Tangled Temptations

Brett and Orlena were standing so close to each other, their bodies nearly

merging as one. Even through the layers of their winter coats, they could feel the heat emanating from each other. Brett was particularly warm, and the thin fabric of his dress pants seemed to scorch Orlena's legs, making them go weak.

Lifting her eyes to meet his, Orlena's gaze was tinged with the remnants of her earlier anger. Her eyes still bore the redness of irritation, and here Brett was, shamelessly close and stirring feelings in her that made her both embarrassed and furious.

Brett, however, was taken by Orlena's flushed cheeks. Her emotions were written so plainly on her face, and her simplicity made him all the more drawn to her. So, instead of backing away, he leaned in closer, his masculine warmth pressing against her even more, causing Orlena to feel utterly disoriented. In a soft, pleading voice, she implored, "Stop... Don't do this."

He reached out to touch her neck, his fingers grazing skin as soft as silk, just as heated as his own. "Aren't you hot?" Brett inquired before he began to help her out of her coat, tossing it carelessly onto the nearby sofa.

Orlena turned her face away, her hands fumbling as she tried to keep him from touching her more intimately. "Brett, I'm still angry." she protested.

Brett paused, staring at her intently, his gaze unfathomable. He tenderly stroked her face, noting the youthfulness beneath her skin. In a low murmur, he confessed, "Orlena, I won't deny I had a thing with her back in the day. There were feelings, but nothing deep enough to last. It was bound to end sooner or later."

Her lips quivered. Orlena knew he was telling the truth, but any woman would be upset to see an old flame presenting her husband with a gift, especially one who had worked closely with him for four years.

She was at a loss for words against his persuasiveness. Brett, a charmer by nature, scooped her into his arms and carried her to the sofa, his kisses descending from above. Her fallen tears were gently kissed away.

After shedding his coat, he wrapped his arms around her, his warmth seeping into her skin. The passion between them grew, and Orlena, leaning into his embrace, accepted his kisses.

Her stylish button-down shirt was peeled back to reveal her delicate shoulders, the ivory skin glowing under the light. Brett, having exercised restraint for so long, knew he should be more patient with her tonight, but he was finding it hard to hold back. While kissing her, he began to unbuckle his belt with one hand. His usually stern face softened, revealing a vulnerability only she could draw out.

Orlena's face heated up at his touch. She arched her back in a sinuous curve, responding to his advances. Caressing his handsome face, she whispered teasingly, "You... pervert."

His gaze was dark and predatory.

Just as everything was reaching its climax, a knock at the door interrupted them. Tracey entered, carrying a cup of ginger tea. "Is Orlena feeling any better? You need to look after her."

Stopping in her tracks, Tracey was stunned to see her exemplary son in a compromising position with Orlena, their clothes in disarray.

Tracey was unsettled. Hadn't she heard that Orlena had her period? Did Brett have such peculiar tastes? Normally, she wouldn't interfere in the private matters of the married couple, acknowledging that young people had their desires. But this scene was too much for her.

"How could you do this!" Tracey exclaimed, turning her head away as she placed the ginger tea on the coffee table. "Brett, get down from there. Stop this nonsense."

Brett cleared his throat and looked down at Orlena, whose cheeks seemed ready to burst with embarrassment. She scrambled to straighten her shirt, but her disheveled appearance only added to her allure.

Brett quickly ran through some work documents in his mind to calm himself down. He patted Orlena on the bottom, suggesting, "Go freshen up in the bathroom."

Taking the chance to escape her embarrassment, Orlena hurried away.

Brett, ever composed, slowly rebuttoned his shirt, restoring his dignified appearance before giving Tracey a wry smile. "You sure know how to pick your moments."

Tracey scoffed, "You should be ashamed."

Glancing toward the bathroom, she whispered sternly, "Have you lost your respect for her now that you've won her over? You were never this careless with past girlfriends. A woman's period is a delicate matter; you know better than to be intimate."

Brett chuckled, a mix of irritation and amusement in his voice. He sat down beside Tracey. "Are you upset?"

"A bit," she admitted.

Brett gently patted her hand, reassuring her softly, "How could I be so careless with Orlena? She's the wife I begged heaven and earth for. I respect her more than anything. I was just teasing her earlier to lighten the mood."

Tracey finally relaxed. She gestured toward the ginger tea. "Then drink up."

