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.

Brett pulled her close for a deep kiss, his lips tasting faintly of tobacco, coaxing her into a shy embrace. When they parted, Orlena's heart raced as she nestled into his neck, whispering a complaint

her face gently.

where every woman seemed to eye Brett. Orlena couldn't help but

jewelry store, regretting not having the time before to treat her

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

her. She was trying

only grew. It was clear to everyone that Orlena was the one who held his

many women, she yearned for those pieces to be gifts from the man she adored. She sat there, quietly fiddling with her plate of buttery shrimp scampi, the

if they were written on the wall. With a light chuckle, he peeled the shrimp for her and gently placed them

their way, but Brett was unfazed. Instead, he ladled a bowl of spicy tomato

sipped the soup contentedly. Her slightly possessive nature bubbled to the surface as she teased, "I bet you've had your fair share of meals with Ms. Olea and Ms. Morgan to

moment, he whispered low, "Let's not sour

was, after all, quite influenced by his words. She hummed in an obedient agreement, letting her

This was a

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

guided her to a jewelry store where the manager had been anticipating their arrival, showcasing a collection usually kept from public view. "Mr. Brett, these are our

caught his favor.

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

set.

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

so, two sets were

Card was swiped, and the jewels were secured into a safe and delivered

shopping continued. With the year-end festivities approaching, Orlena wanted to buy holiday outfits for Tracey and Daniel.

watching her focused expressil.ne

about me? could do with some new

a soft pink. "I'll look for you

Orlena was busy selecting his clothes, Brett lounged comfortably,

appeared, also perusing men's accessories. The women's eyes met in

noticed Stephanie's black leather-gloved hands, and as Stephanie approached Brett, Orlena's

be off to Dawson

end of whatever they once shared. Stephanie's face

mood had shifted. Orlena's eyes were glassy with unshed tears as she made her purchases, determined

to lighten the atmosphere, quipped about being lucky

thrifty partner, to which she retorted

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

for Stephanie's transfer to

Stephanie's lingering presence in

he couldn't ignore. He had

obligation, not love. But now, that decision was

relationship with Orlena.

stroking her

response was

of relief