Tangled Temptations

Brett glanced up with a soft chuckle. "Got a meeting first thing in the morning." Otherwise, he wouldn't bear the thought of parting with Orlena and Daniel.

Harvey nodded in understanding. As a man, he got where Brett was coming from. He then looked at Eloise with a hint of reluctance in his eyes. He knew how much Eloise adored Orlena and treated Daniel like her own flesh and blood, so he gently suggested, "Go upstairs and put on something warm. Let's see them off."

Eloise's eyes shimmered with emotion. She was deeply in love with Harvey. For better or worse, she cherished every bit of him, but she never imagined he could be so considerate.

With a soft acknowledgment, she ascended the staircase.

Harvey gave Linda's bottom a gentle pat. "Go keep your mom company and make sure she doesn't cry."

Linda scampered after her mother. Her tousled curls glimmered under the chandelier, sparkling like little stars.

Brett admired them and felt a pang of envy. He envied Harvey for having the vigor of youth and a brood of four while being able to provide Eloise with boundless happiness. In contrast, Brett had dedicated his life to his work, and now, when he finally fell for a girl, he had so little to give.

Harvey's gaze returned from Brett, catching the expression on his face. With a light chuckle, he teased, "Uncle Brett, you're not one to get sentimental."

That seemed to put Brett at ease.

Eloise reappeared, clad in her overcoat, and as she reached the landing, Harvey was there to steady her. He wrapped a scarf around her neck, the one he'd bought just last week - a new Louis Vuitton release, with its soft fabric and muted colors. It seemed just right for Eloise.

She placed a hand over his. "That's enough. Any tighter, and I won't be able to breathe."

Harvey grinned at Brett. "High maintenance, isn't she?"

The family was sending Orlena and Daniel off, with the house's favorite, Linda, going along. Several luxury cars cruised through the night. Concerned about his wife's comfort, Harvey urged her to rest on his shoulder.

Linda sat beside them, looking a bit forlorn. With her mother around, Linda wasn't the center of attention anymore.

Eloise leaned against Harvey, murmuring softly, "Harvey, Orlena is a year older than me. How come I feel like I'm sending off my own daughter?"

Harvey gently chided her, "Easy there. You're still a baby."

Eloise's cheeks flushed. When they had sex, Harvey sometimes whispered "baby" in her ear, leaving her feeling flustered.

Harvey seemed to recall those moments too, his lips pursing slightly, but he remained mindful of Linda in the car.

Half an hour later, the car pulled up to the Horigan Mansion. Though late, the mansion was brightly lit. Orlena and Daniel stood in the foyer, the warm yellow light casting a soft glow on them.

When Brett stepped out of the car, he hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on the woman he loved.

Orlena felt the same. In that moment, all her past turmoil seemed to fade away, replaced by anticipation for the future.

Given the company and Brett's status, he had to contain himself. Donny stepped

in to lighten the mood, handing Daniel a big giftbox.

Orlena urged softly, "Thank Donny, dear."

Daniel thanked him with a soft, "Thank you, Uncle Donny."

Donny ruffled his hair, smiling, "Your dad's got an even bigger one for you."

Daniel was a bit shy around Brett, having not seen him often.

Brett approached, lifting his son into his arms with a husky voice, "We've got more for you at home. Grandma's still up, waiting for you, Daniel."

Daniel idolized his father, having heard from Linda about how impressive he was. Touched by his father's gentleness, he blushed and nuzzled into his shoulder.

Brett stroked his son's head, then turned to Orlena. Their eyes met, emotions churning beneath the surface.

Parker, sensing the charged atmosphere, waved his hand and said, "Alright, let's get the luggage sorted and you guys head to Brockville for the holidays. It's been a tough few years, time for a break."

Orlena was a touch embarrassed. Pauline quietly gave some last-minute instructions. Though they weren't officially wed yet, the day would come when Orlena would settle in Brockville, so she felt a twinge of sadness.

Eloise also offered some words of comfort.

Harvey came over, removing his leather gloves to caress his sister's cheek.

"Harvey." Orlena called out, unable to help herself.

Harvey hummed in response.

Pretending not to care too much, he advised, "Finally sending you off. Get along with everyone over there, and don't run back home crying at the drop of a hat."

Orlena looked down, forlorn.

