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.

faintly of tobacco, coaxing her into a shy embrace. When they parted, Orlena's heart raced

gently. "I've never

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

a jewelry store, regretting not having the time

think I'm broke?" he teased when she hesitated to wear the engagement

was trying to save it

they dined amongst the glances of others, Brett's affection and possessiveness only grew. It

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

they were written on the wall. With a light

from the 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,

possessive nature bubbled to the surface as she teased, "I bet you've had your fair share of meals with Ms.

moment, he whispered low, "Let's not sour our rare dinner alone with petty jealousy,

cajoling worked wonders. Orlena was, after all, quite influenced by his words. She hummed in an obedient agreement, letting her grievances

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

strolled through the streets, Orlena practically attached to his arm. Brett had never met anyone so clingy, but he

been anticipating their arrival, showcasing a collection usually kept from public view. "Mr. Brett, these are

had caught his favor. Upon seeing Orlena, the manager was taken

diamonds, emeralds - each

set.

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

so, two

Black Card was swiped, and the jewels were secured into

approaching, Orlena wanted to buy holiday

watching her focused expressil.ne

about me? could do with some new shirts and a

"I'll

lounged comfortably, browsing through a magazine. She thought

accessories. The women's eyes met in brief

leather-gloved hands, and as

Dawson after the New Year. Consider this

the end of whatever they once shared. Stephanie's face was a mask of bittersweet acceptance as she departed, leaving the tie discarded in a

shifted. Orlena's eyes were glassy with unshed tears as she made her

lighten the atmosphere, quipped about being

thrifty partner, to which she retorted

their date had been marred by an unwelcome ghost from his past. In an effort to smooth things over, he mentioned that

for Stephanie's transfer to

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

ignore. He

misguided sense of obligation, not love. But now, that decision was casting a

relationship with Orlena.

He apologized, stroking her

was

relief and