Upon reaching the villa, Nicole attempted to exit the car, but Jarrod clasped her wrist firmly.
Jarrodâs profound gaze locked onto hers, his expression inscrutable.
âI released you from your obligation, and you wonât assist me?â
Nicole felt both bewildered and cautious.
âAssist you in what way? Surely not here, in the carâ¦â
âNo,â Jarrod replied, shaking his head.
âShield me for a while.
â
Before Nicole could comprehend, Jarrod exited the car.
Then, ensuring no onlookers were present, he effortlessly scooped her into his arms.
She nestled into his embrace, his jacket enveloping her, conveniently concealing his erection.
This⦠This surprisingly worked.
Nicole resolved to comply.
She had myriad tasks ahead and sought to avoid needlessly antagonizing him.
Jarrod transported her into the house and gently placed her onto the bed.
Nicole alighted with a gentle thud, sinking into the sumptuous mattress.
âWhat is the meaning of this?â she exclaimed, taken aback.
Jarrod leaned closer.
âAdvancing the previous activities.
â
Nicole resisted, her voice strained.
âYou promised you wouldnât do this.
â
Jarrod murmured against her neck , his voice muffled, âI said not in the car.
I never mentioned avoiding it at home,â His voice had turned hoarse.
And then, all words dissipated in the rhythm of the bed.
Exhausted, Nicole drifted into immediate sleep.
Jarrod cradled her tenderly as he attended to her, ensuring her comfort in bed.
Nicole was undeniably fatigued.
Today, returning Vicki to where she belonged had granted Nicole some solace.
The emotional strain, coupled with Jarrodâs desire in her, had completely depleted Nicole.
Jarrod tenderly brushed Nicoleâs hair aside and whispered, âFeel free to rely on me as much as you need, as long as youâre content.
â
Nicole slept until the following day dawned.
At some juncture, she vaguely sensed a maid rousing her for a meal, yet she scarcely indulged before drifting back into sleep.
The next day, the insistent ringing of the telephone finally stirred her.
âHelloâ¦â she murmured, her voice raspy.
âMiss Lawrence, this is Ethel.
â It was Ethelâs crisp voice emanating from the other end.
âOh, Ethel,â
Nicole muttered.
She had saved Ethelâs number but lacked the clarity to check the screen.