Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Chapter 17:

Eileen noticed Bryan paused for a moment before extending his hand to accept the room key from Jacob. “We got here early and took the liberty of getting the keys for you and Vivian. Imagine our surprise when the front desk gave us only one key, saying you’d booked a single room for the both of you. If you’re here to enjoy your couple time, why bring me and Kian along?”

Jacob’s jesting failed to ease Eileen’s tight nerves. She had forgotten about this on the way here. It seemed natural that Bryan and Vivian would share a room. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Eileen felt Bryan’s silence radiate evident irritation. Surely he wasn’t upset about sharing a room with Vivian. He was probably upset that she had made the arrangements without his permission.

Vivian cast a glance at Bryan. He was silently looking at the room key in his grip. With a nervous bite of her lip, Vivian whispered, “Could this not be a way to save money?”

Kian realized the truth. Vivian had orchestrated this. It was clear to him that Bryan had been oblivious. Jacob remained blissfully unaware of the undercurrents. “No need for her to cover for you, Bryan; not like you’re strapped for cash for another room. Besides, you’ve booked the whole resort already.”

Sensing a shift in the atmosphere, the rest of the staff moved silently, carrying their bags to the check-in counter. Eileen, however, remained motionless.

Bryan offered a brief smile and said, “Take Vivian and my bags to the room. Afterward, could you organize some lunch? Everyone’s famished, and Vivian has a preference for lighter fare—perhaps a special dish for her.”

Bryan then proceeded with the key, with Jacob in tow, who seemed ready to tease him further.

Vivian caught Kian just before he could make his exit. “Bryan can be so thoughtless. Can you believe he left the baggage for Eileen to handle? Please find some staff to assist her.”

Kian heeded Vivian’s request without protest and headed off to find help. Vivian gently ushered Eileen into the building. Once Eileen secured her room key, they shared an elevator ride.

G aln ove ls . com has stories you’ll love “Don’t worry, Eileen. If Bryan tries to blame you, I’ve got your back,” Vivian said, her smile comforting.

Eileen responded with a gracious smile, “I appreciate it, Ms. Warren.”

Exiting the elevator, Eileen paused to see Vivian disappear into Bryan’s room. Then, she used her card to enter her solitary space.

Once Eileen had finished unpacking her luggage, she took on the task of arranging a meal for the group. She then notified the employees about the food in the company’s group chat and had the staff inform Bryan and his companions in their suites.

With a heavy heart and little desire to eat, Eileen picked at her food before deciding to go back to her room.

Entering her room and slipping off her shoes, she noticed the scent of smoke lingering in the air. Her eyes caught a lone figure at the window. It was Bryan, his posture relaxed against the wall, a cigarette in one hand and a small box in the other.

Recognition dawned on Eileen. The box was the compact makeup kit that Vivian had given her. Vivian had written a thank-you note on the box, a note Bryan would surely not miss.

As Bryan extinguished his cigarette and set the box aside, he approached Eileen. She found herself retreating until the wall barred her way.

Bryan lifted her chin gently, his intense yet composed gaze locked on hers. “Eileen, it seems you have a knack for balancing on a fine line.”

Eileen’s hands found the wall for support as she met his gaze with a calm expression. “You’re also good at that, Mr. Dawson. It is a choice for you, yet a necessity for me. I cannot risk upsetting anyone. If my actions have truly angered you, it’s only right for you to discuss this with Warren. You can refrain from involving me in her requests.”

Bryan arched an eyebrow, his fingers gently pressing against her chin. “You seem like you’re feeling aggrieved. What’s the price of this makeup set?”

“It’s worth about five figures,” Eileen answered candidly.

A light scoff escaped Bryan, his face a mix of amusement and scorn. He had paid her well, yet here she was, coerced into arranging one room for him and Vivian without his permission.

“Don’t you worry that I’ll no longer require your services? That the flow of money from me might cease?” He tilted her face up, seeking her eyes.

“I do,” Eileen said. “Yet what truly frightens me is the thought of crossing Ms. Warren. I’d surely be in trouble then.”

Vivian was the apple of her family’s eye. Crossing her would indeed come at a steep cost for Eileen. The protection Bryan could offer her was uncertain, given that Vivian was Bryan’s first love. Eileen understood the dynamics all too well.

