The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171

Eleanor POV

I was awakened by persistent knocking at my front door, the sound drilling into my throbbing head like tiny hammers, Disoriented,

I peered at the clock on my nightstand-7:15 PM. Someone was at my door just after dinner time.

With effort, I pushed myself up from the tangle of sweat-dampened sheets. My limbs felt like they were filled with sand, heavy and/ uncooperative. I grabbed my robe from the foot of the bed, wrapping it tightly around my shivering body despite the heat radiating

from my skin.

The knocking continued as I made my way downstairs, each step requiring concentration. When I finally reached the door and pulled it open, I found myself staring into familiar blue-gray eyes that widened at the sight of me.

“Eleanor, Derek said, his voice low and concerned. “You look terrible.

I tried to muster a withering stare but suspected the effect was somewhat diminished by my pallid complexion and the dark circles

under my eyes.

“If you came to insult me, you’ve succeeded, I said, my voice raspy from disuse. “Was there anything else?”

Derek’s gaze softened. “Olivia texted me. She said you were sick.”

Of course she did.

“If she hadn’t told me, Derek continued, studying my face, ‘would you have called me at all?

The question hung between us, loaded with more meaning than my fever-addled brain could process. I looked away, unable to hold

his gaze.

“I have the flu, Derek. Nothing serious. I leaned against the doorframe for support.

“Let me in, Eleanor. His tone left no room for argument.

“I’m contagious, I warned, making one last attempt to dissuade him.

Derek didn’t respond. Instead, he simply stepped forward, forcing me to step back or collide with his chest. In his hand, I noticed a

sleek silver thermos.

“What’s that?” I asked, nodding toward the container.

Seraphina gave me some herbal tea, he replied, pushing the door closed behind him. “Supposedly it prevents colds.”

How thoughtful of her, I muttered, unable to keep the edge from my voice despite my exhaustion.

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Chapter 171

Derek’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Why are you standing? You should be in bed.”

Before I could protest, he set the thermos down on the entryway table and stepped closer. “What are you doing?” I asked, backing

away instinctively.

‘Taking care of you,” he said simply, and in one fluid motion, he bent and swept me into his arms.

I gasped, partly from surprise and partly from the sudden contact with his solid warmth. “Derek! Put me down. You’ll get sick too.”

I never get sick.” he replied with maddening confidence, carrying me up the stairs as if I weighed nothing.

In my bedroom, he laid me gently on the bed, his hands lingering longer than necessary. I pulled the covers up to my chin, suddenly

aware of how thin my nightgown was.

“You should go,” I said weakly. “I can take care of myself.”

Derek ignored me, disappearing downstairs only to return moments later with a mug filled with steaming liquid from the thermos.

“Drink this,” he instructed, sitting on the edge of my bed. “It smells terrible but it might help.

I eyed the murky brew suspiciously. “What’s in it?”

‘I didn’t ask for the recipe, Derek said with a slight smile. “But knowing Seraphina, it’s probably some rare herb imported from

Tibet or harvested under a full moon.”

Despite myself, I smiled at his teasing tone. I accepted the mug and took a tentative sip, immediately grimacing at the bitter taste.

“It’s awful, I complained, but continued drinking under Derek’s watchful gaze.

When I finished, he took the empty mug and set it aside. “Get some rest now. I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

I wanted to argue, to insist he leave, but my eyelids were already growing heavy. The last thing I remembered before drifting off was

the gentle pressure of Derek’s hand brushing hair from my forehead, and the surprising tenderness in his touch.

I woke to the sound of voices downstairs-Derek’s deep timbre and another male voice I recognized as Alan’s, his assistant. Curious

and feeling marginally better, I wrapped my robe around myself and padded quietly to the top of the stairs.

…need you to reschedule tomorrow’s meetings, Derek was saying. I’ll come into the Boston office for a few hours in the afternoon

to sign those contracts, but that’s it.”

“Of course, sir, Alan replied. “I’ve brought the files you requested, your laptop, and a change of clothes.”

Keep your voice down, Derek admonished. I don’t want to wake her.”

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Chapter 171

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I leaned against the wall, processing this information. Derek was rearranging his schedule to stay with me? The thought sent an

unwelcome flutter through my chest.

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Chapter 171

I leaned against the wall, processing this information. Derek was rearranging his schedule to stay with me? The thought sent an

unwelcome flutter through my chest.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love