As Nancy nuzzled against him, Jacobâs body went rigid He glanced down, suppressing a surge of unfamiliar emotions, and gently tapped her forehead with his long, graceful fingers.
âNo biting. Sit still, and Iâll take you home,â he reprimanded.
âIf you wonât let me bite, Iâm not going home with you. Nancy pouted in defiance and turned to dash out of the car, but her drunken state got the better of her. She wobbled after just one step and nearly fell flat on the pavement.
âWatch it.â Jacobâs reflexes kicked in as he caught her, pulling her back firmly. His tone was low and commanding as he said, âSit tight and stop messing around.â
âDonât tell me what to do. Let go of me.â Though completely intoxicated, Nancy fought against him with surprising force.
âYouâre asking for trouble-â
Before Jacob could finish, Nancy sank her teeth into his hand.
Jacob hissed in pain, instinctively letting go. Nancy seized the opportunity, jumping out of the car and tossing him a smug look as if daring him to try and stop her.
Jacobâs patience thinned as his dark eyes narrowed dangerously. Not only was she acting up, but now she was outright challenging him. She was courting punishment.
As Nancy staggered toward Royal Pavilion, Jacob extended his arm and swiftly pulled her back into his hold.
âLet go of me.â
Seeing Nancy still struggling restlessly, Jacobâs gaze darkened. Without a second thought, he swatted her lightly on the butt. It wasnât hard, but the embarrassment it stirred was unmistakable.
Nancyâs dazed eyes locked onto his, brimming with hurt. âYou⦠you hit me,â she said pitifully.
Hearing her frail protest, Jacob snapped back to reality. His brows furrowed tightly as surprise and regret flickered in his eyes.
This wasnât how an older man should act toward a younger lady.
A deep flush spread across Jacobâs ears. For the first time, he found himself at a loss. He was unsure why heâd acted so out of line.
âIâm sorryâ¦â
11 âEven my mom and dad never hit me, but you did.â Nancyâs voice cracked, tears welling up as she sobbed softly.
Jacobâs flush deepened as he scrambled to console her. âNance, itâs my fault. When you sober up, you can punish me however you want, okay?â
After much coaxing, Nancy finally drifted off to sleep, her breathing even and calm. Jacobâs eyes were a stormy abyss as he took off his goldârimmed glasses and rubbed his brow.
A rare hint of confusion clouded his handsome features. What on earth was wrong with him?
Back at Murray Manor, Wilson blocked Adamâs path as he tried to take Yvette back inside.
Adam clicked his tongue impatiently. âYouâve got ten minutes, no more. Itâs late, and Yvie needs her rest.â
âOkay, Adam.â Wilson smiled obediently.
Adam didnât bother with further argument and simply turned away, striding back into the house.
Inside, he immediately bumped into Sean and Ashton.
âAdam, whatâs up with you? How could you leave Yvie alone with that old lecher?â