When Eleanor emerged from the shower, a certain man's gaze naturally gravitated toward her.

Evelyn looked up and announced, "Mommy, I've decided I'm going to sleep in my own room tonight."

Eleanor paused mid-motion while applying her hand cream, instinctively shooting a glance at the man. Ian offered an innocent chuckle. "This was our daughter's own decision."

Evelyn nodded enthusiastically. "That's right! I made the choice myself. I'm going to be brave and sleep in my own bed."

Her room was right next door. It had been fully decorated and waiting for the day the little girl felt ready to claim her independence.

"Daddy, will you carry me over and read me to sleep?" Evelyn held out her small arms. Ian scooped her up, grabbed a storybook, and carried her out.

Eleanor was left somewhat speechless. Where did her daughter get this kind of sudden decisiveness? She just decided to sleep in a separate room, just like that?

After sharing a bed with her daughter for so long, Eleanor had grown used to the comforting weight of the little girl in her arms; it was an anchor that always ensured a good night's sleep.

Since Evelyn had taken the initiative, Eleanor obviously wasn't going to discourage her. But with her daughter gone from her side, a totally different kind of problem presented itself.

lan sat on the edge of the bed, slowly turning the pages of the storybook. His deep, gentle voice captivated the little girl until her eyelids began to droop. Eventually, Evelyn drifted into a peaceful slumber.

lan stayed by her side a little longer to ensure she was completely asleep.

Only then did he stand up, leave a small wall sconce glowing dimly, and quietly close her door.

Eleanor was seated at her vanity, smoothing on her night cream. Through the mirror, she watched him walk into her bedroom and shut the door behind him.

He stepped right up behind her, planting his hands on either side of the vanity to cage her in.

"Is Evelyn asleep?" Eleanor asked.

"Yeah." He rested his chin on the top of her head, meeting her gaze in the mirror. "All that bike riding really wore her out."

Eleanor nodded and continued massaging the cream into her skin.

In the reflection, the man's eyes slowly swept over her. She was wearing a simple silk nightgown. Even though the neckline was modest to him, it was more

tantalizing than the most deliberate lingerie.

FindNovel.net

"Stop staring and go back to your room to sleep," Eleanor chided, shooting him a warning look through the glass.

lan let out a low chuckle and leaned down, his lips brushing the sensitive skin behind her ear. "Tonight, I want to sleep in here with you."

Eleanor turned around and pushed against his chest. "You haven't been sleeping well these past few days. You really should-"

lan caught her hand, bringing it to his lips for a tender kiss. "I only sleep well when I'm right beside you."

"Are you sure you just want to sleep?" Eleanor arched an eyebrow.

lan paused for a second before a muffled laugh rumbled in his chest. "Yes, I'm just coming over to sleep."

"You can sleep in the guest room next door," Eleanor offered, knowing there was a perfectly good spare room on the second floor.

lan's eyes narrowed playfully. "Fine. I'll go grab my pajamas and take a shower over there."

Before Eleanor could say another word, he had already turned and walked out.

While lan was showering in the guest room, Eleanor got up to check on their daughter one more time. Evelyn was sleeping soundly, perfectly tucked under her blankets.

Eleanor had considered getting

Evelyn her own bed in the past but

had always held off, partly because she couldn't bear to let go. She hadn't expected her daughter to grow up so quickly, slipping into independence without even realizing it.

The moment Eleanor returned to her room, a damp, imposing figure slipped in right behind her. She turned and pushed at him again. "Go back to your own room."

"Be good. I didn't sleep well last night, and I just want to hold you tonight." Ian's lips brushed the corner of her mouth, his voice dropping into a husky, pleading murmur. "Please."

Eleanor opened her mouth to argue, but he immediately captured her lips.

The kiss was tender and lingering,

as though he were savoring his most treasured possession. Within moments, Eleanor felt her knees go weak. She knew exactly how this night was going to end.

This man.

The door to the master bedroom clicked shut, locking away the rest of the world.