Eloise chided her husband softly, "Is that how a big brother speaks?"

Harvey didn't reply and just watched his sister with a tender gaze.

Orlena gave a soft acknowledgment and took a few steps, but couldn't resist looking back, calling out to her brother one last time. It was like returning to their childhood when she had her big brother to cover for her troubles and always be there to cherish her on birthdays and holidays.

Harvey knew her well. He went up to her and ruffled her hair one more time. "After the New Year, Eloise and I will come to visit you."

That seemed to lift Orlena's spirits.

At the bottom of the steps, Brett waited with Daniel in his arms. Looking so much alike, Brett and Daniel watched her approach with similar expressions. Her steps quickened. Finally, she reached them. "Let's go."

The black Audis slowly drove away from the Horigan Mansion.

The Horigan family stood watching for a long time. Parker finally rallied his spirits with a smile. "This year will be quieter with two fewer people at New Year's. We'll have to make sure to have a lively celebration."

Harvey stood with Eloise in his arms. "Dad, you're forgetting, we've got two more this year."

He meant Luca, and the baby on the way in Eloise's belly.

Parker paused, then got it, his face lighting up. "That's right. More people means more fun. Harvey, you and I will have to drink a few good toasts this holiday."

He stretched languidly. "After all these years, we finally have a sweet reward." With that, he shared a smile with his wife.

Harvey, still holding his wife, stood in the night, his expression tenderer than the darkness itself.

By the time Brett and his party returned to Brockville, it was the wee hours of the morning.

Orlena thought Tracey, with her years, wouldn't last the night. But no sooner had the car pulled into the driveway than she was there to greet them, full of life.noveldrama

The cold wind whipped through the air. Under the porch light, Tracey watched as the car door swung open, and a little boy tumbled out. Her face, lined with the marks of time, softened into a smile.

"Grandma." Daniel ran shyly but eagerly into Tracey's open arms.

He was such a sweet, gentle soul, and he was growing up so handsome. He was the spitting image of Brett as a child.

Tracey caressed Daniel's rosy cheeks, her gaze full of love yet wandering to Orlena, standing beside Brett. "You must be exhausted after such a long drive. I've made your favorite pasta, with a dash of cilantro just for you."

A warm tear glistened in Orlena's eyes. Despite the late hour and the toll it took on

her, Tracey had first considered Orlena's comfort.

Orlena embraced Tracey tenderly, whispering, "I'm not tired."

With a gentle pat on her hand, Tracey turned to her son. "Take Orlena to the dining room for a bite. I've kept food warm on the stove. I'm going to treat Daniel to something even more delicious."

Brett chuckled. "When Mum speaks, who dares not listen?"

He then sent Donny back home. Donny teased, "I was hoping to stay for a celebratory drink, but it seems my luck's run out. Better head back and catch some Z's got work in the morning."

Brett playfully scolded, "You rascal."

Donny left, and Tracey took her grandson into the cottage to tuck him into bed.

Now, only Brett and Orlena remained. He was still in his prime, and she was young and beautiful.

Though the wisteria above was withered in the winter chill, it still held its charm. Brett took Orlena's hand, and they strolled slowly. Returning to this place stirred a whirlwind of emotions within them both.

Orlena was a bit reserved.

Suddenly, Brett stopped, trapping her against the trunk of an old tree.

"What's wrong?"

"Our son's grown up, and here you are, still shy as a schoolgirl. Wouldn't that be a disservice to Tracey's well-meaning privacy?" His voice was tender, stirring the

heart.

Orlena turned her face away, bashful. She loved him, and had faced hardships, but happiness had come so swiftly that she could scarcely bear it.

A tear escaped her eye. "Don't cry," Brett whispered, kissing away her tear.

"Orlena, from now on, no more tears. I'm back, and I'm not going anywhere. I'll be

the best dad and the best husband—as long as you don't mind an old guy like me."

"Don't you dare talk like that." Orlena's voice trembled.

He wasn't old, not in the slightest. He was still the radiant, handsome Brett she'd

fallen for.

Brett felt a surge of emotion and leaned closer, his whisper a caress against her neck. "When you left, Mum was furious with me. She cried in secret many times." As he spoke, he kissed her, their lips meeting under the fragrant shadow of the tree, in a dance as old as time. Their kisses were interspersed with soft murmurs. Orlena wept, "Brett, you're terrible to bring up such things."

