Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Eloise finally grasped Grayson’s implication. “This man is insufferable.’

“This is my personal life,” she retorted, her voice tight. “It’s none of your business, Mr. Pierce.”

“Eloise.” His voice held a warning.

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“You’re the one acting strangely, Mr. Pierce,” she shot back, keeping her voice low but firm. “You told me you weren’t interested, that I shouldn’t cling to you.

“I’m doing exactly that. So what are you doing? First, you kiss me out of nowhere, and now you’re trying to police me?

“We have no relationship anymore. Please learn some boundaries.”

Grayson wanted to hang up, but he forced himself to stay on the line.

“I was just trying to warn you,” he said, his tone gruff. “The world isn’t a safe place. We were together once, so consider it a courtesy. But fine, ignore me. Don’t come crying to me when you get hurt.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Pierce,” Eloise replied coldly. “Even if I did cry I certainly wouldn’t do it in front of you.”

Grayson’s voice dropped, a clear threat underlying his words. “Elbise, are you sure you want to speak to me like this? Your nephew is still under my care, remember?”

Eloise was speechless for a moment. ‘Is he threatening me?‘

“Grayson,” she hissed into the phone, “you’ve become so annoying.” With that, she ended the call.

Grayson froze. “Annoying? Me?”

Later, after Noah finished his bath, Grayson knocked and entered his room. “Do you want to video call your aunt?” he asked, trying to sound casual.

Noah looked up at him, a knowing glint in his eye. “If you want call her, just call her yourself.”

Feeling exposed by a child’s perception, he dug in his heels. “I wasn’t going to hit you. I just came to see if you were missing your aunt.”

“We talked this afternoon,” Noah stated plainly. “No need to call gain.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Grayson’s face.

“Mr. Pierce, Noah said, pulling his covers up, “is there anything se? If not, I’d like to sleep now.”

Grayson gave the boy a look. “This kid can be just as infuriating his aut

Back in the private dining room in Anedon, a client named Dungun Calderon raised his glass toward Eloise with a smide A toast, Ms. Caldwell. Let’s have a drink”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Calderon,” Eloise replied with a polite but firm sle I don’t drink I have a severe alcohol allergy

“Ah, come now,” Duncan chuckled, waving a dismissive hand as began to walk toward her. “That’s such an old excuse Do me a favor, won’t you?”

“Mr. Calderon, I really can’t.” Eloise took a subtle step back.

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Chapter 23

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Before the man could get closer, Beckett stood up, smoothly inserting himself between them. His smile was pleasant but his eyes were cool. “Mr. Calderon, my secretary truly is allergic. How about I drink with you instead?”

Duncan’s eyes darted between Beckett and Eloise, and a knowing suggestive smile spread across his face. “Alright. If the boss is protecting the lady, who am I to argue?”

Beckett didn’t bother to correct the man’s assumption.

The dinner finally ended. Beckett had drunk quite a lot on Eloises behalf and was noticeably unsteady on his feet. Eloise supported him as they wobbled their way out of the restaurant.

She hailed a taxi, maneuvered Beckett into the back seat, and slid in beside him. “Koridge Hotel, please,” she told the driver.

As the car moved through the city lights, Beckett leaned his head back against the seat, eyes closed, the smell of alcohol wafting from him.

Eloise felt a surge of gratitude toward him. If he hadn’t stepped in, she would have been forced into an uncomfortable situation.

Suddenly, Beckett’s head lolled sideways, coming to rest heavily on her shoulder. Eloise stiffened and gently pushed him upright.

A minute later, he slumped against her again. She pushed him away once more, this time with a bit more force.

The jostling seemed to rouse him. He blinked at her, his expression confused and oddly innocent. “Ms. Caldwell? What’s wrong?”

“Mr. Hayes, please sit up straight.” Eloise frowned a bit.

Beckett was confused. “Aren’t I sitting straight?”

“You keep leaning on me. It’s inappropriate.” After working together for two years, Eloise felt she could be blunt with him.

Beckett stared at her for a long moment. ‘Seriously? I can’t even pretend to lean on her for a second?‘ A wave of self–pity washed over him. ‘And who drank all that alcohol for her sake? Sungrateful.

The hotel was only a short drive away. When they arrived, Eloise got out first. “Mr. Hayes, can you manage?”

Beckett pressed a hand to his forehead, extending the other toward her dramatically. “A little help? I’m dizzy”

Sighing internally, Eloise grabbed his arm and helped him out the taxi and into the hotel lobby. At his door, she stopped “Your key, Mr. Hayes.”

He fumbled for his key card, swiped it, and the lock clicked ope The moment the door was ajar, Eloise gave him a firm but careful nudge inside and immediately pulled the door shut behind him, quickly heading to her own room.

Inside, Beckett stumbled once before catching himself on the w. He let out a soft, resigned laugh. She’s really on her guard. As if I’d actually try anything‘

Grayson tossed and turned in his large bed, sleep eluding him the image of Eloise alone on a business trip with Beckett, a man whose interest in her was obvious, tormented him.

In a different city, just the two of them… The more Grayson thought about it, the more agitated he became.

Finally, he couldn’t stand it anymore. He grabbed his phone and happed the video call button next to Eloise’s name.

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Chapter 23

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In her hotel room, Eloise had just finished showering, her hair still damp. Hearing her phone, she walked over and picked it up. Seeing it was Grayson, she declined the call.

A few seconds later, it rang again. She declined again.

A voice message notification popped up. While applying moisturizer, Eloise tapped it.

Grayson’s voice, tense and commanding, filled the quiet room. “Eloise, answer the phone. If you don’t pick up, I’m putting your nephew outside right now.”

Eloise’s face darkened with anger. She immediately initiated a video call back to him.

Grayson answered after two rings. He didn’t see her face, only her hotel room’s ceiling and a recessed light. “Eloise.”

“Grayson, what do you want?” Her voice was flat.

Grayson wasn’t sure what he wanted. He just felt restless, uneasy and utterly unable to sleep. “Are you back at your hotel?”

Eloise nodded. “Yes.”

Grayson pressed, “In your own room? Alone?”

Eloise’s patience was running out. “Yes, and yes.”

Grayson wasn’t convinced. “Prove it. Let me see.”

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