The hotel was laced with cameras. Eileen believed Vivian’s suspicions might deepen if she found out Bryan had visited her room.

“Mr. Dawson, it’s best not to keep Miss Warren waiting for dinner. She’ll be anxious if she can’t find you—”

Yet before Eileen could finish, Bryan kissed her. His kiss held a hunger, an urgency that overwhelmed her senses. He wrapped his arm around her, lifting her into his embrace.

As they collapsed onto the plush hotel bed, only his weight bore down upon her, a comforting pressure amidst the storm of emotions. Resistance seemed a distant concept. Her affection for Bryan left her vulnerable to his closeness. Instinctively, she held him, her arms finding solace around his solid form.

A whirl of her attire was gently discarded, anticipation building. Bryan paused, his breath a whisper at her ear. “I haven’t paid you last time, and I’m not going to in the future. Consider this punishment. As for now…”

Raising his head, Bryan’s gaze met Eileen’s, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips, which pulled her in deeper. “I’ll take a rain check now. I’d rather not squander my energy on the room prepared for me and Vivian,” Bryan said.

A tension gripped Eileen’s heart, yet she managed a smile. “In that case, I hope you have an enjoyable night.”

Her words seemed to cloud Bryan’s expression. He bent closer, placing a bite on her chest. “Eileen, why are you being so heartless?”

The sharp pain made Eileen recoil, her hands instinctively pressing against him for some distance.

“Right, almost forgot. You’ve got yourself a boyfriend now?” Bryan’s grin held a cutting edge. “Am I failing to meet your needs? Is it affection or finance where I’m lacking?”

Eileen’s face turned pale. Her reply came with a tremor. “You’re with Vivian now. Wouldn’t it be fair for me to seek companionship elsewhere? Calling me out like this seems a bit hypocritical, don’t you think?”

The smirk slowly left Bryan’s face. “I came here to sleep with you, not to debate. Just how serious are you two?”

Bryan’s words rattled Eileen, her brow arching as she deliberately said, “I’ve slept with him already.”

Bryan’s response was a frown and a kiss filled with intent. Despite her weariness, Eileen felt a familiar surge of excitement, even though she was sure this would lead to nothing further.

Bryan’s sudden chuckle snapped Eileen back to the present. When she opened her eyes, she noticed her phone was in his grasp. Scanning Huey’s brief exchange with Eileen, Bryan’s amusement was evident.

“You’ve never met him. Don’t try to lie to me.” The glint in Bryan’s eyes was clear. “Meeting him would be a waste of your time. No need to do that.”

Before Eileen could protest, Bryan had blocked Huey on her phone.

Eileen’s anger flared. “Since when do you have authority over my personal affairs?”

“Perhaps you should be asking yourself the same question,” Bryan said as he moved closer, his breath on her neck quickening her pulse.

In the muted light of the room, with the curtains shut tight, their breaths came at uneven intervals. Eileen found her racing thoughts interrupted by Bryan, yet he did not advance any further. His fingers brushed through her hair, a gesture that seemed to usher in a sense of clarity for her. “Do you want this? I might stay if you beg me,” he said.

While his attire was only mildly ruffled, Eileen was fully naked, feeling exposed. She hastily covered herself with a blanket, her cheeks turning red.

She looked up and sharply told Bryan, “Leave! If you stay, I doubt you’ll have the energy for tonight.”

Bryan’s chuckle was soft, yet it filled the room as he walked away. “Reflect on your mistake. I expect an essay on it later,” he said.

Standing her ground until the door closed, Eileen allowed her head to sink into the pillow, her mind awash with thoughts. Her breathing slowed but remained shaky, her expression one of frustration, the warmth on her face lingering.

She only had the energy to think about his words regarding saving energy for his night with Vivian.

A twinge of discomfort settled in Eileen’s chest, betrayed by the ironic curve of her lips. She tried to lift her spirits, rising to shower away his lingering fragrance, but she couldn’t shake off the thoughts of him. There weren’t many activities planned for the afternoon, but there was an evening picnic today.

Eileen had already communicated with the hotel about the picnic’s location and menu. She had the employees distribute the necessary supplies before they all made their way to the chosen spot. They were greeted by an enclave of shaded trees and the gentle meander of a river, with nature’s chorus providing a backdrop of calm. The employees busied themselves setting up the grills.

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