He hummed in agreement. "Yes, Orlena, I am. I wanted you to know that Mum missed you. I missed you... And now we're finally together."

Her nose turned pink, and she turned her face away, blinking away tears.

Brett was taken with her even more at that moment. He was a gentleman in appearance but not in restraint. His broad hand cradled her neck, drawing her into a deep kiss that reached her very soul.

Trembling in his grip, she feared being seen by passing servants, so she clung to him, sobbing softly in protest.

After a long while, Brett finally let her catch her breath, still planting tender kisses on her lips. "Let's have something to eat."

Orlena had missed Tracey's cooking, too. As they began to head inside, Brett bent

down in front of Orlena. She hesitated, but he looked back. "Hop on, I'll carry

you."

Her cheeks blushed. She wasn't a child, but being pampered by a man was something any woman would find thrilling.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, her face pressed against the heat of his neck, his masculine scent making her heart race. This was the man she was going to spend her life with.

"Brett," she whispered. He hummed in response.

Soon, Orlena sat at the dinner table, in front of a midnight snack prepared by Tracey. She savored each bite but also worried aloud, "Should I learn to cook? I can't always rely on your mom.. my brother would never let me live it down."

Brett chuckled, squeezing her cheek. "She cooks for you because she adores you. You won't need to lift a finger; we have plenty of staff for that." Orlena grinned and continued eating, teasing, "For a household of a few, you sure enjoy the luxury of a dozen servants."

As she finished, Brett unbuttoned her coat, reaching for her stomach. Men often

spoke crudely, and Brett was no exception. "The greatest luxury is you," he said.

Orlena blushed furiously as he touched her, bending down and stuttering, "What are you doing? I haven't finished eating."

His gaze was intense, and his hands didn't stop. "Mum suggested you stay in your

old room. I'll take you there." With that, he scooped her up and headed for the back of the house.

His intentions were clear, and Orlena was mortified. She clung to him, burying her face in his chest, pleading softly, "Please... someone might see."

He kissed her gently, his voice rough with desire. "We're married. The staff will understand."

Orlena, still young and not as bold as him, urged him, "Hurry, then."

Brett laughed softly, quickening his pace, and soon they reached his private quarters. Inside, he pressed her against the door, kissing and touching.

This night was different; it was their first time since confirming their relationship,

and in his bedroom, no less. The excitement was palpable, and he couldn't wait to make her his, right there against the door.

Orlena had been with him many times, but never had she seen him so eager. In

those moments of passion, Brett was as vulnerable as any man. She found herself loving him even more.

Her body quivered lightly as she couldn't help but reach for his handsome face,

her voice a soft purr, "Brett..."

Brett's heart skipped a beat. He leaned in, seeking her rosy lips, kissing her with a passion that ranged from intense to tender.

He loved it when she called his name like that. "Say it again."

Orlena playfully bit his shoulder but refused to utter his name again. He was

infuriatingly charming.

Brett didn't press her. His gaze was dangerous, fixed on her as if he wanted to

etch the sight of her blushed skin and flesh into his very marrow, making it an unforgettable sight for a lifetime.

That night was destined to be engraved in their hearts. He couldn't bring himself

to stop their dance of love and desire. Overwhelmed, Orlena's voice trembled, "Donny mentioned... you have a meeting early tomorrow."

Brett held her chin with one hand. He nibbled on her lip, eliciting tears from her once more. He murmured against her, "At this hour, you're thinking about that?"

Orlena slowly opened her eyes, which shimmered like a tranquil lake in spring, the most enchanting sight he had ever seen. Brett was lost in the night's passion. The next morning, Orlena awoke at seven sharp. Brett was no longer by her side.

She rolled over to gaze out the window, pondering whether to rise or not, when the door creaked open.

A tall figure entered, casually shutting the door behind him. The man who had indulged in her all night appeared in casual sportswear, looking refreshed, and sat beside her, tugging at the covers. "I usually run 3 miles, but this morning, after our eventful night, I only did 2 miles."

Orlena covered her face. She didn't want to move an inch, but he had been out

running.

She peeked out from under the covers with a voice as soft as a kitten's, "Can I sleep in?"

Brett chuckled. He produced a bag of breakfast from behind his back, soy milk, and a bagel with cream cheese.