Tangled Temptations

At twenty, Eloise was a vision of youthful vibrancy. Back then, her cheeks were plumper, her legs more slender, showcased by a pair of denim shorts that seemed to stretch her legs to heavenly lengths. At the crook of her thighs was a delicate hint of blush pink.

Her waist was even slimmer than one could imagine. Even though Harvey knew this was but a dream, the intense reality of it sent shivers down his spine, and he almost lost control of his emotions, wanting to grab her without a second thought. "Eloise, it's been seven days since we last spoke."

...

Eloise breezed past him. Perhaps it was Harvey's striking looks or his air of aristocratic charm that made Eloise take a second glance.

Harvey's gaze lingered on her. A subtle smile played at the corners of his mouth.

Just then, a voice called out, "Eloise."

Veronica dashed over, followed by Gunner.

Veronica approached, and her eyes roamed over Harvey, then flicked to Eloise, with an air of insinuation.

She recognized the man before her, a rising star in the legal world. Born to an illustrious family, handsome and distinguished, the man had it all.

Eloise paused.

Surprised, Gunner addressed Harvey, "Attorney Horigan, what brings you to Peterborough Music College?"

Harvey's eyes remained on Eloise. He spoke slowly, "I came to find a book at the library. I'm just not sure where it is."

Gunner glanced at Veronica. "Shall we show Mr. Horigan the way?"

Veronica's eyes twinkled, as she latched onto his arm. "Let Eloise lead the way. She's free anyway. Weren't you going to treat me to some ice cream?"

Gunner, every bit the playboy, chuckled at Eloise. "Would you mind taking Mr. Horigan there? He's a friend of mine."

Eloise turned to Harvey. This man looked to be about twenty-four and was a lawyer. Why was he at their college looking for books?

Harvey openly allowed her scrutiny. His dark eyes locked on hers. He smiled faintly and pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it with an air of masculine grace.

Eloise was spellbound. She had always thought Max was handsome, but now she realized there were leagues beyond.

"Let's go," Harvey gestured.

Eloise followed him as he walked unerringly in the right direction, despite claiming he needed her guidance.

Behind them, Gunner wrapped an arm around Veronica, who giggled. "Gunner, Attorney Horigan seems quite taken with Eloise, doesn't he? His gaze lingered on her legs for quite some time."

Gunner playfully flicked her cheek. "Impossible. Mr. Horigan just split up with his girlfriend and is heartbroken. Eloise is pretty, but not his type. Would the son of Peterborough's wealthiest need to settle?"

Veronica snorted, unimpressed. "Was his ex a goddess?"

Gunner quickly apologized.

Eloise led Harvey to the college library. Unadorned by makeup, Eloise's natural beauty was striking. She spoke softly to the attractive man, "Attorney Horigan, feel free to look around, the library stays open until nine in the evening."

Harvey didn't reply. He walked to a particular seating area. He had seen this place before. It was there Eloise had been kissed by Max.

Harvey's long fingers gently traced the chair's back. His touch was tender, as if caressing a lover.

For some reason, Eloise blushed. Harvey looked up, his black eyes fixed on her, and his voice slightly hoarse. "Could you wait for me, Miss Laurent? I'm afraid I might not find the exit after I finish with the books."

Eloise inwardly berated his naivety-had lawyers become so helpless? But as Gunner's friend, she managed a reluctant smile. "Alright, but I need to be home by eight."

Harvey smiled gently. He pulled out a chair, looking at her.

Eloise's heart skipped a beat. She always enjoyed sitting here. How did he know? It must've been a coincidence.

Without refusing, Eloise randomly picked a book and sat down to read quietly.

The library was hushed. Harvey chose a legal tome and even bought Eloise her favorite coffee at the small bar.

Eloise couldn't help but glance at him again.

Harvey took a sip of his black coffee, calmly flipping through the pages. His composed demeanor seemed out of place amidst the college setting, attracting glances with his striking appearance. Yet, he remained indifferent.

Eloise wondered how self-assured one had to be to ignore such admiring looks. How could he be so unfazed? She couldn't help but study his features.

He was truly handsome, especially the high, straight bridge of his nose. Would it clash with a girl's nose during a kiss?

