Chapter 28 ABOUT HER PAST
However, I wouldn't act like that, not in that way. Not while she tried to conceal her fears and without being fully certain that Elisabeth Lis wasn't an infiltrator who had escaped my team's attention. I sighed, picking up her nightgown from her feet and running it up her body again, covering the protesting breasts, until I reached the strap of the nightgown on her shoulders.
“It's very cold, Miss Elisabeth; I don't want you to catch a cold...” I whispered in her ear, noticing her confused look.
“I don't understand you...” She murmured. “You've been teasing me for days, and now you reject me, why...?”
“Why?” I raised an eyebrow, challenging. “Why did you give in to me?”
“I...” Lis took a few steps back, clearing her throat, as if regaining composure. “I didn't give in to you.”
She hurried past me, grabbed a glass of water, and walked away briskly. Before she crossed the door, I grabbed her wrist.
“I didn't reject you!” I kept my eyes fixed on hers. “And you forgot our water.”
I smiled, teasing her even more.
“Get your own water, Mr. Morgan, and have a great night.” She shrugged.
“Don't act like that… We'll still sleep together; your bed is warmer than mine!” I smiled, caressing the corner of her lips.
“I'm afraid you'll have to get used to the cold then!” Lis pulled her hands away, quickly going upstairs and slamming the door.
“What a cheeky apprentice...” I ran my hands through my hair, wiping the sweat from my forehead, grabbed the water, and took the pills.
As I passed through Elisabeth's door, which, surprisingly, wasn't locked, I realized that maybe she wasn't ready to be alone, despite her denial.
I sighed, entering, closing the door, and locking it as I had seen her do. I lay down slowly beside her without saying a word. She moved closer, leaning against my body, and I pulled her in to cuddle, burying my head in her neck and embracing her body.
“Much warmer...” I whispered, making her let out a soft laugh.
“Just for tonight, Mr. Morgan, don't get too used to it!” Elisabeth, determined to show she was in control, replied with a smile.
“Too late.” I whispered back, biting her earlobe, falling asleep as her sweet scent filled the air.
I woke up before Elisabeth, gently stroking her silky hair. As I got up, I realized my phone was vibrating, indicating that I had left it in the pocket of my sweatpants overnight. Carefully, I went downstairs, finding Madalena already passing through the area and leaving the table impeccable, adorned with a morning feast that included cake, cold cuts, homemade cookies, and a fruit salad. I poured myself a freshly brewed coffee, strong and pure, as usual, while my phone vibrated again. Without checking the caller ID, I pulled it out.
“Found yourself a new toy?” The sweet voice on the other end of the line was a direct provocation from my ex.
“Heloise, to what do I owe the displeasure of your call so early?” I responded curtly, regretting not checking who was calling earlier and allowing my peace to be disturbed so early in the morning. “You need to find a new hobby, a new purpose in life, instead of spying on my life… It's not healthy!”
A brief silence followed, and I could imagine her face flushed with anger at my response.
“I'm a very busy man, Heloise. Just tell me what you want!” I growled, bringing her back to reality.
“Nothing, baby. I called to let you know that I'll be in Seattle soon and would like to catch up with my husband!” She spoke hastily, teasing.
Years ago, this would have been a tempting invitation—something I desired most—to have that woman back, until she brought hell into our lives.
“Ex-husband. I have no interest in seeing you. But if you called me, that's not a warning. What do you really want?” I asked sharply, making her laugh on the other end.
“You know what I want, baby… To end you like you did to me!” She finally hung up.
I rubbed my temples, irritated. Would her obsession ever end? Heloise blamed me for everything that had happened and for her emotional and psychological problems. In part, I felt guilty, but nothing, absolutely nothing, justified what she had done, not in that way, not with the high price we both paid.
“Good morning, Mr. Morgan. Did the phone bother you?” Elisabeth entered the dining room with a slight smile, already ready for work.
I noticed she was gripping the phone tightly in her hands, relaxing it, and returning it to her pocket.
“Good morning, Mrs. Lis. Apparently, a man like me can't have a moment of peace.” I smiled subtly, making her evaluate me.
“Can I help you with something, sir? If it's a client or a potential supplier bothering you, I can handle the situation,” she offered professionally, making me smile.
“I have no doubt about that.” I smiled, leading her to the table. “But before scaring off whoever is disturbing me, let's have breakfast. We need to be strong for today.”
“Let me guess, Magdalena did all this?” Lis smiled presumptuously, and I thought about how it would be possible for anyone to harm such a charming person.
“Hey, don't take away my credit; I made the coffee!” I raised the cup toward her.
Laughing, she took a sip, savoring the moment. “Who would have thought the CEO knew how to make coffee?” Elisabeth teased, displaying a superficial ease, although her eyes remained fixed on the kitchen door.
“You're not going to tell me?” I placed a piece of cake on her plate, keeping my gaze steady.
“Tell you what, sir?” She nodded in thanks, taking a bite of the cake and quickly sipping the coffee.
“Who was following you?” I finally brought up the subject. Her whole body stiffened in response; with lowered eyes, she wiped her lips without looking at me.
“You ordered me not to lie to you.” It was evident from the effort Elisabeth made to lift her chin toward me. “I won't disobey your orders, so please, Mr. Morgan, don't insist on the subject!”
I evaluated her expression and reactions; her hands were tightly gripping the utensils. I nodded in agreement, noticing the relief in her previously tense expression.
“I've been thinking about your book. There's a scene out of context that I'd like to discuss with you tonight.” I maintained an impartial tone despite the provocation. She blushed, widening her eyes and almost spitting out her coffee.
“When did you read more of my book?” Lis clenched her fists nervously, but not like before; there was a hint of curiosity, which intrigued me.
“You shouldn't leave your notebook lying around if you don't want people to read your erotic novel, young lady.” I smiled, running my tongue over my lips. Lis followed the movements, holding her breath. I enjoyed the reactions I provoked in her without even touching her. Leaning closer, I pulled her by the nape of her neck.
“After the sensations were awakened in your character, why didn't she explore the desires and impulses she felt?”
“Because...” Elisabeth bit her lips, a habit she had when nervous or embarrassed. “Well, sir...The protagonist still doesn't know what to expect from the unknown man; perhaps she's waiting to learn more before acting.”
My eyes gleamed with the information. I lowered one hand, resting it on her knees and caressing the area with light pressure, sliding up her tight skirt.
“Spread your legs, Mrs. Lis,” I ordered, noticing her increasing excitement. “I said spread your legs!”
I spoke more firmly, and hesitantly, Elisabeth opened them, giving in to the space I desired. I pulled her chair forward, surprising her with a small gasp.
“Mr. Morgan, my shift will start soon...We should focus on lawyer Phill and the contract,” she said, blushing. Despite not verbally objecting, I could feel the heat between her legs and the longing she felt to be touched.