"No," she replied.

"Well, let's just discuss this in person tomorrow or the day after. It's getting late, you should get some rest." Joel wisely decided it was time to end the call.

Eleanor had no choice but to agree. "Alright, we'll talk when I see you."

After hanging up, Eleanor took a sip from her teacup and checked the time. It was exactly ten o'clock.

Heading upstairs, she could hear the water running in the guest bathroom; lan was taking his shower in there.

Eleanor returned to the study and shut down her laptop. She had already showered earlier but wasn't feeling sleepy just yet. She settled onto the sofa in the second- floor lounge, intending to read for a bit.

A short while later, lan emerged wearing a set of casual pajamas. Spotting the woman reading under the warm glow of the lamp, a distinct flash of amusement crossed his eyes.

"Done talking with Joel?" The smug satisfaction in his voice was impossible to miss.

"Yes, we're done." Eleanor glared at him over the top of her book.

Towel-drying his damp hair, lan closed the distance between them. Ignoring the expanse of the massive sofa, he deliberately squeezed in right beside Eleanor, his dark, smoldering gaze locking onto her.

Eleanor had just gotten into her book and was instantly distracted again. She nudged his shoulder. "Go get some sleep. I'm not ready for bed yet."

lan stretched a long arm out, smoothly pulling her into his embrace. "Can't sleep?"

Eleanor immediately caught the dangerous undertone in his voice. Her face flushed, and she looked down. "Go to bed."

lan's eyes darkened with a predatory smile. "I'll wait for you."

With that, he got up and headed downstairs. A few minutes later, he returned with a mug of warm milk and handed it to her.

Eleanor took it. Ian sat back down beside her and turned on the television, putting a sports game on mute. The late autumn night carried a distinct chill. Feeling cold, Eleanor tucked her feet against the man's lap. Ian immediately wrapped his hands around them, gently warming her up.

Eleanor leaned against him, reading for another half hour. By eleven, she decided to call it a night. The moment she set her book aside, the man's intense gaze snapped to her, and he instantly switched off the game he had supposedly been engrossed

in.

Eleanor met his eyes-they were burning with a familiar, demanding heat. His large

hand had already begun to slide up the slender curve of her calf.

"Not watching the game anymore?" Eleanor asked, feigning innocence.

lan's arm shot out, sweeping her completely into his lap. "No. Being with you is more important."

The next second, he scooped her up effortlessly and strode toward the master bedroom. Eleanor had no choice but to wrap her arms around his neck. On a quiet night with absolutely no interruptions, the man was determined to claim everything that belonged to him.

The next morning, Eleanor opened her eyes to the heavy weight of a muscular arm slung across her

ет

waist. In the morning light, the sharp lines on his bicep and the faint veins

tracking down his forearm were fully visible, radiating sheer, untamed strength.

She shifted slightly, attempting to roll over, but the arm instantly locked tighter, pulling her back like a reflex.

She turned her head and

immediately collided with a pair of deep, sleep-hazy eyes. Silver-flecked hair fell messily across his forehead, giving his striking features a relaxed, softened edge.

"You're awake?"

"Go back to sleep, I'm getting up." Eleanor grabbed his wrist to move his arm aside.

Instead, the man reeled her back in, pressing his lips against her hair. "Do you have any plans for today?"

Eleanor thought for a moment. "No, just resting at home. But I want to go for a run right now."

"Alright, I'll go with you." Ian threw the covers back and got out of bed.

By the time Eleanor changed into her athletic wear and walked downstairs, lan was already waiting in the living room.

He was dressed in a dark gray tracksuit, his hair casually swept back. With his flawless bone structure, the athletic gear shaved years off his usual imposing, corporate aura.

Eleanor couldn't help but stare for a second longer than intended.

"See something you like?" lan caught her gaze, stepping toward her with a knowing smirk.

Eleanor refused to dignify that with a response. "Let's go."