No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 25

He couldn't possibly want to sleep with her, could he? Was Vanessa not enough for him tonight?

They'd already been to a hotel—what reason did he have to come back here and disgust her all over again?

"I'm used to sleeping alone. There's no need for us to share a room," Eleanor said, brow furrowed, her entire posture radiating resistance.

Ian's eyes darkened, his handsome features tightening in annoyance. "Today's the eighth."

As soon as the words left his mouth, he pressed his palm to the wall; the room was instantly swallowed by shadows.

Eleanor's breath hitched. "Ian, go back to your room. I don't want—"

A strong hand reached out from the darkness, clamping tightly around her wrist and yanking her forward. She struggled, but lost her balance and tumbled against his chest. Even in the dim light, the hard lines of his face were sharp and unyielding.

She tried to push herself up, but Ian's arm shot out, pinning her securely in his embrace.

"Let me go," Eleanor snapped, her cheeks now flushed with anger.

"Have you been drinking?" His question was sudden and pointed.

She'd only had half a glass of wine, and more than two hours had passed, yet somehow he still noticed.

Eleanor turned her face away, refusing to answer.

Ian's hand caught her chin, angling her face up as he leaned in, lips about to claim hers.

On instinct, Eleanor slapped her hand over her mouth and darted to the side, neatly dodging his kiss.

Apparently annoyed, he suddenly pushed her down, pinning her wrists above her head with a forceful, unyielding grip.

Eleanor realized what might happen—the worst-case scenario. She simply shut her eyes and stopped struggling, ready to accept her fate. But then, abruptly, Ian froze. His interest seemed to vanish in an instant.

In the darkness, his voice was cool and detached. "Don't think I'll ever beg you for this."

Eleanor let out a silent sigh of relief. Begging? He'd never have to. She wouldn't give in, not in this lifetime.

Even if he did beg, she'd never say yes.

—

The next morning, Eleanor was still eating breakfast when her phone rang. It was Jude Vaughn, sounding a little rushed.

"Ellie, do you have a minute? We have an investor meeting on Wednesday—I need you to give a speech."

"Of course. I'll prepare my notes ahead of time," Eleanor replied.

"Are you feeling any pressure?" Jude asked, concern in his voice.

The analysis she'd written recently had stunned everyone, so it made sense for her to present this time. Still, he knew public speaking wasn't her usual arena.

"Not at all, don't worry! I'll be ready," Eleanor answered with confidence.

"See you Wednesday."

After breakfast, Eleanor headed upstairs to work. Since this would be a presentation to investors, she was determined to be prepared.

Eleanor smiled. "After I left school, I didn't give up on my field. My dad left me a lot of textbooks, and I taught myself."

"Impressive, impressive. A daughter of Dr. Sutton was bound to do great things," Jude praised.

When he stepped away, Joel leaned in, intrigued. "Ellie, why don't you ever mention your work at the Montclair lab?"

Eleanor shook her head. "I never graduated from college, at least not back home. Without a formal degree, it's hard to bring that up."

Joel had also read her speech—it was nothing short of brilliant.

Eleanor was about to ask which companies were attending today when Jude got swept away with last-minute tasks. She and Joel wandered through the downstairs courtyard, chatting about the new lab, and watched as business professionals began streaming in through the main doors.

She was just unscrewing a bottle of water when her gaze sharpened. A group of a dozen or so men in tailored suits rounded the corner from the parking lot. But what made Eleanor tense was the man at the center of the crowd.

Her husband. Ian.

Amidst the crowd, he was tall and striking, his presence cool and composed. Even making small talk, he managed to look utterly aloof.

Without thinking, Eleanor ducked behind Joel.

Joel squinted in Ian's direction, watching as the group made their way toward the conference suite. Only then did he say, "You can come out now—he's gone."

Eleanor stared after Ian, lost in thought.

"What's the matter? Your husband doesn't know you're involved in this project?" Joel asked, surprised.