This closeness, this charged moment, was beyond Nicoleâs wildest scenarios.
The Roscoe she knew, once easily flushed with embarrassment, had matured.
His proximity sent a flutter through her lashes, a reflex she couldnât still.
But then, Roscoeâs advance halted.
He redirected the momentâs intensity into a soft caress on her cheek.
His voice, barely above a whisper, carried a weight.
âNicole, this is a game to you.
Enough.
â
He released her and departed, his departure as swift as a shadow fleeing the dawn.
Roscoe remained in his car outside, succumbing to exhaustion only in the deepest hours of night.
And when the first light crept across the horizon, Nicoleâs eyes opened.
Drawing the curtains aside, she caught sight of Roscoe, finding a makeshift refuge in his car, a silent sentinel in slumber.
Nicole readied herself for the day, her mind on the documents she had left upstairs.
With her plans set, she descended the stairs and gave a passing glance to the car, a silent testament to the nightâs turmoil.
Resolved to face what lay ahead without dragging others into the fray, Nicole made her way first to her residence and then to the company.
Stepping out of her car, her path was abruptly blocked.
Lifting her gaze, she met Alecâs stern countenance.
âWhat is it?â Nicole inquired, a trace of concern threading her voice.
Without a word, Alec signaled.
Swiftly, bodyguards closed in, pinning Nicoleâs arms in a firm grip.
Alec, seizing the moment, slid into her car, rifling through her possessions.
He emerged with a sealed envelope in hand, the sight of which darkened Nicoleâs expression with anger and dread.
She lunged for the envelope, but Alec was resolute.
âMiss Lawrence, youâre coming with us,â Alec commanded, and there was no room for argument in his tone.
Nicole was taken to a hospital room.
Jarrod was not dressed in a hospital gown.
Instead, he was wearing a gray casual suit with a black t-shirt underneath.
He had paired this with a silver watch, giving him a particularly young and handsome appearance.
Alec respectfully gave the encrypted file to Jarrod before quietly exiting the room, locking the door behind him.
Nicole didnât even think about trying to escape.
She knew that no matter which corner of Ardlens she hid in, Jarrod had the resources to find her.
Jarrod sauntered over to Nicole.
His V-necked t-shirt revealed his collarbone, making him look seductive and dangerous at the same time.
His eyes glinted with a hint of desire.
âWhere were you last night?â
Nicole didnât answer, prompting Jarrod to step closer.
With an icy expression, he demanded, âWere you with another man?â
Nicole still didnât reply.
âAre you going to remain silent?â Jarrod raised one eyebrow and extended his slender fingers, muttering, âLet me check.
â