Tangled Temptations

Eloise was having none of his nonsense.

"I'm not upset," she huffed. "That's your personal life."

Harvey chuckled lightly. "She's not my personal life. You and Linda are." Turning to Linda, he asked, "Isn't that right, sweetheart?"

Linda climbed onto her father's lap, staring at Eloise with a judgemental gaze.

In the lull of the conversation, Denise walked in. She was carrying a tray laden with pecan pie, Linda's absolute favorite, and an assortment of other baked goods. Trailing behind her was the tall, striking actress, Beverly.

Beverly was a woman of immense confidence. She was an award-winning actress and was well-respected in the industry.

Having missed an opportunity to meet with Harvey in Sydney, she was determined not to let this opportunity slip away.

Denise gestured. "Please, have a seat."

Just as Beverly was about to sit down, her gaze froze. There was already someone seated on the couch.

A stunningly beautiful woman, young and elegant. She was slender, but not in the unhealthy way that many Hollywood actresses were; instead, she was slim but clearly fit.

Beverly's heart sank. Could this be Mr. Horigan's mistress?

Just as she was hesitating, Linda scurried off Harvey's lap, took Denise's hand and obediently seated herself at the small round table to enjoy the pastries.

After eating a piece, Linda turned to Eloise, "Eloise, will you eat with me?"

Beverly ignored Eloise, took a seat on the couch and turned her charming gaze towards Harvey. "Mr. Horigan, I would like to discuss the details of the contract."

Harvey glanced at her, then made his way to the coffee machine, his figure clad in a tailored suit, minus the jacket. He started brewing a cup of coffee - Eloise's favorite. He'd gotten an antique Italian espresso machine, so she could enjoy good coffee whenever she visited.

Beverly felt a sense of triumph. She felt that she had finally found a man who was her equal; a successful businessman and a top actress, they were a perfect match. She watched as Harvey brewed the coffee, expecting him to serve her. But to her surprise, the last piece of pecan pie was handed to Eloise by Linda, who then innocently asked, "Mommy, is it good?"

Mommy? Beverly was taken aback. Before she could recover, Harvey walked over with a cup of coffee placing it in front of Eloise, his voice gentle. "Don't drink too much, only half a cup."

Beverly was shocked. The coffee was not for her. She couldn't help but blurt out, "Why?"

Ignoring her outburst, Harvey turned to Eloise. "Why don't you take Linda to the playroom for a bit, I have some business to discuss."

Eloise, understanding his attempt to spare Beverly any further embarrassment, picked Linda up and left the room. Once they had left, Harvey summoned Casmir, his assistant, and gestured towards Beverly. "She wants to discuss the contract further. You handle it. And the endorsement fee we agreed on, 12 million a year? We're tight on funds, bring it down to 10 million. If she's not okay with it, find someone else."

Beverly, caught off guard, could only agree, "Mr. Horigan, I'm looking forward to our partnership."

With one final cold nod, Harvey dismissed her, leaving Beverly to process the unexpected turn of events.

Once the room was clear, Harvey made his way to the playroom where he found Linda already asleep. Eloise was lying next to her, tracing Linda's delicate features with a tender gaze.

Harvey couldn't resist; he removed his shoes and slid in behind Eloise on the bed, his arm snaking around her waist, whispering, "I wasn't leading her on, you know."

Eloise knew. If he had been interested, he would have had plenty of opportunities in Sydney. She didn't respond, signaling her disinterest in discussing his personal matters. After all, apart from Linda, there was nothing between them.

Feeling her cold treatment, Harvey couldn't help but tease her, his hand gently gliding over her waist, and his teeth nipping at her earlobe. "Eloise, you really know how to get under my skin."

Eloise simply warned him, "Harvey, don't wake Linda."

It was a rare occasion for Harvey. He lifted the blanket that enveloped them both, his hand involuntarily exploring her body.

Linda cracked her eyes open just a sliver. Then, her petite body rolled over, and she began to snore softly.

Eloise was taken aback. She grabbed Harvey's hand, silently gazing at him.

Harvey intertwined his fingers with hers, pressing his forehead to hers. He whispered softly, "I've missed you! Eloise, I don't believe that you haven't thought about me these past few years; even if you haven't missed me, you must have missed my..."

Eloise gave him a swift kick. Her voice was hoarse. "Aren't you supposed to be working?"

Reluctantly, he nuzzled the back of her neck, before finally getting out of bed.noveldrama

Once he'd left, Eloise pulled Linda into her arms, planting a kiss on her forehead, and closed her eyes.

Harvey was always looking for an opportunity to have sex with her, taking advantage whenever he could. Eloise wasn't exactly a prude, but aside from not being able to let go of the past, she was terrified of getting pregnant.

The pain of giving birth to Linda was still imprinted deep in her body's memory.