14- Connections Reveals

Blake sat across from Eleanor, his eyes narrowing in playful suspicion as he studied her expression. He had asked the question with a teasing grin, but now that she was avoiding his gaze, his curiosity piqued.

"So," he began, dragging out the word, "are you going to admit it? Did you finally accept the connection between you and Alexander?"

Eleanor shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting to the side before a small, involuntary smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Blake raised his eyebrows, catching the subtle change in her demeanor.

"Oh my God," Blake gasped dramatically, leaning forward and clasping his hands together. "You totally did, didn’t you?"

She sighed, knowing that there was no use in denying it. Her expression said it all. “Maybe,” she mumbled, trying to play it off casually.

Blake’s grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Maybe?" He chuckled. "That’s a pretty weak answer for someone who spent the night with the head of the mafia."

Eleanor shot him a look, but her lips betrayed her with a faint smirk. "Fine," she admitted. "Yes, I accepted it. But don’t make it a bigger deal than it is."

Blake leaned back, crossing his arms. "Oh, it’s a big deal, Belle. You’re the first person who’s ever made Alexander fall this hard. You do realize how much power you have now, right?"

Eleanor rolled her eyes, trying to keep her composure, but she couldn’t help the warmth that spread through her chest. "It’s not about power, Blake. It’s… complicated."

Blake’s expression softened, and he nodded. "Yeah, I know. But it’s good to see you letting your guard down. You deserve to be happy, even if it’s with a guy like Alexander."

Eleanor glanced at him, the vulnerability in her eyes apparent for a moment. "Thanks, Blake. But don’t think I’m going soft on you now."

He laughed, leaning back again with a satisfied grin. "Wouldn’t dream of it."

Blake leaned forward with a smirk, looking at Eleanor. "So, what's your plan for today, Belle?"

Eleanor shrugged, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Honestly, I haven’t thought that far ahead. Just trying to take it one step at a time after... everything."

Blake raised an eyebrow, still grinning. "Well, after that breakfast, we could all use a break. But I know you – you can't sit still for long."

Eleanor sighed, leaning back in her chair. "You're not wrong. Maybe I'll head down to the beach or train for a bit. Clear my head. What about you?"

Blake stretched, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, you know me. I'll probably find something entertaining to do around here... maybe tease Alexander a bit."

Eleanor shot him a look. "Careful, you might be pushing your luck."

Blake laughed. "Yeah, yeah. I’ll be fine. But seriously, it sounds like a good day to just relax for once, don’t you think?"

Eleanor nodded, a soft smile on her lips. "Yeah, maybe you're right. A quiet day might be exactly what we need."

Blake and Eleanor headed out to the lake by the estate, the crisp breeze carrying the scent of water and greenery. Eleanor had packed a basket filled with freshly baked desserts—pies, cookies, and some of the leftover pastries from the morning. Blake, ever the bookworm, slung a few novels under his arm, planning to catch up on his reading.

As they reached the lake, the serene atmosphere made everything feel lighter. The sound of the water lapping against the shore mixed with the distant rustling of the trees. It was a perfect escape from the chaos they had left behind.

Eleanor spread out a blanket on the grassy bank, setting the basket down with a satisfied grin. "I think we both deserve this break," she said, sitting down and leaning back on her hands, her eyes scanning the calm surface of the lake.

Blake plopped down beside her, tossing the books down casually. "I agree. No drama, no fights, just a day to unwind." He looked over at her. "I brought these books, but honestly, I think I'll just enjoy the view."

Eleanor chuckled, pulling out a plate of desserts from the basket. "You, turning down books? The lake must be having an effect on you."

Blake grinned, grabbing a cookie. "Yeah, well, a little peace and quiet never hurt anyone."

As they sat there, enjoying the moment, the tension from the past days seemed to melt away. They weren’t thinking about mafia business, Alexander, or Azazel—just the simple pleasure of a peaceful afternoon by the water, with dessert and good company.

Alexander stood at a distance, watching as Eleanor and Blake sat by the lake, their laughter carried on the wind. He admired the ease between them, the way they could find solace in each other's company despite everything going on around them. There was something rare and genuine about their bond, something that had clearly withstood time and chaos.

Eleanor’s friendship with Blake fascinated him. She was fierce, defiant, and independent, but with Blake, she let her guard down, showing a side of herself Alexander rarely saw. He could see the way she trusted Blake, the way she allowed him into her world without the need for walls or pretenses.

Blake, for his part, seemed to understand Eleanor in a way few people did. He was protective but knew when to step back, giving her the space she needed to be herself. Alexander respected that—he didn’t see Blake as competition but rather as a necessary part of Eleanor’s life, someone who made her stronger by simply being there for her.

As he observed them, Alexander felt a wave of gratitude. Eleanor's friendship with Blake was part of what made her the resilient, incredible woman she was. It deepened his admiration for her, knowing she had people like Blake in her corner. But deep down, it also fueled his determination. He wanted to be the one she turned to—not just in times of need, but always. He was determined to prove to her that she could let him in, too, and that he could be just as vital to her life as Blake was.

For now, though, Alexander was content to watch from afar, appreciating the scene before him and knowing that, soon enough, he and Eleanor would share moments just as peaceful, just as real.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the lake, Eleanor and Blake packed up their things and began the walk back to the estate. The day had been relaxing, a rare moment of peace in the midst of the chaos surrounding them. Blake carried the basket of empty dessert dishes while Eleanor cradled the stack of books, her laughter still lingering in the cool evening air.

As they approached the estate, the large building loomed against the twilight, its lights already glowing warmly in the windows. The sense of security the estate offered felt more palpable now, knowing they were protected under Alexander's watchful eye.

Inside, the atmosphere was calm. Alexander's men had finished their tasks for the day, the air thick with the quiet of the approaching night. Eleanor's thoughts drifted back to Alexander, wondering where he was in the vast estate. She could still feel the intensity of their connection from the night before, a current of emotion that both thrilled and unnerved her.

Blake bumped her shoulder playfully as they stepped into the hallway. "You good?" he asked, his tone light but with a hint of knowing concern.

Eleanor nodded, giving him a small smile. "Yeah, I'm good."

As they parted ways, Blake heading to his room, Eleanor took a moment to steady herself. The day had been a good distraction, but now that night was falling, the weight of her thoughts returned. She wasn’t sure what the future held, but there was one thing she knew—Alexander wasn’t going to let her go, no matter how hard she fought against it. And maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t sure if she wanted him to.

She made her way upstairs, the quietness of the estate wrapping around her like a blanket. The night wasn’t over yet, and Eleanor knew it was only a matter of time before she and Alexander crossed paths again. The thought made her heart race as she reached the top of the staircase, ready for whatever awaited her next.