had been marred by an unwelcome ghost from his past. In

for Stephanie's transfer

about Stephanie's lingering presence in Brett's life,

he couldn't ignore. He had

obligation, not

relationship with Orlena.

resist. He apologized, stroking her

response was

of relief and lingering