Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 200

The atmosphere in the office was as still as a held breath.

Eloise's face was noticeably pale.

It took her a moment to find her voice. "Harvey," she said, her tone ragged, "I would rather keep our dealings strictly business. We shouldn't be discussing feelings, futures, and certainly not marriage."

She tilted her head slightly, "Who was it that said marriage is just a piece of paper?”

Harvey’s expression slightly changed.

His voice was hoarse yet gentle, "I'm sorry, Eloise. I've broken your heart."

He pulled out a tissue and offered it to her.

Eloise suppressed her emotions, her voice low, "You want a chance, Harvey? I'll give you a chance. One year. I'll be with you for a year. Once that year is over, we're done."

Harvey sat with his back to the window.

His figure was shrouded in shadows. His brows lifted slightly at her words. "And what if you fall for me within that year? What if you want to marry me then?"

Eloise didn't answer.

He understood her silence. She would protect herself, keep herself from falling for him.

This year, she would only give him what she had already promised.

Harvey leaned back on the couch, seemingly relaxed but visibly tense. He had helped her grow, and now she was setting conditions, negotiating skillfully.

He was silent for a long time.

Eloise watched him, her voice tense, "Do you wanna do this or not, Harvey?"

…

"I do," he heard his own voice conceding.

…

Eloise was momentarily dazed.

He had already risen and moved behind her, gently wrapping his arms around her. He whispered in her ear, "I want this, Eloise. Stop with the talk of being simply a bed mate. I could never treat you like that. Our relationship is legitimate. Stop saying otherwise, okay?"

Harvey was a master of charm and tenderness. He knew exactly how to play her.

Eloise was all too aware of this.

She stated calmly, "We won't live together. We won't meet each other's parents."

"Okay."

"But occasionally, I'll join you for a weekend. That's not too much to ask, is it? Isn't that how couples normally interact?"

Eloise didn't object.

Truthfully, she didn't want him to come to her apartment.

After they had settled the terms, Eloise prepared to leave.

Harvey lightly held her shoulder, then leaned in and kissed her. She was seated; he was standing. It was an awkward position for a kiss, but it made it all the more intimate.

Eloise didn't resist, but she didn't respond either.

When Harvey realized she wouldn't initiate, he chuckled lightly, "Have you forgotten how to kiss in just half a year? Let me help you."

His slender fingers gently tilted her chin, and he easily took control.

Eloise involuntarily let him in, and he made himself at home, his lips exploring hers, turning what was meant to be a light kiss into a passionate exploration after being separated for half a year.

Their hearts pounded in their chests after the kiss.

Harvey leaned against her, catching his breath. His voice was a whisper, "You still have feelings for me, Eloise."

Embarrassed, s

he shakily buttoned up her blouse.

Caught in the heat of the moment, Harvey had unbuttoned it. Now, as she calmed down, she felt exposed. In her hurry, she struggled with the buttons, and in the end, Harvey helped her.

He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers, "I really don't want to let you go."

Tears welled up in the corner of Eloise's eyes.

He knew she didn't want this, but that didn't mean her body didn't respond to him.

Harvey didn't tease her as he used to. Instead, he helped her straighten her clothes, whispering, "I have more work to do. I'll have my driver take you back to the Crescendo Sound Workshop."

Eloise couldn't bear his gentleness.

She stood up to face him, struggling to maintain her composure, "I can take a cab, Attorney Horigan."

Harvey gazed at her with a look that was entirely that of a man looking at a woman.

He smiled, "Still calling me Attorney Horigan?"

Eloise was slightly flushed.

He didn't say anything else, instead pressing the intercom to call Taylor in, "Escort Ms. Laurent downstairs. Help her… get a cab."