Chapter 73: Chapter 73

Chapter 73:

Bryan’s response was straightforward. “We’ve shared enough meals together.”

Eileen cradled the bowl, her gaze fixed on him, his silhouette framed by the window. She bit her lip softly, and soon, Eileen had finished the bowl of soup. “I’m full now, thanks,” she said.

Bryan pocketed his phone and took the bowl from her. “Let’s head downstairs,” he said.

Eileen nodded, trailing behind him. Once Bryan handed the bowl to a servant, he extended his hand toward her. His palm was dry and warm, the lines of his hand capturing her attention.

Hesitation flickered before Eileen placed her hand in his, a smile on her face as they moved together toward the yard.

Kristi was eager to approach them but was held back by Maney. “Can’t you see how close they are? Now’s not the time,” he advised.

Watching them, Kristi remarked, “They really are the perfect pair. You’re right; I shouldn’t interrupt.”

As the evening breeze whispered through, Eileen’s hair danced along Bryan’s arm, their fingers intertwined firmly.

Bathed in the distant light, they appeared almost otherworldly, as if they had stepped out of a painting.

When Bryan and Eileen got close, Kristi couldn’t resist a playful tease. “Bryan, I’m not going to snatch Eileen from you. Why the need to hold on so tight?”

Bryan was the picture of composure, yet Eileen felt her cheeks grow warm. She gently pulled her hand back, greeting Kristi with a hint of shyness. “‘Mrs. Hamilton, it’s been a long time.”

m𝓸r𝓮 𝓾ρda𝓽es 𝓲𝓷 𝓰a𝓵novels.c𝓸m “It certainly has!” Kristi replied, seizing the moment to engage. She guided Eileen to a bench, saying, “I’ve been so eager to catch up with you since I heard you were coming here with Bryan.”

As Bryan’s gaze rested softly on Eileen, Maney slung an arm around Bryan’s shoulder and led him a short distance away before handing him a glass of wine.

“Eileen, congratulations!” Kristi handed Eileen a glass of juice. “‘Here, you can drink this.”

The unexpected congratulations baffled Eileen, but she accepted the juice with gratitude, replying, “‘Thank you.”

Kristi’s smile was radiant. “Let’s drop the formalities. Now, you need to watch your diet closely, especially during this time. And try to steer clear of too many social events with Bryan. Except for this one, of course. We’re friends, and I’ll make sure you’re well looked after at the party.”

Eileen knitted her brow in confusion. “Mrs. Hamilton, what do you mean?”

Kristi responded with an air of understanding, “It’s common to keep it under wraps for the first trimester. Don’t worry; your secret’s safe with me.” She patted her chest with confidence and deftly shifted the conversation. “Tomorrow’s banquet will be filled with business moguls as well as couples. It might be a bit much, but you don’t have to stress; I’ll whisk you away for some downtime if needed.”

Kristi was known for her vibrancy and impulsiveness. Maney often joked that he had indulged her too much.

Eileen found Kristi’s spirit charming and smiled. “‘Alright, thank you.”

Then she saw Bryan sharing laughs under the moon’s glow, his gaze flicking to her now and then.

When their gazes locked, he quirked an eyebrow, and his smile broadened.

Maney, catching the exchange, clapped Bryan on the back and teased him, throwing a knowing look Eileen’s way.

Eileen quickly looked away, her heart a mix of sweetness and sorrow, cherishing the recognition as a couple yet aware it was fleeting, confined to their time here.

As Bryan had expected, Eileen avoided beef, settling for vegetables. Thankfully, the earlier soup meant she wouldn’t feel hungry.

Approaching midnight, Bryan extricated himself from a tipsy Maney and nudged Kristi to escort her husband to bed.

“Bryan, you always manage to get Maney drunk,” Kristi half-scalded. “Eileen, please give him a talking-to on my behalf tonight.”

Before Eileen could respond, Bryan’s arm reached over, resting a hand on her shoulder, their closeness evident. He seemed at ease, his smile effortless and captivating.

Kristi summoned a servant to assist with Maney, while Eileen and Bryan retreated to their own room.

Eileen and Bryan’s room boasted a great view, with French windows framing the manor splendidly.

Outside, a light drizzle cast the moonlight in a prism of colors across the room.

Eileen, framed by the French windows, took in the serene view, Bryan’s presence by her side stirring a sense of contentment within her.

She felt satisfied to have the chance to stay here with Bryan for two days, leaving everything behind.

Abruptly, Bryan’s phone interrupted the moment. A quick glance at the caller ID and a nod to Eileen, Bryan excused himself to take the call.

It was Jacob on the line, his voice laced with urgency. “What’s the deal with that message you just sent me?”

Two hours earlier, he had received a message from Bryan. “Help me with this.”

The brevity of the message had left Jacob puzzling over its meaning.

