Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 380

Deep into the night, the suburban mansion lay in tranquil repose.

Harvey shrugged off his overcoat, ascending the staircase with measured steps. The household staff had long since retired, leaving only the faint glow of a nightlight to guide his way.

In the upstairs bedroom to the east, he gently pushed open the door and was greeted by a cozy, warm glow.

Eloise hadn't retired for the evening. Clad in a comfy fleece robe, she was nestled on the couch, perusing a screenplay.

Harvey softly closed the door behind him.

"Are the kids asleep? Did they have their warm milk before bed?" he asked, his voice a whisper in the calm.

Eloise looked up from her script, and her eyes met his. With an ease that spoke of long familiarity, Harvey moved to her side, intending to steal a kiss, but hesitated, murmuring, "I'll take a quick shower first."

Eloise began to rise, intending to prepare a late-night snack for him.

"No need," Harvey gently insisted. "Stay cozy. I'll just whip up some food for myself later."

After his shower, the grime of the day seemed to wash away, lifting his spirits. He joined Eloise, taking a seat beside her and enveloping her in a comforting embrace. The clean lines of his trousers and shirt clung to his freshly bathed form.

Eloise knew him well and remained quiet, respecting his need for space. She leaned into his shoulder, her voice soft as she inquired, "Is something troubling you?"

"Nothing at all," Harvey replied, his hand caressing her delicate cheek.

He descended to the kitchen and cooked a simple bowl of instant noodles. He brought a portion to Eloise, who had little appetite after her evening serving of custard. Even with a baby on the way, she was mindful of her figure.

Harvey understood her silent concerns. Sitting beside her, he savored his meal, feeling a sense of contentment.

Eloise studied his face in the lamplight—he was almost 36. The years had been kind, gifting him with lines that only added to his mature allure.

She reached out, tracing the lines at the corner of his eyes. Harvey paused briefly, then resumed his meal. "We just made love this evening, and now you're in the mood again?" he teased. His hand strayed playfully over her rounded belly.

Embarrassed yet thrilled, Eloise intended to push him away, but her fingers, finding his palm, couldn't let go, enjoying the warmth and comfort. She whispered, "Stop fooling around."

After finishing his noodles with a quiet smile, Harvey tidied up and joined Eloise back on the couch, gently combing her hair as she rested against him. It was a simple, intimate act between husband and wife in the dead of night.

Feeling at ease, Eloise nestled closer. "Harvey, you've changed so much since the old days!"

"How so?" he queried.

"It's just different! You would never have had a casual dinner by the coffee table before. You were so particular."

Harvey stroked his wife's face, allowing himself a slight smile.

Eloise buried her face in his chest. After a while, she murmured, "Now, can you tell me what happened?"

Harvey had wanted to shield her from the darker matters, but they were too closely entwined with Eloise's life. After some deliberation, he began, "Eloise, the chandelier falling at the theater wasn't an accident. I suspect it was sabotage. It was Ravenna."

Eloise sat up abruptly, her brown hair in disarray as she ran her slender fingers through it. Even in such a serious moment, Harvey found himself distracted by her allure.

Suppressing a grin, he teased her intelligence. "They say a woman becomes scatterbrained for three years during pregnancy, yet you seem sharper. Must be my genius leveling things out." After a chuckle, he returned to stroking her belly.

Frustrated yet amused, Eloise protested, "We're discussing serious matters!"

Harvey sobered, musing, "Ravenna must have bribed the electrician. Unfortunately, the man was found dead this evening. He was murdered during... sexual activities."

Despite her strength, Eloise shivered slightly at the thought. Her brow furrowed. "Ravenna's so light. It wouldn't be easy to deal with a man even when he’s not paying attention. There must be something else at play."

Harvey's gaze sharpened. Their thoughts aligned without a word spoken.

Before Eloise could continue, Harvey's phone buzzed. The detective's number flashed on the screen, and without excusing himself, he answered. A hushed voice on the line revealed, "The prosecutor's office has news. They found a drug in the man's system, which could be key to his death. Otherwise, it's unlikely that a woman could overpower a healthy adult male."

Harvey hung up and turned to Eloise, who was lost in contemplation. "What are you thinking about? Come back to earth," he teased, pinching her cheek playfully.

Eloise met his gaze, her voice calm. "I'm wondering if Max's car accident was also no accident. Could Ravenna have been involved?"

Harvey's eyes sharpened, but he remained silent.

Unable to withstand his intense gaze, Eloise spoke first, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You're beautiful," Harvey confessed, his laughter soft and tender as he added, "You don’t think I’ll be jealous?"

Eloise leaned into his embrace, his palm naturally settling on her abdomen. In the snowy weather, their closeness was a cocoon of warmth and comfort. Eloise didn't need to think; she could leave everything to Harvey.

With a soft voice, she confided, "I'm carrying your child; what do you have to be jealous about?"

Harvey smiled faintly, resting his chin on her head. "When thinking about my past misdeeds, I can't help but worry you might leave me."

Eloise chuckled lightly.

As sleep began to claim her, she murmured, "Ms. Olea called this afternoon. Jeffrey's going in for a second surgery. Harvey, I'd like to visit him."

Harvey didn't object. Even if Jeffrey harbored feelings for Eloise, he had saved her life. Harvey wished to accompany Eloise, but she nestled into his neck and softly said, "No need to come with me. You're busy with so much. I'll have Natalia come with me, and there will be the bodyguards, anyway.”

Eloise was an adult. Harvey couldn’t keep her caged at home because of one accident. He agreed.

...

The next day, Eloise met with Ms. Olea to visit Jeffrey together.

Seeing Eloise in good spirits, Ms. Olea relaxed, sharing cheerfully, "Although Jeffrey's face is marred, Mr. Horigan has brought in a foreign specialist. He should recover at least 70 to 80 percent of his appearance."

Eloise remained silent, knowing that even with such a recovery, returning to his acting career would be a formidable challenge.

Ms. Olea gently patted Eloise’s hand. "You know, his real ambition isn't to be an actor."

Eloise managed a strained smile.

Natalia pushed the hospital room door open for them, and as soon as she did, they saw Ravenna sitting inside. She was a social butterfly and managed to charm Jeffrey's mother. The two looked like they shared a deep connection as Aliza dabbed away her tears intermittently.

Ms. Olea frowned. Leaning close to Eloise, she whispered, "I don't trust her intentions!"