The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 111

Chapter 111

“If you’ll excuse us,” James said, guiding me gently toward the reception desk. I could feel the light pressure of his fingers at my elbow–supportive, not controlling. “We should get settled before dinner.”

As we walked away, I could feel Derek’s eyes burning into my back, leaving a trail of heat that no amount of winter chill could

extinguish.

Two hours later, I slipped out of my room in search of ice. Olivia was taking a pre-dinner nap, and James had gone to take a business call. The quiet hallway stretched before me, plush carpet muffling my footsteps as I made my way toward the ice machine my thoughts still churning from our lobby encounter.

I turned a corner and nearly collided with a solid chest. Looking up, I found myself face to face with Derek.

“Careful,” he said, steadying me with hands on my shoulders before quickly releasing me, as if my skin had burned him. But not before I felt the familiar electricity of his touch-a connection that persisted despite everything. “In a hurry?”

“Just getting ice,” I replied, stepping back to put distance between us. The narrow hallway suddenly seemed impossibly small, the air between us charged with unspoken words. Enjoying your stay with Seraphina?”

A muscle in his jaw tightened, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. “I didn’t come with Seraphina. I came with Thomas.”

“Yet she seems to think otherwise.” I shouldn’t care, I told myself. It shouldn’t matter who he came with or what they did together.

We were divorced. And yet…

“What Seraphina thinks is her business.” His eyes narrowed, studying me with an intensity that made me feel transparent. “Are you

enjoying playing house with Sir James?”

I bristled at his tone, at the dismissive way he said James’s name. “James invited Olivia and me for a relaxing weekend. He’s been

nothing but considerate.”

“How chivalrous, Derek sneered, but beneath the sarcasm I caught something that looked almost like hurt. “And I’m sure his

consideration has nothing to do with getting you into his bed.”

The crude implication stung, but also revealed something about Derek I was just beginning to understand-his inability to conceive of a relationship built on respect rather than desire or possession. “Not everyone has ulterior motives, Derek.”

He took a step closer, effectively backing me against the wall. The scent of his cologne-sandalwood and something distinctly him- enveloped me, triggering a cascade of memories I’d tried to suppress. “Having a good time with your knight in shining armor?”

That’s none of your business. My voice sounded breathless even to my own ears, betraying me.

It is my business,” he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. His eyes, storm-gray in the dim hallway light, held mine

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Chapter 111

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captive. “We’re not done, Eleanor. This thing between us isn’t over.

I looked directly into his eyes, suppressing the shiver his proximity caused, trying to reclaim some sense of self-determination.

“Over? When did it ever begin? When you signed our marriage contract? Or when you flew off to London for two years?

His face was inctres from mine now, his breath warm against my skin. “You know exactly when it began. His eyes dropped to my lips

for a fraction of a second. “And it’s not ending just because you’re trying to replace me with some second-rate banker.”

Before I could respond, footsteps echoed down the hallway, and Derek stepped back, his expression immediately shuttering. A

middle-aged couple walked past, nodding politely.

When they were gone, I attempted to push past Derek. “Enjoy your weekend, Derek. I plan to enjoy mine.”

But before I could walk away, his hand shot out, fingers wrapping firmly around my wrist. “I told you, Eleanor,” he repeated, his

voice low and menacing. “We’re not done.”

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Quit grabbing her wrist! Say your piece and be done with it. Sorry, this is a pet peeve of mine, when guys. used to do this to me, it would set me off! I punched one guy in … More

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love