No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1642

The man's deep voice resonated in the darkness, laced with a satisfied chuckle.

Pulled against his chest, Eleanor was enveloped in his crisp cedarwood body wash scent. Her heart rate kicked up a notch.

"Yeah," she replied softly.

He laughed, effortlessly sweeping her off her feet. The sudden weightlessness startled Eleanor, leaving her no choice but to cling tightly to his shoulders.

Ian's arm strength was incredible, his steps steady as he carried her all the way to the master bedroom. A dim wall sconce was on, casting a soft, warm halo across the room. He laid her gently on the mattress.

Just as she tried to sit up, he leaned down and captured her lips.

The kiss was tender yet lingering, laced with his signature possessiveness. The unhurried, deliberate friction of his lips was absolutely intoxicating.

Eleanor's knees felt weak under the onslaught. Sinking deeper into the plush bedding, she could only passively surrender to his demands.

His kisses trailed down her neck, lingering at her collarbone. His warm breath brushed against her skin, sending tiny shivers racing down her spine.

"Ian..." she pushed weakly at his chest.

He lifted his head, a dark, predatory amusement in his eyes. "Hmm?"

His voice was raspy, edged with teasing.

Then, he lowered his head and whispered something in her ear. Eleanor's face instantly burned scarlet. She slapped his chest lightly. "You—"

Ian chuckled, his chest rumbling against hers as he pulled her even tighter into his embrace.

This time, Ian refused to turn off all the lights, completely ignoring Eleanor's protests.

And the early winter night stretched on for a very long time.

—

Early the next morning.

It had rained all night, and the persistent drizzle showed no signs of stopping.

The gloomy weather only made the desire to stay in bed stronger. Eleanor was locked securely in Ian's arms. His body radiated a comforting heat that made it impossible not to lean into him.

The sound of raindrops drumming lightly against the glass created the perfect excuse to sleep in.

The moment Eleanor shifted, the arm around her waist tightened. "Sleep a little longer."

Eleanor nuzzled against his chest, keeping her eyes closed, though she was fully awake now.

Recalling the events of last night, her cheeks flared with unnatural heat.

This man had claimed he needed her to 'check his post-op results,' but the examination had turned into an all-night marathon.

She couldn't even remember how the night had ended. All she recalled was Ian wrapping her in a blanket, placing her on the sofa, changing the sheets himself, and then gently wiping her down before they finally went to sleep.

Now, her lower back ached, and her legs felt entirely devoid of strength.

Behind them, Joslyn tidied up, a wide, knowing smile on her face.

At the lab, Ian walked her right to her office before leaving, and Eleanor immediately dove into her work.

The following week was incredibly demanding for Eleanor. Ian managed to show restraint on some nights, but on others, he unapologetically indulged himself.

Evelyn's school organized a study abroad trip. Since parents weren't allowed, Evelyn would be living in Montclair for an entire month.

Coincidentally, Serena had a business trip to Montclair and offered to keep an eye on her niece.

Evelyn wouldn't be back until right before the holidays.

Her primary research was progressing at a breakneck pace. Half a month later, Xavier Vaughn brought his mother to her lab.

Mrs. Vaughn's condition had deteriorated drastically. She couldn't even recognize Eleanor anymore.

Seeing Mrs. Vaughn sitting on the sofa, looking at her with complete unfamiliarity, Eleanor felt a sharp pang in her chest.

She finally understood the sheer depth of Xavier's heartbreak. Eleanor had only met the woman a few times, yet seeing her like this was absolutely gut-wrenching.