Bryan’s voice was calm. “It’s not appropriate for me to deal with something like this. It’s better in your hands, but keep it under wraps,” he instructed, his gaze drifting back to Eileen’s silhouette before the window, his eyes softening.

Jacob paused, and then understanding clicked. “Ah, got it. Kian’s involvement means a delicate touch, and Eileen… She’s not one to make a fuss, even if she’s been wronged, so I—”

“That’s it,” Bryan interjected before ending the call, not waiting to hear more. His attention was pulled back as Eileen moved into the dressing room.

He set down his phone and gently pushed the dressing room door ajar.

Eileen had slipped off her coat and was reaching for her shirt, which she lifted slightly, revealing the smooth curve of her belly and the soft contour of her lower breasts.

Sensing something, Eileen turned and caught sight of Bryan through the crack of the door, arms folded, watching her.

In a swift motion, she tugged her shirt down to veil her exposed skin.

Her cheeks bloomed with embarrassment, the flush spreading to her neck.

“Can’t you knock? It’s rude to just watch someone change,” she said.

Bryan chuckled. He nudged the door wider with his foot, sauntering in while his fingers worked the buttons of his shirt.

“I’ve seen your body many times already,” he said. He took off his shirt, unveiling the defined muscles of his chest, skin bathed in the gentle light.

Eileen’s pulse quickened. She turned her back to him. “You can shower first since you have taken off your clothes.”

Hardly had the words left her lips when she felt his hand on her wrist. Before she could react, she found herself in the bathroom with him.

The shower hissed to life, water cascading down and soaking her hair, her shirt clinging to her.

Lifting her gaze, she was caught in Bryan’s intent look.

“Remember, you promised Mrs. Hamilton you’d set me straight tonight,” Bryan teased, the words dancing with a challenge.

A rush of trepidation surged through Eileen. If things continued like this, it would be a rough night for her. Tomorrow’s party meant another dress, and she couldn’t afford any marks.

Eileen mustered her resolve and retorted, “I hardly think I’m the one to give you any lessons, Mr. Dawson.”

The way she addressed him struck a chord, and in response, Bryan narrowed his eyes slightly as he tightened his grip on her waist, knowing it was a tender spot for her. “Don’t call me that,” he instructed, his tone playful yet firm.

Eileen couldn’t help but feel amused by his flirtation. She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up at him. “Okay, Bryan,” she whispered, her voice soft.

Her words seemed to stir something deep within Bryan. His breath quickened, and he began to shower her lips with kisses.

“Say it again,” he said.

“Eileen,” she repeated, her voice a gentle murmur.

Hearing his name from her lips felt different, special—unlike anything Bryan had experienced before.

He leaned in, kissing her softly, their exchange of tender kisses leaving Eileen breathless.

Bryan was evidently turned on. Eileen gently pushed him back a bit. “You should shower first,” she said.

“Okay,” Bryan agreed, his voice rough with desire.

After a shower, Eileen was carried out of the bathroom by Bryan, wrapped in a bath towel. Bryan put her on the bed. He could hardly suppress his desire.

Eileen clutched the towel at her chest. “Let’s just go to sleep tonight,” she said.

“What?” Bryan’s face was a mix of disbelief and disappointment.

Was she serious? How could he possibly restrain himself in such a moment?

“I’m having my period,” Eileen stated plainly.

Bryan was momentarily speechless.

“Let me go. I need to grab a sanitary pad,” Eileen added.

With a gentle push, she managed to break Bryan’s embrace.

Bryan’s bathrobe hung loosely, giving him a somewhat disheveled look as he sat, still and puzzled.

Eileen, slightly amused by the situation, walked to the cloakroom and retrieved some sanitary pads from her suitcase.

Her cycle was sometimes irregular, prompting her to always be prepared during these days.

After she changed her clothes and returned, she found Bryan lying on the bed, his eyes closed, attempting to calm himself. A noticeable bulge in his loose bathrobe did not escape notice.

She let out a soft chuckle and lay down on the edge of the bed, ensuring there was space between them.

Time passed, and eventually, Bryan got up, changed into pajamas in the cloakroom, and joined her on the bed.

He stretched out his arm, pulled her close, and muttered in a sulky tone, “Stay still.”

Eileen remained perfectly still, well aware that Bryan might still pursue intimacy in other ways. Though they hadn’t explored those alternatives, she wasn’t eager to test those waters just yet.

Despite the tension, nothing happened between them tonight.

However, Eileen found little comfort in Bryan’s close hold; his heavy breathing and the tight embrace kept her awake.

Periodically, he would whisper in her ear, a tactic she eventually realized was his playful revenge.

As dawn crept in, Eileen left the bed and opened the window to freshen the room.

Just then, she noticed the manor’s gate slowly swinging open.

A luxury car arrived at the entrance. Kian stepped out from the driver’s side and greeted Maney warmly before he walked to the passenger’s side and opened the door for Vivian, who stepped out gracefully.

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