“Jarrod, isn't Jamie enough for you? Can't you wait until you're recovered from your illness?"

Jarrod chuckled mockingly.

"Isn't this what you deserve? I wouldn't treat Jamie this way. I cherish her."

His words stung, as if belittling her as a mere plaything to be used by men.

Shame washed over Nicole, her lip caught between her teeth until it reddened.

Jarrod, unbothered, cradled the back of her head with his hand, his eyes intense. He spoke softly yet firmly.

“Whether your father ends up in prison will depend entirely on my mood."

He assumed Nicole lied to him again, his fury growing.

He had almost forgotten the venom beneath her beautiful exterior.

In his mind, Nicole deemed men to be just pawns for her schemes. He loathed himself for almost falling into her trap.

She was never honest, always calculating and duplicitous.

But he couldn't let her go, using force to keep her close. He convinced himself this was his way of revenge since she once played with his feelings. He wanted to make her suffer slowly.

Nicole shivered, her eyelashes fluttering. She shut her eyes, refusing to show her tears.

Jarrod watched her, then ordered coldly, “Open your eyes!"

With reluctance, Nicole opened her eyes, and the glisten in her eyes dimmed.

Jarrod grasped her hair, yanking her head back to meet his gaze, a Malicious smirk on his lips.

“Take a good look. Who are you providing service to?"

A sickly flush colored Nicole's face as her hatred surfaced. It excited him further, boiling his blood.

Jarrod assumed Nicole once toyed with his feelings and caused him pain. But here she was. She was now at his mercy, bringing him a feeling more thrilling than the sexual intercourse itself.

The effect on his mind and body drove Jarrod to a height of exhilaration.