The first part...
The second part...
The third part...
The fourth part...
"If you were not already Ethan's, I would make you mine."
It's like time stood still. What does Connor want from me? To say I would rather stay with him than return to Ethan? But I am having Ethan's baby. I reflexively place my hand on my flat tummy. His eyes drop there as well.
He gives me an intense look. "You have nothing to fear from me, Eleanor. I won't hurt you or your baby. Ethan crossed me by secretly keeping some of my money believing I would not find out. No one takes what's mine."
"I am not sure Ethan would do that! Something is not right." I replied heatedly in Ethan's defence. Connor smirked, "My forensics are never wrong. My clients sent my money through his laundering services but he skimmed off part of the cash, thinking I would not notice."
His cell phone vibrates on the table. He glances at it and grins devilishly. "Well, well. His ears must have been ringing."
It is Ethan calling. I am anxious and cannot wait to talk to him. Connor holds my stare as he presses the speaker so I can hear the conversation as well. I cannot look away. His intensity holds me spellbound.
"Took you so long, Ethan. Your beautiful woman is here. Where's my money?"
"CC, If you touch a single hair on her head, I will come after you hard and make you rue the day you met me!"
Such aggression and anger from Ethan. Obviously he cares about me but why won't he admit his feelings to me?
"Tsk, tsk. Do not forget who you are talking to Ethan." Connor says in a drawl, no longing smiling. "Now, stop wasting my time."
Ethan sighs loudly. "It was Carlos, my enforcer, and Hank. They did this behind my back and I have taken care of it. They are both dead. You should know me better, CC. I would never skim off your money. I have more than enough of my own."
"Pity. Put your house in order, Ethan."
"I need to know Eleanor is okay. Put her on the phone." I speak up before Connor can make a decision whether or not to accede to Ethan's request.
"Babe, I'm here." I say.
"Eleanor," Ethan says softly. "Are you okay? Did he touch you?" My eyes flip up to Connor's. He arches an eyebrow, watching me.
"Yes. I mean, no. He did not touch. I'm fine. He's been nice to me." I say gently and meet Connor's eyes.
I could hear Ethan hesitate a little before he said, "Nice to you? I am so sorry, Eleanor...I love you."
I freeze for like a moment then the tears flow without restriction. I sniffle and peep at Connor whose face is blank. No expression.
"I love you too, babe. I—"
"My family estate in Arlington" Connor interrupts my conversation rudely, like he was irked by our love talk. "See you in thirty minutes. Ethan?"
"Yes?"
"Don't ever cross me again." Click. Connor ends the call before Ethan can respond. He scowls a little and his face darkens with anger. I see the look that scares people to spread the terror stories about Connor being a hardhearted boss. I press into my chair as if to get away from him. He stands and walks out of the room.
