Tangled Temptations

Harvey drove back to his apartment. His heart was tied in knots with anticipation, only to find that Eloise was not there. He flung open door after door, calling out, "Eloise!"

The place echoed back emptiness.

Just as he was about to head downstairs to look for her, the sound of the front door clicked and swung open, and in walked Eloise. She was wrapped in an oversized jacket, her cheeks flushed from the autumn chil. It was his old varsity baseball jacket from his college days, and it looked striking on Eloise, especially with her slender, pale legs peeking out from underneath.

Harvey frowned, his brows knitting together in worry. Only two days were left, and his nerves were frayed. He feared something might happen to Eloise. His voice carried a stern edge. "Where have you been?"

Eloise blinked, taken aback. After a pause, she replied softly, "I made a lot of food tonight, and when you didn't come back for dinner, I took it down to feed the stray dog?"

Harvey's expression remained unsoftened. He eyed her, his voice husky with concern. "Stay put during these next couple of days, okay?"

Without another word, he retreated to his study. He needed a moment; his emotions were teetering on the edge, and he was desperate for a semblance of calm, though it felt nearly impossible. Everything hinged on the next forty-eight hours.

The study was dark as Harvey sat silently, smoking, pondering how many days had passed in reality compared to the many days he'd dreamt.

He worried about Eloise. He worried about their third child, a little girl he had named Stephanie.

Harvey's mind was in turmoil. The ashtray on his desk was brimming with cigarette butts.

The door creaked open. Eloise tiptoed in, finding her way into his arms in the dim light, and snuggling into his embrace. Her voice was a mix of comfort and softness. "Harvey, what's wrong?"

Young girls didn't take well to being brushed off or snapped at. "I haven't done anything wrong."

Harvey wasn't in the mood for intimacy, but the warmth of her soft, petite body against his and the feel of the delicate silk strap of her nightie beneath his fingers began to thaw his resolve. "Did you wear this on purpose?" Harvey toyed with the strap, his voice gravelly as if he'd swallowed hot sand. His tone made warmth stir within her.

She tilted her head up to kiss his chin. Her kisses were intermittent, breathy, "Are you still mad?"

Harvey's hand traced the contour of her waist. His body was taut with more than just desire; the pressure within him was close to shattering. The best way for a man to relieve stress was to make love, especially with his little wife in his arms. Harvey leaned in to find her lips. Eloise was still slightly dazed, and her mouth parted just enough for him to deepen their kiss, pulling her closer as passion built. "Harvey..." Eloise's voice was like that of a young animal. He could no longer resist, sweeping her up onto the couch, losing themselves in each other's embrace.

At the critical moment, Harvey stopped. He kissed Eloise as she was cradled in his arms, soothing her with a gentle voice. However, Eloise pushed herself up. In the muted glow, she was stunningly beautiful. She stared at him with eyes soft as silk and said, "Harvey, didn't you say I was yours? If we're meant to be together, why not be together now?"

Eloise was young, but she wasn't naive. She knew where love was, money followed. He had given her his entire fortune, and she didn't doubt his affection for a second.

From his position of power, Harvey's Adam's apple rolling sensually, was overwhelmed by impulse, which shattered his remaining control. He carried her delicate body to the bedroom, to the very bed where they had first made love in real life, and in his dreams, he had slept with her four years earlier.

...

After several indulgences, Eloise's tender body couldn't withstand the fervor and fell into a deep sleep, while Harvey was left wide awake.

He paced the apartment, as if wanting to leave something behind, something to make the upcoming four years easier for the young Eloise.

Deep into the night, Harvey made numerous calls. He arranged for the aftermath and ordered Peterborough's finest diamond ring to be delivered overnight, a perfect pear-shaped diamond.

At four in the morning, Harvey

slipped into bed beside her. As soon as he lay down, Eloise, half-asleep, turned and wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice whining softly, "Where did you go?"

"Handled some things," he replied, his voice rough.

Eloise burrowed into his chest, her voice barely above a whisper. "It hurts a little."

Harvey felt a softening in his heart, stroking her hair, murmuring, "Soon, it won't hurt anymore."

She held his hand, and her plea was soft and tentative. She hoped he only slept with her for the rest of his life.

Harvey stayed silent. She looked up at him, sensing something amiss. That was when Harvey slid a cool diamond ring onto her finger, a perfect fit.

Eloise was momentarily stunned. She slowly raised her hand, entranced by the ring yet feigning indifference. "Is this for me?"

Harvey gently pulled her hand down. Their fingers interlocked. He buried his facenoveldrama

in her neck, his voice a low murmur. "Eloise, be my wife. I've loved you for so long."

Seven years... They had been entwined for a full seven years, their lives intricately woven together.

Eloise, at 20, didn't understand all this, but she was overjoyed. Harvey watched the light in her eyes, his own heart aching with a bittersweet tang. What a silly girl.

Only one day was left. Harvey went on to arrange many things. Even though it was all just a dream, he couldn't leave without a care. Eloise sensed it, too.

The night before, she clung to him, begging to be held. After their lovemaking; Harvey caressed her feet, soothing the places she would hurt in the future. He whispered, "Eloise, I've done many things I regret, but there's one thing I don't."

That was loving her.

Eloise looked up at him. She knew something was wrong, but she trusted him unconditionally.

The time to leave was near.

That night, Harvey held her tight, giving Eloise a taste of what it meant to be thoroughly cherished.

At four in the afternoon, the styling team arrived. Harvey chose a sheer blush gown complemented with emerald jewels.

Eloise had never been so elegantly dressed before. She turned and hugged him, murmuring, "Harvey, I'm a bit nervous."

Harvey caressed her cheek, kissing her gently, his gaze deep. "Eloise, I love you."

Eloise smiled faintly, and was just about to speak, but Harvey, with a strong chop to the back of her head, sent her into unconsciousness.

In an instant, Eloise felt her body go limp. He cradled her gently and laid her down on the plush bed, bending over to kiss her forehead as he whispered tenderly, "Take a nap, my love, and when you wake, we'll be

together. Sweet dreams."

As he stood up, there was a barely noticeable glisten of tears in the corners of his

eyes...