Chapter 39 The Cost of Using Me

Eleanor's eyes snapped open, revealing a flash of surprise, not a trace of drunkenness in them.

She registered the mocking amusement in the eyes of the man so near to her. Her cheeks flared even redder, and turning swiftly to the car window, she was caught between indignation and embarrassment, "You noticed?"

Aaron's thumb and forefinger captured her chin, directing her gaze back to him.

He'd studied at a military academy with the intention of serving, but after his older cousin had a car accident and was left unable to walk or manage the family business, Aaron had abruptly switched to finance after two years. In those academy days, he excelled in every class and honed his marksmanship, developing rough calluses on his fingertips.

As he touched Eleanor's soft skin with a bit of pressure, it tickled and stung.

Eleanor furrowed her brow, and he leaned in closer, the neon lights reflecting in his eyes, his lips almost brushing hers, his breath hot.

Despite the tender scene, his voice dripped with sarcasm, "That poor acting of yours might fool others."

They were too close that even speaking would cause Eleanor's lips to meet his.

Aaron's lips were as cold as his demeanor suggested.

But they were also unexpectedly soft.

She swallowed quietly, her lashes fluttering, as her lips pursed tightly, heightening their natural, alluring color.

She wasn't drunk, but she had been drinking, and every inch of her seemed bewitching.

Aaron's eyes darkened, his voice husky, "What's the matter, lost your nerve to speak?"

As he spoke, the brush of his lips sent a tremor through Eleanor, a tingling sensation that raised goosebumps along her spine, making her swallow again.

Their closeness made even the sound of her swallow audible, deepening her embarrassment, and she moved to push him away.

But Aaron caught her fingers and pressed them against his chest, kissing her without hesitation.
Aaron was unstoppable, and Eleanor was no match for his advances. Reeling backward, she instinctively grasped, clutching at his tie for support. As she leaned into him, he wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his touch possessive and commanding.

A pinch to her waist made Eleanor wince, and in a punitive move, Aaron bit her lower lip.

"Ouch..." She pulled away, her hands covering her lips, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she glared at him accusingly.

You jerk!

"You're cursing me?" Aaron's voice was raspier, his gaze fixated on her lips. He seized her neck, pulling her back into his embrace, his kiss even more intense.

In her mind, Eleanor cursed him as a damn dog.

"You dare to tempt me and then can't handle the consequences?" Aaron said, his eyes locking with hers, wet and glimmering.

Eleanor pushed him away. "Who's tempting you?"

Aaron laughed off her resistance, holding her tight and keeping her from escaping his grip. "What was your purpose with those looks back in the private room?"

"Hmm?" His voice rumbled in his throat.

Alcohol churned in Eleanor's system, her heart kept racing.

The car slowed over a speed bump, jolting even in its luxury, setting Eleanor's heart fluttering to her throat.

Finally tiring of the game, Aaron pulled her close so she couldn't squirm away anymore. His voice was soft and chilly near her ear, "You've achieved your goal; I'll come back for you in the room."

Nothing escaped Aaron's notice; he watched everything, waiting for her to be fully immersed before piercing right through her facade.

"Can you bear the cost of using me?"

Eleanor felt drained, her panic evident as she looked up, still feigning defiance, "You willingly came back for me, how can you say I used you?"

"So, I'm the ingrate now?"

Aaron almost seemed amused by her accusation, holding her gaze silently when his phone rang. It was Blake.

"Aaron, Miss Thompson is feeling unwell with her heart. We've taken her to People's Hospital," Blake said on the call.

Eleanor, close enough to hear, watched Aaron's reaction carefully.

One of Aaron's arms was still around her, holding her still as his stark features blended with the dim interior of the car and the night outside.

"Okay."

After hanging up, Aaron instructed, "Drive to People's Hospital."

Sitting quietly and clenching her fingers, Eleanor slid off Aaron's lap without protest this time, and he didn't stop her.

Upon reaching People's Hospital, Aaron got out of the car, casting a glance at Eleanor feigning sleep. Without a word, he draped his coat over her, then softly closed the car door.
As Aaron stepped out, his phone rang.

It was a call from the family estate.

"How did Vincent's check-up go?" the deep voice of the family patriarch filled his ears.

A shaft of light from a streetlamp pierced the darkness, illuminating Aaron's inscrutable eyes. As he lowered his gaze, the air around him seemed to grow colder. "Blake says they're still checking. I just got here."

"Stay with her. Heart trouble is nothing to take lightly," the patriarch said sternly.

"Alright. You should get some rest," Aaron replied.

After hanging up, Aaron's expression remained detached as he entered the elevator, with Wesley close behind.

Vincent had just finished an EKG. Apart from a slight arrhythmia, there was no issue, but she complained of chest pains, so the doctor insisted on an echocardiogram.

Blake, unable to join her inside, waited by the door and approached Aaron to give an update.

After about ten minutes, Vincent emerged, supported by a nurse. Catching sight of Aaron, her face crumpled with vulnerability, tears welling up in her eyes, "Aaron."

With a soft hum, Aaron took over from the nurse, his own face somewhat pale. He turned to ask the departing doctor, "How is she?"

"No problems with the echocardiogram."

"But it still hurts," Vincent protested weakly, reaching for her chest, trying to guide Aaron's hand to the spot.

Aaron discreetly withdrew his hand and instructed Wesley to handle the paperwork. "Then we'll have you admitted for observation."

"No," Vincent whined, clutching her chest, "I'm not comfortable in public hospitals."

Accustomed to luxury from childhood, even a private room in a public hospital couldn't meet her standards. She despised the environment, fearing a sleepless night.

Aaron nodded, "I'll call Ashton's hospital ahead, we'll go there now."

Inside, Vincent felt a surge of satisfaction, but her mood darkened upon spotting a lipstick mark on Aaron's collar, venom creeping into her gaze.

They had been betrothed for so long; although not officially engaged, it was a done deal. Aaron had never touched her, despite her insinuations failing to rouse him.

Eleanor was the only other woman in his life.

It must have been her who seduced Aaron!

That wretched Eleanor!

Leaving the hospital, they found Blake had the car ready.

As Vincent settled in, Aaron paused, a peripheral glance catching a glimpse of a bush nearby, a glint of malice flashed in his eyes before he looked away and gracefully entered the car.

Hidden behind the bushes, a camera lens peeked out briefly. A snap and the moment was captured.