ELOISE “That’s better,” Adam whispered in my ear. His hot breath on my neck made me quiver. “But we can talk about that another day.” “So, is it a deal?” “I asked, barely able to catch my breath. Shit. I was basically asking him for a convenient relationship with casual sex. I just hope I was ready for this, although it was too late to back out. “Deal,” he replied casually as if we hadn’t just had that conversation. “And as my part of the bargain, let’s discuss what we should tell your family.” Also, why did he always speak so intensely? *** We arrived at the mansion before evening. Nina replied she hadn’t mentioned anything to the viscount but informed him I would come tonight. I wore this long red dress that Adam got me from Louis Vuitton earlier, and it totally shimmered under the hallway lights, like I was ready to take on anything. It was a shame I hadn’t brought anything Bonnie had prepared for me. Her dresses were stunning and fit me perfectly. But boy, my date tonight w
ELOISE I didn’t stand. Why should I? I had no idea what would happen next. Logan Cunningham needed me to become Malcolm. He died without pursuing his own dreams. In this family, we were just puppets. The aristocracy and traditions would imprison me. If I let this happen, I would lose myself. “Eloise, my dear. Stand up, please,” my dad said, motioning toward me. Suddenly, all the guests turned their attention to me. I looked at Adam, hoping he had a plan to help me. “I had something up in my sleeve, but we didn’t expect your father to introduce you right in the middle of dinner.” “What should we do then? What should I say?” I hissed. The rush was burning in my blood, and everyone was waiting for something to happen. “Eloise?” my dad called again, and I felt my feet moving on their own as I rose from my seat. “There she is, my darling girl,” he said, opening his arms proudly. I glanced at Davina and my grandmother, who both had a poker face. I wasn’t sure if they wanted me here
ELOISE The dinner remained tense as guests exchanged glances and murmured about the unexpected turn of events. After the meal, as instructed, I joined Dad and Adam in my father’s study. The room was decorated with dark wood furniture, a massive mahogany desk, and shelves stocked with leather-bound books. Dad settled back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Adam as he studied him intently. “A partnership with the Waldorf family could benefit both parties greatly. But tell me, young man, is your motivation for this related to my daughter?” he questioned bluntly. It’s no surprise he’d have doubts about this whole thing. Adam sat properly, crossing his legs. Maybe he wanted to show my dad that he wasn’t intimidated. “Jonathan, my cousin, already told me about this. Our grandfather wants to expand our investments and sees potential in the Royal Diamonds casino in Edinburgh.” Well, well. Adam did come here all prepared. I had limited knowledge about the Cunninghams’ businesses. One of thei
ELOISE “Why did you do that? We can’t get married. It wasn’t part of the deal,” I said, closing my eyes and leaning back in the car’s backseat as we headed to the airport. “I had no choice,” he replied, his voice filled with resignation. “Has he done something to you? Something so bad that you’re...” He paused, not finishing his sentence. “This isn’t like you.” “You must have a father, too, right? I heard he’s still strong and active.” “Yes, I do. We have our differences, but it’s not like this. Your dad sounds like he’s threatening you, and you’re...” he trailed off. “I’m afraid of him,” I finished for him. “If that’s what you noticed, then yes.” Frustrated, I exhaled and opened my eyes. “I don’t want to talk about it here.” Adam glanced at the cab driver and nodded. “We’ll talk about this when we get back.” “I just want to go home, rest, and then we can talk,” I added. Adam nodded in agreement, not saying anything more. Three hours ago, before we left my dad’s estate, Adam h
ELOISE Mercy’s was a casual bar and restaurant near the office. It was funny how I didn’t feel awkward around him. He was still as attractive as everyone thought, but my feelings of hatred were no longer there. “How was your trip? I heard you went home,” he asked while we were having dinner and some beer. “I don’t really want to talk about it.” “Same old dad?” Chase mentioned, reminding me he knew about the secret of my birth. I nodded. “But worse. A lot has happened, and I came here with you to clear my head, not to reminisce about it.” “I’m glad you could find a way back here. I thought your dad wouldn’t let you go. I heard about Malcolm. I’m sorry,” he sympathized. “Okay, but I don’t believe you asked me here just to hear about my last week. What is it?” I asked nonchalantly as I continued eating. “I could use a friend,” he said while chewing, avoiding eye contact. “Is this about work? If it’s not, you can forget about it,” I responded, not wanting to hear any more excuses
ADAM Damn it. Eloise’s phone was dead silent, and every text she ignored drove me crazy. I felt my possessive side creeping in, bringing up dark thoughts, and my usual response was to fuck—aggressively and mercilessly. Now that she had been showing signs of wanting to go further, my urge to bring her to her knees intensified. One of her colleagues told me she went out with Chase. I knew I couldn’t demand explanations, but something just didn’t feel right. I tried calling her again, but it went to voicemail. Why was she with Chase? Why wasn’t she answering? I was thinking about driving to her place when someone rang my doorbell. It was my brother. Carter barged in, and he gave me a knowing look. To my surprise, he wasn’t alone—he had brought someone unexpected with him: Adrianna Meyer, or should I say, Adrianna Jackson, my ex and, unfortunately, my arch nemesis’s current wife. “She insisted on coming,” Carter explained. I forced a tight-lipped smile and asked, my brows furrowe
ELOISE I couldn’t answer Adam’s calls earlier, but he wasn’t answering now when I tried to call back. I wondered if this had something to do with our deal. I waited all night for his response, but nothing came, making me a bit concerned. Anyway, I decided to take a shower. Just as I was getting ready for bed, he finally called. His voice was raspy and delicious, reminding me of those nights when he used to call me in Edinburgh. “Good evening, Eloise. Are you already home?” I secretly giggled. It felt like those days when I used to date Chase. Wait, what? I shook my head at my own thought. “Yes, what do you think the time is?” “I know you had dinner with Chase. Are you realizing you still want him?” Every hair on my body stood on end. “Are you stalking me? How did you know?” “Oh, darling. I should know everything about the person I’m currently seeing.” “So you’re seeing me?” I teased. “I’m serious, Eloise,” he said flatly. I let out a sigh. “You know I’m not a fan of possessi
ELOISE I had another sip of my coffee, and it warmed me up. “You probably know me better than anyone else. You probably know what my dad is doing that I just can’t figure out. How about we start with that?” I suggested, my gaze unwavering. “Your father,” he began, “is a man with layers, just like you.” “Like me?” “You possess qualities I typically avoid, yet I’m undeniably drawn to you.” I blushed. “This isn’t about me.” He released a sigh. “Your father hides his intentions well, but I have some ideas—something I’ve observed when we talked to him. For example, it doesn’t matter who you marry, whether it’s the baron or someone else.” I frowned. He was right. Dad would’ve insisted, but he didn’t. Rather, he let me go. “Why do you think so?” “Your dad needs him because they’re partners in crime. That freaking baron handles the Cunningham businesses, so if you marry him, the viscount won’t have to try hiding his agenda. Especially to you.” I shook my head. “I still don’t get what