Brett obliged with a smile, finishing the ginger tea. Tracey soon left, and Brett sat alone under the lamplight. His desire was interrupted, but he felt no anger, only tenderness.

Quietly, he made his way to the bathroom. Orlena was washing her face, her cheeks covered in foam. Brett wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his cheek against her back, and murmured, "Tracey gave me an earful. Ever since you and Daniel moved in, I've been second fiddle."

His words were a mix of gentle complaint and fondness. Still feeling shy, Orlena looked down at his hands and bit her lip. "Let me go. I'm trying to wash up."

But he didn't want to let go. His hands continued to roam, stirring up the longing they both harbored. Despite the earlier misunderstanding, the desire was mutual.

They soon gave in to their passion. Brett, initially treating her with the utmost care, found it increasingly difficult to rein in his desire. His gaze grew more intense as he watched her face flush with pleasure.

Afterward, Orlena nestled in Brett's damp embrace, tracing his chest with her fingers. Casually, she asked, "Don't you want another child?"

Brett held her tight, glancing at the wastebasket before kissing her forehead. "It's too soon. Let's enjoy being married for a while, and once you're settled into our life together, we can think about it."

He planned to have Daniel live in Peterborough for a time, which meant he'd be quite busy. Another child would be too much for Orlena to handle alone.

His response left her silent, pondering their future together.

Lying still for a while, Orlena was almost drifting off to sleep when Brett nudged her, insisting on a bath before bed - it was non-negotiable.

She was utterly worn out by his antics. As she fell asleep, she thought that maybe Brett should be the one to teach their future kids. He'd probably do a better job than she would.

...

When she woke up, it was New Year's Eve.

Brett had business to attend to and had been picked up by his driver early in the morning.

Orlena slept in until ten and then got ready for the day. Just as she was about to head out, her phone rang. It was Eloise on the other end, her voice soft and sweet, "How are you settling in at my uncle's place?"

Orlena's cheeks flushed a little. "It's alright."

Eloise then shared that she was planning on visiting Brockville the day after New Year and that she would be coming with the kids.

Orlena was genuinely pleased. Her spirits lifted, and she got cheeky, "Oh... Eloise, I'll have a special New Year's gift for you. A little something for good luck."

Eloise was taken aback. Then, she replied softly, "I'll have your brother set you straight."

Orlena felt sheepish.

Back in Peterborough, after hanging up, Eloise turned to the man on the sofa. "Orlena wants to give me a New Year's gift, trying to get me to call her 'Auntie."

Immediately, Harvey shot a Facebook message to his sister. [Should I start calling you 'Auntie' too?]

Orlena felt even more intimidated.

Harvey put away his phone and chuckled to his wife. "She doesn't have the nerve. Come here, let's see if that little baby has been giving you trouble."

Eloise was busy sorting baby clothes.

Early in the morning, Pauline had delivered a bunch of delicate baby outfits, all soft and pink. Eloise adored them.

She was so occupied that she barely paid attention to her husband, casually remarking, "Who else could pester me but you?"

Harvey glanced up at her. Eloise was wearing a cozy woolen dress, looking all soft and cuddly. He reached out and pulled her close. He pondered for a moment before saying, "Uncle Brett knows his limits. Why do you stress yourself with a trip now? Wait till they're married or have a baby. It's not like there's any rush."

At the end of the day, Harvey was just concerned about her and Eloise knew it. She gently touched her belly, now showing, and smiled, "I already told you I'm not bothered. It's just a flight away, and the private jet comes with doctors and nurses. It's perfectly safe."

Harvey didn't press the matter further. He gently ran his fingers through her brown hair. "Take a break. You've been fussing over those little clothes all morning." Eloise looked at him tenderly. She enjoyed fussing over these tiny things, having no prior experience with baby girls. It was all very exciting for her. Harvey kissed her forehead. "You're going to be an amazing mom."

Eloise just smiled.

Just then, the maid brought up an invitation card. It was from Mr. Velona, stating

that he planned to bring Jacob to Peterborough for the New Year.

Eloise scrutinized the words on the card. She then set it down and laughed lightly, "Harvey, he wants me to take Jacob under my wing Mr. Velona is quite the strategist. He's not interested in making Jacob little brother,' he's just looking for a way to connect with the

my

Horigan family. I've heard he's

planning to expand his business to Peterborough."

Harvey didn't mind making a new friend.

