The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 115

Chapter 115

“I wish I had married him instead,” I shot back, unable to stop myself. “He wouldn’t have been as cruel as you.”

Derek’s hands clenched into fists beside me. ‘I’m a bastard to you,” he said, more to himself than to me. “I’m a goddamn bastard.

Despite his words, there was no real regret In his eyes-only a dawning realization and perhaps something like relief. But behind

that relief, his gaze remained possessive, hungry in a way that made my heart race despite my anger.

“What about James?’ he asked, abruptly changing focus.

I tensed again. “What about him?

“What is he to you?” Derek’s voice was deceptively calm, but I could feel the tension radiating from him.

That’s none of your business,” I said, turning my face away. “We’re divorced, remember?”

His hand shot up to grasp my chin, turning my face back to his. “We signed papers. The divorce isn’t final yet. I have every right to

know who’s pursuing my wife.”

“Ex-wife, I corrected sharply. “And no, you don’t have any right. Not anymore.”

Derek’s eyes darkened. “Answer the question, Eleanor.”

“No,” I said firmly. “My relationship with James is my business, not yours.”

A dangerous smile curved his lips. “I think I’ve already demonstrated how I punish your lack of cooperation.”

His gaze dropped to my mouth, the intent clear. He was going to kiss me-to claim me-and despite my anger, despite everything,

part of me wanted him to. And I hated myself for it.

I leaned back as far as I could, the edge of the desk digging into my thighs.

He moved closer, his breath warm against my lips, when a knock at the door made us both freeze.

“Eleanor? James’s voice called from the hallway. “Olivia said you guys wanted to hike up to watch the sunrise tomorrow. I brought

some gear over-walking sticks, flashlights, things you’ll need in the morning.”

1 felt relief wash over me like a cool wave. “James!” I called out, my voice embarrassingly desperate.

Derek’s grip on my chin tightened momentarily. “Nothing happened between me and Seraphina,” he said urgently, his eyes intense

on mine.

Politicians say they never lie, too, I replied coldly. “Do you believe them?

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Chapter 115

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The knocking came again, more insistent. ‘Eleanor? Is everything okay?”

With a surge of strength born from desperation, I pushed against Derek’s chest. This time, he stepped back, allowing me to slide off the desk. I hurried to the door, throwing it open to find James standing there, a concerned expression crossing his face as he took in

my disheveled appearance.

“We’re leaving,” I said without preamble, stepping into the hallway.

Derek moved quickly, his arm shooting out to block the doorway. “Eleanor,” he said, his voice low but firm.

James glanced between us, his stance shifting subtly. He placed himself physically between Derek and me, a protective gesture that

surprised me.

“She wants to leave, Derek, James said, his voice calm but firm.

Derek and James locked eyes, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a knife. I held my breath, waiting for Derek’s response. For a moment, I thought he might physically challenge James, but something in James’s steady gaze seemed to give him

pause.

Without another word, I turned and walked away, grateful for James’s solid presence beside me, shielding me from the man 1 couldn’t seem to escape-not just physically, but in my heart as well.

As we rounded the corner, I glanced back once. Derek stood in the doorway, watching us go, his expression unreadable in the warm afternoon light of the hallway. But even from a distance, I could feel the weight of his gaze, as tangible as a physical touch.

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