"Eloise... what are you thinking? Aren't you into Max? Why daydream about kissing a stranger?"

She quickly averted her gaze, but Harvey caught her eye, quietly observing her. His wife sat before him, Eloise at twenty, untouched by the world, untangled from Max's four-year hold-a potent temptation. He wanted to date her, to share intimate moments.

Harvey had his composure. He turned the pages slowly.

From four in the afternoon to seven in the evening, there was no sign he planned to leave.

Eloise, feeling drowsy, laid her head on the table to sleep.

Harvey put down his book and stood up, approaching her. He gently brushed

aside her soft, tea-colored hair, revealing her delicate face.

He knew they were being watched, but he didn't care to hide. He wanted to kiss her. He was Eloise's husband. It was his right.

A gentle kiss landed on her lips.

Gasps filled the room. Wasn't Eloise infatuated with Max from the neighboring school? Who was this man?

Someone had sneakily snapped a photo and uploaded it to the campus network. Eloise's face was captured in high definition, along with Harvey's profile. It didn't take long for Harvey's identity to surface.

The golden boy of Horigan Inc., the founder of Prestige Legal Advisors, an alumnus of a world-renowned university, Harvey.

The campus network exploded with the news.

Veronica, who was enjoying a popsicle, scrolled through her phone and nearly choked, almost spraying Gunner's face with icy shrapnel. She swallowed hastily, clutching her phone and exclaiming, "Holy smokes. This is straight-up fantasy. There goes Eloise's first kiss. How's she supposed to chase after Max now?" "Attorney Horigan, that's brutal."

Veronica had said Harvey had a thing for Eloise's legs.

Gunner was equally dumbfounded. How could this be? Harvey was known to be the pickiest of them all, never embroiled in any scandals. Aside from Joan, he never showed an ounce of fake affection to any girl. How could he just swoop in on Eloise?

Was this for real?

Gunner cleared his throat. "He must've been out of it."

That ticked Veronica off. She bumped into him and stormed out, saying, "What do you mean by that? Is Lou not good enough, and is Mr. Horigan too precious? Ha. If he's so precious, why's he stealing kisses?"noveldrama

Gunner hurried after her.

Eloise was the talk of the town, but blissfully unaware.

Inside the library, the light cast a warm glow. She blinked open her eyes to find a handsome face, smiling gently at her. It took a moment before she recognized him

as Gunner's friend.

But boy, was he close.

Harvey held a book with his slender fingers, smiling nonchalantly. "Eloise, could you lend me 20 bucks? I forgot my wallet."

Eloise's fair complexion turned a shade of pink. Ah, the rich heir needed to borrow cash.

Unfazed, Harvey placed the book back, looking like he wasn't leaving without the money.

Eloise checked her pockets.

She hadn't brought any either.

Harvey's piercing gaze told him what he needed to know, and he drawled, "I did

have enough for a cab, but I bought you a coffee instead."

Eloise bit her lip. "Okay, I'll Venmo you."

Harvey's smile was slight. "Didn't bring my phone."

So what did you bring, Eloise wondered.

Harvey glanced at his wristwatch, a Patek Philippe worth a fortune. He generously

offered, "Here's the deal, I'll bike you home. Surely you've got some pocket

money?"

At 20, Eloise came from a decent home and was full of youthful vigor.

"Fine, you come home with me, and I'll give you the money." She was riled up, thinking, was this how capitalists made their fortunes?

Annoyed, she didn't want to walk with him and strode ahead.

Many classmates looked at her with pity. Some tried to warn her about the kiss.

Harvey, hands in his pockets, casually glanced over, silencing them. He then nonchalantly tossed a wad of cash on the desk.

Such swagger! The library was abuzz with whispers.

Once Harvey was out of sight, they dared to murmur, "He's courting Eloise, right?

That's a couple grand there, so generous. I counted 108 glances while Eloise was asleep."

Someone corrected, "It was 112 times."

"Such a beautiful romance."

In the midst of the discussion, Veronica charged in. "Where's Eloise?"

"She left. With him."

"Attorney Horigan is taking her home."

Veronica couldn't believe the pace Harvey was moving at.

As dusk fell, Harvey trailed behind Eloise, puffing on a cigarette nonchalantly.