Eloise looked at him and smiled. "His intentions have given me an idea."

She discussed a trade with Jacob. It was a success, but she had yet to fulfill a promise she made to Jacob.

Eloise found herself in a dilemma, for it was no easy task to legitimize a mistress, but now, she had an idea.

She called the maid back in. "Please ring Mr. Velona and tell him that my husband and I are spending the New Year in Brockville, and it won't be possible to host

him. Let's catch up another time."

The maid nodded and left.

Harvey lounged on the sofa, looking a bit lazy. "What's your next move?"

Eloise laid out her plan. And then she sighed, "That man deceived Jacob's mother."

Ever since she learned Mr. Velona was already married with children, Jacob's mother left him and raised her son alone. It had been a tough journey. They hadn't crossed paths with Mr. Velona in years.

Eloise told Harvey, "I think it's just Jacob's wishful thinking. His mother probably doesn't want anything to do with that man."

Harvey agreed, admiring the woman's spirit. He also felt a pang of pity for Jacob, but he wouldn't voice this to his wife.

After discussing the matter, Eloise informed Harvey, "I'd like to visit Jeffrey this afternoon."

Harvey was quite open-minded. He was more than willing to accompany Eloise. In Brockville, New Year's Eve was in full swing.

The household staff was bustling around, busier than ever with the addition of new family members. The New Year's Eve dinner had to be extra special this year, though it was a shame the Eloise wouldn't return until the second day - it

would have been livelier.

Tracey showed off her culinary skills. Being from the South, she made exquisite meatballs. The pork, a gift from a neighbor, was finely chopped and marinated with assorted seasonings. Once the oil

wnevern

was hot, she dropped the the oil

hand-rolled meatballs into the fryer, cooking them until they were golden

brown and irresistible. Tracey had barely lifted them out of the oil when

Orlena couldn't help but sneak a taste, only to burn her tongue.

Tracey was both annoyed and amused; she couldn't help but give her a playful

slap and said, "Go get some ointment from the butler before Brett comes home

and teases you for being clumsy."

Orlena was a bit embarrassed.

Tracey's smile lingered as the butler approached, saying, "Ms. Tracey, Ms.noveldrama

Stephanie has come to visit us."

Tracey's mood soured instantly. She paused her work and said, "Haven't we

made it clear that she doesn't need to come? Brett has so many subordinates, andif they all started visiting, how would I manage?"

The butler simply smiled sheepishly, as Ms. Stephanie was insistent on waiting.

With the festive season upon them and considering the woman was her son's first love, Tracey couldn't be too heartless. She turned to Orlena, who wore her emotions plainly, clearly unhappy.

Tracey sighed softly, "I'll go handle this. If you don't want to see her, then don't." She added, "I've heard she's moving away from Brockville soon."

Orlena didn't want Tracey to be put out and acknowledged with a nod before going to apply the ointment.

Even though she agreed to meet Stephanie, Tracey knew how to put on airs when necessary. The Nolands were Brockville's most prominent family, and Tracey was a woman of considerable repute. For this occasion, she had rummaged through her wardrobe and picked out a shawl that oozed luxury.

The butler ushered Stephanie in. Stephanie eyed Tracey with a polite gaze and greeted her, "Auntie."

Tracey motioned for her to sit. Stephanie handed the butler her seasonal gift. "This is Panettone, best eaten with cream cheese or ice cream."

The butler smiled appreciatively. Tracey shot him a look, then signaled for tea to

be served.

Tracey spoke with measured cordiality, "Stephanie, by etiquette, I should have Brett's fiancée entertain you. But we both know it would be

awkward, so let's not. Unlike Brett's young bride-to-be, who's still wet behind the ears, you hit the nail on the head with the gift. She just managed to burn her mouth with a meatball. When Brett gets back, there'll be hell to pay."

"But you know, young couples, a little spat now and then keeps things lively,

right?" Tracey added with a polite chuckle.

Stephanie's face grew increasingly sour, because while Tracey's words were full

of praise for her, and thinly veiled her dissatisfaction with Orlena, with every word, she also expressed a tender affection for Orlena. Caught in this web of subtlety, Stephanie found herself too agitated to sit still.

Tracey wasn't a mean-spirited woman, though. A little corrective jab at Stephanie for taking digs at Orlena was enough. Just as she was about to send her guest on her way, Brett arrived home ahead of schedule.