Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 366

Harvey not only posted a pic but also added a cheeky, "Like what you see?"

Eloise blushed with fury. The nerve of that guy.

And how on earth did he find her on Facebook? He had no shame. But... she couldn't help sneaking another peek at the photo. She had to admit, if there was ever a charming pervert, Harvey was it.

Eloise deleted the photo. She figured it was high time she set things straight with him. Just because things with Max were a no-go didn't mean she was open season for harassment. Plus, her dad mentioned he was heading to work at Horigan Inc., which unsettled Eloise. She had a gut feeling Harvey was targeting her specifically.

In the middle of the night, the heat was unbearable. Eloise couldn't stand it any longer; she threw off her covers and headed to the bathroom. Stripping down to her pale pink lingerie, she examined her reflection. Slim, with all the curves in the right places, and topped with a cascade of brown hair – she was a knockout.

But she was convinced her looks weren't enough to sway Harvey.

He had mentioned the piano. Was it her talent he was after? At 20, Eloise still dreamt of becoming a concert pianist.

Still, she had to make things clear to him.

...

The next day at the Music College.

Eloise kept things low-key but was still the center of attention wherever she went, especially with Ravenna always ready with a snide remark.

"Eloise, aren't you about to marry into high society? Why bother with school? I thought you were so into Max. It turns out you're just another opportunist."

Eloise wasn't one to back down and retorted, "What's it to you?"

Ravenna was at a loss for words, unable to formulate a response.

Just then, Veronica and Gunner walked up, catching the tail end of the exchange. Veronica always had Eloise's back and didn't hesitate to snap at Ravenna. "Looks like you got what you wanted, right? You've been pining for Max, so why don't you make a move?"

Ravenna's face turned sour. Max didn't give her the time of day despite her attempts to get his attention.

Veronica, never one to let it go, was about to lay into Ravenna again when Gunner stepped in, playing peacemaker. "C'mon, we're all classmates here. Chill, Veronica, that's enough."

As striking as a rose in full bloom at 20, Veronica huffed, "Why are you defending her, Gunner? Are you into her or something? Does her sultriness get to you?"

Gunner was clearly exasperated.

Meanwhile, despite the insults, Ravenna just smirked and winked at Gunner before walking away.

...

The girls' dorm was usually quiet, but not today.

Ravenna, barely clothed, was enthusiastically in sync with Gunner's advances. In broad daylight, their passionate encounter was intense and uninhibited.

In a haze of desire, Gunner held Ravenna in his arms tightly, biting his cheek as sweat dripped onto the blue and white sheets, soaking them through.

Ravenna wasn't as pretty as Veronica, but she was wild and uninhibited, willing to do the things Veronica wouldn't.

Afterward, Ravenna teased with a sultry look and a delicate touch across Gunner's chest, "Veronica could come back any minute. Are you not worried about her finding out?"

Gunner kissed Ravenna passionately, his voice sounding husky. "As long as Eloise is around, Veronica doesn't see me. And so what if she finds out? It's not like she's as charming as you."

Fired up by his own words, Gunner's enthusiasm soared.

Drenched in sweat, Ravenna knew Gunner's heart was set on Veronica. If Veronica ever found out about them, it would mean the end of Ravenna’s tuition payments. So, despite Veronica's harsh words, Ravenna never considered exposing their affair.

When they were done, Gunner left, tossing a card on the bed – Ravenna's allowance for the month.

...

Meanwhile, Veronica was comforting Eloise.

Eloise wasn't fragile. She patted Veronica's back. "You're always so tough on the outside but soft on the inside. You badmouth Ravenna, but you still secretly top up her meal card with a grand every month."

Veronica squirmed uncomfortably. She laughed it off. "Well, she's asking for it, and I have to set her straight."

They chatted a bit more before realizing Gunner had vanished.

Eloise couldn't help but feel amused. "You should mind your own beeswax. Stop fussing over me. I'm totally fine."

She went on with her life, focusing on her studies. Deep down, she harbored a dream to further her studies in Britain, the home of Griffin, a famous pianist.

Thinking of Griffin, Eloise remembered the Louis XII piano. Was it really at Harvey's? Would he actually let her touch it?

Meanwhile, Harvey had made a trip to Italy. He'd bought that very piano. It cost a pretty penny, but he knew Eloise would love it.

On Friday, Harvey returned home. Back at the office, Denise stepped into his office. "Attorney Horigan, there's a Mr. Velona here to see you."

Mr. Velona? Max?

Harvey poured himself a glass of water and drank half before saying, "Let him in, will you?"