Suddenly, Eloise turned to glare at him. He was always smoking. Aside from his youthful looks, you couldn't tell he was 24.

Realizing why she was frowning, Harvey extinguished the cigarette with a light smile and produced a bicycle for Eloise to unlock, while she muttered about the

cost.

Harvey mounted the bike.

Eloise, still fuming, hopped on behind, continuing to mutter complaints. Passersby stared, and Harvey, tossing his jacket to her, said, "Cover your legs."

Eloise held the jacket, heavy with his masculine scent. She didn't want to cover

up.

Harvey's voice was stern. "It ain't warm out, why wear such short shorts?" Eloise snapped back, "None of your business. Just ride, I'll pay you at my house."

And never see him again, she hoped.

Harvey knew she was irked; it was typical young girl stuff. He didn't mind and pedaled off.

People kept looking their way as if they were a spectacle. Eloise thought that by tomorrow, she'd have to explain that he was just Gunner's friend.

The evening was unexpectedly cool.

Harvey didn't rush, taking Eloise through Peterborough's streets, feeling her

anxious heartbeat behind him. These were feelings he'd never experienced before.

Eloise, feeling bored at the back, struck up a chat, "You're so stingy. You'll never

find a girlfriend."

Harvey chuckled. "I'm married."

"Yeah, right," she scoffed.

Harvey didn't argue, asking instead, "What about you? Have you got a boyfriend?

Gunner mentioned you like a guy from the next school, Max, was it?"

Eloise was speechless. Were all lawyers this gossipy?

Harvey fell silent again.

After a half-hour ride, they arrived at Eloise's home. She handed back his jacket

and bit her lip. "Wait here, I'll get your money."

Harvey had planned to take it slow.

But then, Angus, Eloise's father, arrived home and spotted her with Harvey.

Angus was shocked. Was the young son of Horigan Inc. with Eloise? He was an open-minded father and approached warmly. "Lou, is that your friend?" Upon seeing a ghost from the past, Harvey's emotions were mixed. He looked at Angus, his eyes glistening slightly, and said softly, "Hi, I'm Eloise's boyfriend." Eloise was stunned. She glared at Harvey, hissing, "What are you talking about?." Harvey gently wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "This is the situation-I've been seeing Eloise for several months now. She's often mentioned how you've wanted to come over and visit, but she's always kept me at bay." Angus was genuinely surprised. Eloise had a thing for Max, and the whole family knew it. And now, out of the blue, she had a boyfriend.

Harvey offered a small smile. "Eloise told me you love a good game of chess. I

thought we could have a friendly match while Michelle is whipping up dinner." Ah, the young man even knew his wife's name.

Angus looked at his daughter with a mix of tenderness and reproach. "Eloise, you

should've brought the boy home to meet your mom and me. It's not right to keep him hidden away. You've left poor Harvey out."

Harvey, the epitome of grace, said, "I do not feel left out at all. It's just, I came

over in such a rush and didn't even bring a gift."

"You're here, that's enough for a gift."

Angus was generous in spirit, clapping Harvey on the shoulder. "Harvey, you're

family now. No need for formalities."

The two men hit it off instantly.

Eloise trailed behind. Harvey... He was practically family now. That rascal always found new ways to get close to her.

As she dawdled, Harvey suddenly stopped, waiting for her to catch up before

gently taking her hand and whispering, "What's so great about Max? From now on, be with me."

Eloise was stunned. That line kept her tossing and turning all night. Over and over, it was those words from that man who appeared out of nowhere. Dawn broke. Eloise lay in bed, gnawing at her blanket, when her phone rang. It

was Veronica calling. She barely answered before Veronica's voice came through like a barrage of artillery. "Eloise, why was your phone off all night?

"Do you have any idea what's happened? Yesterday at the library, Harvey kissed

you, and now the photos are everywhere-not just on the campus network but on trending lists, financial news sites, legal journals... Congratulations, you've been publicly courted by a lawyer and made it into the legal papers. You're a celebrity now."

Veronica was on the verge of tears. Her friend Eloise had been nibbled by a wolf, and now it was broadcast for the whole world to see. If she didn't end up with Harvey, who else would have her?