Between Hate and Love

Chapter 20 - The owner of rules

Eleanor's POV

I bit my lower lip nervously and replied. "My son."

Their eyes widened in shock.

"What?" My father asked, dumbfounded, staring at Romeo.

Romeo started crying, gripping my hair. I started rocking him slightly and stroked his back ignoring my parents' shocked expressions.

As Romeo fell asleep in my arms, I placed him on the couch and pulled the blanket over him. I kissed his forehead, stroking his hair.

My parents were staring at us without saying anything.

I sat down beside my son on the couch and started explaining. My father clenched his fist while listening to me.

"Please, don't tell anyone. I don't want Asher to hear about Romeo." I said, giving them a begging look and looked at my sleeping son.

"How will you keep him away from Romeo? He will find out eventually." My mother commented, giving me a compassionate look. "And he has rights. Asher is his father. As much as I don't like him, we can not keep Romeo away from him a secret." My mother added softly, looking at Romeo.

"No! It will be as Eleanor wants." My father intervened. "We will keep your secret. Don't worry, dear. Your secret is safe with us." He added firmly.

"Thank you." I nodded, giving him a slight smile.

Then I went to my room. I felt tired. I placed Romeo on the bed carefully without waking him up. I lay down beside him and stroked his hair gently, smiling. Every time when I looked at Romeo, I felt like I looked at Asher. His every feature reminded me of Asher. I sighed and kissed my little boy's cheek. I held his little hand and stroked it.

****

"Miss, please wait..."

I ignored Asher's secretary and barged in his office.

When he saw me, he looked at me, surprised.

"Sir, I wanted to stop..."

"You may leave." He cut her off as he said in an authoritative tone without taking his eyes off me for a second.

I was looking at the man who I hated and loved at the same time. He didn't change so much. He looked so sexy and handsome as always. Just he had a beard now. It made him sexier.

Get a grip, Eleanor!

"Why did you buy that property?" I snarled, looking into his eyes.

He stood up and approached me as he placed his hand into his pocket. He was roaming my body from head to toe, making me feel naked under his intense gaze.

"It is just a business, dear. Nothing more. Don't forget I am a businessman." He replied arrogantly, plunging his dazzling eyes into mine.

I clenched my fist in frustration.

"Bullshit!" I exclaimed and placed my bag on the centre table angrily.

"Then what is my intention, Juliet?" He teased me, giving me a cocky grin.

"Asher!" I warned him.

"I missed when you called me by my name. My name sounds perfect coming out of your mouth." He said in a seductive and husky voice and walked towards his desk. "Well, as you here, let's talk about our partnership." He stated firmly, giving me a self-satisfied look.

I breathed in deeply and approached him.

"Asher, don't involve my family into our mess." I warned him.

"I ordered my lawyer to prepare a contract. I will show you." He informed in a bossy tone, ignoring what I was saying.

He got on my nerves. I slammed my hand on the desk.

"Stop it, As...." I stopped when I saw my photo on his desk.

I was surprised.

Why did he put my photo on his desk? What is he planning now?

As he saw my surprise, he stood up. There were a few inches between us. His musky and masculine scent filled my nostrils.

Dammit! I missed this scent.

"When you left, I understood that I loved you so much. You are the better half of me. I felt lonely, desperate without you. I was lost without you. You complete me. I love you so much, Ellie." He confessed, looking into my eyes with a serious expression on his face. There was sadness in his eyes.

I looked into his eyes without saying anything, stunned by his confession.

He stroked my cheek, looking into my eyes affectionately.

Oh my goodness, how much I missed his touches.

"Please, forgive me. I know I acted like a coward. I am really sorry. I regret it. And I will regret it all my life. Because of my stupidity, we lost our baby." I averted my gaze, biting my lower lip. "I will not forgive myself. Never." He confessed sadly, shaking his head. "But please, give this asshole a chance. I am madly, deeply in love with you." He added, giving me a begging look while stroking my cheek.

I cleared my throat and stepped back. I folded my arms over my chest.

"Asher, there will not be anything between us. I don't love you. And this stupid game will not help you either. So don't make my family pay for my past." I said firmly.

I grabbed my bag and walked towards the door.

When I was about to open the door, Asher stopped me by grabbing my arm and pushed me against the door, sandwiching me between himself and the door.

"Asher, what the hell are you doing?!" I snapped and tried to push him back, but he didn't move for a inch.

"I want you back, and I will get you back at all cost, baby." He said firmly, running his fingertip along my cheek. "I will not let you go again. I swear." He whispered in my ear seductively, sending shivers down my spine and kissed my neck, breathing in my scent.

I closed my eyes, enjoying his kiss. I felt my legs getting weak. My heart was pounding like crazy.

Ugh! I hate his effect on me.

I held myself hard not to kiss him. I missed him so much. I wanted to kiss, to touch him, to feel his warmth against my body. I was craving for him.

Get a grip, Eleanor! Don't forget what he has done.

I pushed him back. This time he pulled back, giving me a self-satisfied smile.

"I hate you. Stay away from me." I snapped.

When I opened the door, he slammed the door, closing it and pushed me back against the door.

"There is a fine line between hate and love, baby." He whispered in my ear seductively.