Sunlight streamed through the half-drawn curtains, casting a patch of light on the floor.


    His long, slender fingers asionally swiped across the screen, making a few analyses and notes.


    After just a few moments, his attention drifted to the woman sleeping nearby.


    Eleanor hadn''t gotten nearly enough sleep the night before, and with her monthly cycle approaching, a heavy exhaustion had settled deep in her bones, making her more prone to slipping into a deep sleep. At that moment, she was sleeping soundly and peacefully.


    Her longshes rested quietly on her eyelids, her usual coolness and defenses gone, making her look exceptionally soft and serene.


    He forced his eyes back to the iPad screen. A momentter, Eleanor shifted in her sleep, turning from her back onto her side. A stray strand of hair fell across her forehead, stubbornly resting near the corner of her eye.


    His fingertips instinctively moved to brush the strand of hair away. However, they first made contact with her delicate skin. The warm touch made him swallow hard.


    The sound was distinct in the quiet lounge.


    Just then, Eleanor''s brows furrowed slightly. Ian''s movement froze, his suspended fingers curling reflexively. Only when her brow smoothed out again did he, with restraint, brush the strand of hair away and tuck it behind her ear.


    He couldn''t help himself; his thumb traced the delicate shell of her ear, the heat of his skin contrasting with her cool, soft temple.


    His fingertip traced the elegant curve of her ear down to the lobe. Finally, his fingers longingly caressed her delicate cheek. The heat from his touch seemed to make Eleanor stir.


    She moved unconsciously, her hand instinctively clutching his suit jacket as she buried half her face in the fabric.


    even.


    It reminded him of the past, when she would sleep so defenselessly beside him, curled up in his arms like a docile kitten. He remembered her drowsy expression upon waking and the sweet innocent smile she would give him.


    Could he ever have her like this again?


    He didn''t know.


    But he knew he was willing to do everything in his power to fight for that chance.


    Eleanor''s naps were never long; her internal clock would wake her.


    Fifteen minutester, Eleanor slowly opened her eyes. At first, they were hazy with sleep, but when they


    focused on the man across from y


    her, she was startled. She had


    forgotten he was there.


    She sat up instinctively. The suit jacket draped over her nearly slipped off, and she quickly grabbed it The cold air from the Amade her snee?e suddenly. She froze for a moment.


    "What time is it?" Eleanor asked, rubbing her eyes.


    "Exactly one hour,"n said, ncing at his watch. "Did you sleep well?"


    "Yes," Eleanor nodded. The nap had been very restful. She stood up and handed


    the suit jacket back to him. "Thank you."