Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 263

Brett was the first to step out of the car. He moved around to the passenger's side, opened the door, and watched her in the darkness. Orlena's slender neck was tensed to the point where a trace of a vein was visible.

Brett was patient. Eventually, Orlena stepped out of the car, paying him no mind as she walked ahead.

Under the dim streetlight, her petite figure was hidden in the shadow of the sycamore tree. Early autumn had caused the leaves to wilt, adding an air of melancholy to the scene.

Brett closed the car door. He hurriedly caught up with her, grabbing her by the wrist and pulled her into his arms before she could react.

Perhaps it was the allure of the night or the emotions stirred by the setting, and he lost all self control. He kissed her under the tree, holding her head and pressing her against the tree trunk with nearly violent force. It was so intense that she could hardly breathe.

"Brett! Let me go!"

Orlena pounded on his shoulder, struggling fiercely, but she couldn't break free from his grasp. Soon, her senses were filled with the scent of tobacco. His scent was everywhere.

Brett appeared clean, but only she knew when he had tainted her, his subtle masculine fragrance would linger on her for a long time.

The rough kiss lasted for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he released her. Then, his lean, handsome face was met with a slap, the sound particularly noticeable in the quiet night.

Brett was known for his charisma. But almost everyone knew he had a bad temper. Women were merely a diversion to him, none of whom dared to act spoiled or even slap him.

Only Orlena did.

After the slap, she turned her head away, tears brimming in her eyes. "What gives you the right to kiss me? Brett, what do you think I am? Did you bring me here to continue being your secret mistress?"

Brett ran his tongue over his lip, tasting blood. She was stronger than he thought. His gaze was deep. "I'm sorry. I couldn't control myself."

He hadn't been with her in a long time, and he wasn't above wanting her. He hadn't forgotten the passion they shared over the past few years, not for a moment. But Brett knew he had crossed a line with that kiss.

He apologized to her. "Let's go upstairs. There are some documents you need to sign."

Orlena hesitated, but agreed. They did have a child together, and given his status, she was afraid he would fight for custody.

Shortly, they entered the apartment. It was as grand as it had always been with clear signs of upkeep. The dining table even had a bowl of freshly washed fruit, all her favorites. Each one was plump and juicy.

Brett followed her gaze, then whispered as he walked to the door, "I had Donny prepare them. He still remembers what you like even after all these years."

Orlena's throat tightened. She clenched her fist, reminding herself not to be fooled by his gentle gestures again.

Brett had a way with words, and a few sentences were enough to touch anyone's heart. If she hadn't been hurt so deeply, she would have been tempted by him again, perhaps even spending the night in this luxurious apartment. But she wasn't as naive as before. She had long lost her innocence.

She spoke calmly. "I suppose you want to talk about Daniel. You can say it now and take me home afterwards. Unlike you, Mr. Brett, I respect the man I'm dating. It would be disrespectful if I were to continue seeing you."

Brett chuckled, "You care that much? You're not going to marry him?"

When she didn't respond, his gaze darkened slightly. He walked to the couch and sat down, motioning for her to sit too. "Come sit. Take a look at these documents."

Orlena pursed her lips. She sat down, and in front of her was a stack of documents. She flipped through a few pages and realized they were about Daniel's child support.

Orlena didn't refuse. Daniel was their child, so if he was willing to pay for his upbringing, she had no reason to refuse.

This was what Eloise had said. If a woman can't get a man, then she should get his money. For example, when Eloise broke up with Harvey, the checks he threw at her increased in amount each time.

But Brett made things complicated. She was a top student from a business school, but even she felt dizzy looking at these documents.

Brett was watching her. She looked healthier than before, and she had put on some weight. He found it strange, Orlena wasn't exactly young but she still had baby fat, probably because she was carefree and didn't worry too much.

Right now, she was frowning, looking worried. Brett smiled at her helplessness, knowing that with her intellect, she would need all night to understand these documents.

He liked seeing her like this.

He went to cut some fruit. In the past, when she stayed over at his place, she didn't do anything but call his name under the sheets. He took care of everything else. Now, even though he couldn't do anything to her, he still wanted to take care of her with her being around.

Brett carefully selected a few fruits, cut them into a fruit platter, and placed it in front of her.

Orlena looked at him. He met her gaze and said, "I didn't put anything weird in there."

He had seen her having dinner with a man at a high-end restaurant earlier in the evening. Through the window, he noticed she barely ate anything, probably because the food didn't suit her taste.