Eden Sinclair takes a live-in tutoring position at the esteemed Laurent estate expecting a summer filled with academic work and strict discipline. She expected tutoring duties and discipline but not Gabriel Laurent-the irresistible yet forbidden son of her employer. Their duty binds them while desire divides them and a perilous secret confines them as Eden and Gabriel face the choice of whether love justifies breaking every known rule. One stolen touch. One whispered promise. They are convinced their love is forbidden forever... but maybe there's hope yet.
Chapter 1 The Arrival
The wrought-iron gates of Belmont Manor towered tall and imposing above the dusky sky. Eden Sinclair held the steering wheel tightly when she carefully guided her vehicle through the entrance while a nervous beat pounded against her throat. The beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded the lengthy driveway which represented an exclusive world of affluence she did not belong to.
She inhaled deeply. It's just a summer job. For a few months she would tutor students and her salary would support her graduate studies before she would leave. No complications. No entanglements.
Upon seeing the estate she recognized that simplicity would never find a place here.
The mansion presented a stunning view combining French architectural design with ivy-covered stone walls and windows reaching skyward while balconies glowed with the warm light of candles. The estate remained untouched and preserved as if time had stopped there.
Eden parked her car and exited with her navy dress smoothed, realizing her plain appearance against the extravagant surroundings. As soon as she tapped on the heavy front doors they opened to show a woman with keen, evaluative eyes.
"Welcome Miss Sinclair," the woman introduced herself as Colette the housekeeper. Mr. Laurent is waiting."
Eden entered behind Colette with the sound of her heels tapping on the marble floors. The scent of fresh roses mixed with deeper aromas of aged wood and old money filled the air.
The grand staircases and golden chandeliers did not disturb her as they moved through the luxurious space. It was the silence.
Colette directed Eden to follow her into the study.
Victor Laurent occupied the space behind his mahogany desk with a silent authority that filled the room. Victor Laurent displayed salt-and-pepper hair along with his tailored suit and icy gray eyes that took in her appearance without delay.
He observed with a smooth voice that she seemed younger than he had presumed.
Eden reassured Vincent that she possessed the necessary qualifications while maintaining her composed voice.
With steepled fingers Victor leaned back and stated, "I don't doubt that." Discretion holds equal importance to intelligence in this place. My daughter is... difficult. My daughter presents challenges; therefore you must handle her tasks without creating unnecessary distractions.
A warning. One she understood immediately.
Eden stated her purpose to tutor Isabelle and nothing more.
With a nod of approval Victor instructed Colette to show Eden to her room.
As Eden moved toward the exit she sensed someone watching her from the hallway.
The slow sensation of prickling up her spine prompted her to look right where she saw him.
Gabriel Laurent.
He kept his watch from the hallway's end while his shoulder rested against the wall.
The air between them shifted.
His tall stature combined with his effortless poise made the dim lighting create shadows that emphasized the sharp angles of his face. Dark hair tousled about his head, sleeves rolled to his forearms, and his top button undone made him look as if he had just left a gala without caring to appear groomed.
His gaze lingered, intense, unreadable.
As heat spread across her face, Eden struggled to swallow.
She attempted to break eye contact and walk away yet she sensed his presence as a soft whisper against her skin.
She'd spent less than sixty minutes in this place. And already, she could sense the danger.
---
During the night Eden remained seated at her bedroom desk while she directed her attention to her open laptop in an effort to concentrate.
They assigned her a room in the west wing which was opulent yet secluded. Antique paintings covered the walls while silk sheets draped the bed. This place appeared inviting but felt like an opulent prison instead.
The words exchanged with Victor Laurent reverberated in her thoughts. No unnecessary distractions.
A polite way of saying: Stay away from Gabriel.
Not that she needed the warning.
Her past included encounters with arrogant and entitled men who treated other people's hearts carelessly. His natural ability to disorient a woman existed before she even knew her own heart was lost.
Eden possessed enough wisdom to avoid becoming that woman.
The silence broke when someone knocked on the door.
She stood, crossing the room. She wasn't expecting his presence when she opened the door.
Gabriel.
His voice carried a subtle amusement when he asked if he disturbed you.
Eden's pulse kicked. "It's not that late."
He nodded slightly before looking back at her. "I wanted to formally welcome you."
She hesitated. "Your father already did."
Gabriel smirked. "My father doesn't 'welcome' anyone. He tolerates them."
Eden couldn't argue with that.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence stretched, thick with something unspoken.
The doorway opened as Gabriel stepped in and his presence filled the space instantly before he asked Miss Sinclair if she planned to survive at Belmont Manor or uncover its secrets.
A shiver ran through her.
She repeated her earlier statement by saying "I'm here to tutor Isabelle."
Gabriel's smile expanded because he appeared to understand the falsehood she had yet to reveal.
With a nod he retreated and said, "Good night, Miss Sinclair."
And then he was gone.
Eden closed the door and let out a slow breath while pressing her hand against the wooden surface.
It had only been their first meeting.
From their first encounter Eden understood that Gabriel Laurent represented her most significant error.
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