In a tone laced with dread, he uttered, âDonât die.
Find another way to punish meâ¦â
His deep voice trembled noticeably, exposing an undercurrent of fear.
His moist eyes fortunately remained hidden behind a veil of water, concealing his emotions.
With her face covered, Nicole couldnât discern Jarrodâs expression, but she sensed the fear emanating from the trembling body that held her.
What was Jarrod afraid of?
As Nicoleâs head weighed heavy, she wondered if her judgment was flawed.
After all, what could a man like Jarrod possibly be afraid of?
Nicole felt suffocated, on the verge of running out of air.
She was in agony, and the tight embrace she was in intensified her already desperate yearning.
âMmmâ¦â A faint sound escaped her lips as she struggled to gasp for air.
Finally, as if breaking out of a trance, Jarrod released her head.
âDo you think I want to die? I wouldnât consider killing myself even if you died!â Nicole scolded harshly, shaking off his hand.
âDonât touch me!â
Nicole ensured her earpiece was intact, relieved it hadnât plunged into the water.
Otherwise, all her efforts would have been in vain.
Nicoleâs body emanated an uncontrollable heat, juxtaposed with Jarrodâs presence that simultaneously seared her heart and provided a comforting coolness.
Struggling to maintain composure, Nicole coldly commanded, âStep aside!â
Despite her directive, Jarrod seized her once more.
âRemember your wordsâ¦â
Easily irritable because of the doctored drink, Nicole shot a disbelieving look at him.
âGet lost!â
Jarrod, unfazed, showed no sign of anger.
Beneath the night sky, his chiseled profile remained sharp and clear, and his eyes were deep and mysterious.
Turning pale, he uttered, âIf I die one day, live well.
â
At that moment, Nicole glimpsed a myriad of emotions in his eyes.
Reluctance, unwillingness, desire⦠But almost immediately, she dismissed the notion, convinced her mind was addled today.
How could someone as cold and heartless as Jarrod harbor such complex feelings?
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With a weak smile, Nicole assured him, âDonât worry.
Not only will I live well, but Iâll also celebrate your death with fireworks.
â
Jarrodâs eyes deepened, a self-mocking smile gracing his lips.
Ignoring Nicoleâs resistance, he forcefully hoisted her over his shoulder.
Panic surged through Nicole, her fists pounding on his back as she gritted her teeth.
âPut me down!â
As if deaf to her pleas, Jarrod continued to wade effortlessly through the deep end of the pool.
Her heavy eyelids and aching body compelled Nicole to cease her struggle.
Instead, she conserved energy by lying on his shoulder Like a docile cat.