The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 185

Chapter 185

“Look at me, Eleanor.”

I reluctantly met his gaze, startled by the raw possessiveness I found there.

In one swift movement, he backed me against one of the stone pillars that flanked the garden path. His body pressed against mine,

not roughly but with unmistakable intent. “Don’t use my brother to make me jealous, he whispered, his breath warm against my

ear.

“I wasn’t-

“Don’t lie,” he interrupted, his thumb tracing the outline of my lower lip. “You know exactly what you’re doing.

“Derek, we’re at your parents’ house, I hissed, acutely aware of our exposed position.

“Say you weren’t waiting for him, he demanded, his face inches from mine.

“This is ridiculous-

“Say it, or I’ll kiss you right here where anyone could see.”

I glared at him, hating how my pulse quickened at the threat-or was it a promise? “Fine. I wasn’t waiting for Alexander. Are you

satisfied?

A triumphant smile spread across his face. For now.”

Just as Derek leaned in closer, the sound of a throat clearing made us both freeze. We turned to find Alexander standing in the

doorway, his expression unreadable.

“I’d mention that we have guests, but it seems neither of you care much about appropriate behavior today,” Alexander said dryly.

Derek released me immediately, but kept his hand possessively at the small of my back as we approached the entrance. “Guests? On

a Sunday morning?”

As we stepped into the grand foyer, I realized with a sinking feeling that “guests’ was an understatement. Seated in the formal living room were not only Jonathan and Catherine Wells, but also Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, looking perfectly coiffed and uncomfortable in

equal measure.

Eight pairs of eyes turned to us, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. The tableau before us had all the

hallmarks of a serious discussion interrupted-teacups abandoned mid-sip, papers spread on the coffee table, and a tension that

vibrated in the air like a plucked string.

‘Derek, Mr. Bradley acknowledged with a nod that couldn’t quite hide his disapproval. “We came to visit your grandmother. We

heard she wasn’t feeling well.”

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Chapter 185

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Margaret, seated regally in her favorite armchair, snorted delicately. I’m perfectly fine. Better now that my grandson and Eleanor

have arrived.”

Derek’s arm slid around my waist, pulling me closer to his side. “Eleanor has been under the weather herself recently,” he said, his voice taking on that smooth, public tone I recognized from charity galas and business functions. “Quite dependent on me, actually,

though she’d never admit it.”

1 felt my cheeks burn. “Derek, don’t exaggerate-*

“She’s not very good at accepting help, Derek continued as if I hadn’t spoken, addressing the room but looking directly at Mrs.

Bradley. “But she’s learning that I can be quite… persistent when it comes to taking care of what’s mine.”

The possessive declaration hung in the air, its meaning unmistakable to everyone present. Mrs. Bradley’s face darkened with obvious

displeasure.

Margaret rose from her chair with surprising agility for a woman her age. “Eleanor, dear, would you join me in the garden? The

hyacinths are just beginning to bloom, and I’d love your professional opinion on the arrangement.”

Derek gave me a subtle nod, encouraging me to go with his grandmother. I understood immediately-he wanted privacy to speak

with the Bradleys.

“These old rooms get so stuffy, Margaret announced loudly as she took my arm. “Too many people, not enough fresh air.”

As we left the room, I felt the weight of multiple gazes on my back. Whatever was happening between the Wells and Bradley families, I had just been thrust into the middle of it-and judging by Derek’s territorial display, the stakes were higher than I

realized.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love