Perhaps this was another ploy from her. He wasn't falling for it, not one bit!

Jarrod gripped her shoulder harder.

“Don't try to trick me with this, Nicole. Do you think I'm still the old Jarrod who would listen to you?"

Nicole sneered.

"The Jarrod I knew is gone. Now, all that is left is a demon."

Nicole's laughter was hysterical, pain clenching her stomach.

Jarrod's irritation grew. He tightened his hold on her waist, Lifting her onto the coffee table. His voice was icy.

"You still have the audacity to defy me!"

Nicole, powerless, stared at him with loathing.

“Jarrod, you're nothing but a cruel beast!"

Jarrod's sneer was icy.

"Isn't this what you wanted? When I was unconscious, you were busily involved with other men, weren't you? I got to satisfy your needs.”

Nicole's words faltered, realizing arguing with him was futile.

Jarrod, now more demon than man, eyed Nicole's neck. He leaned down, his tongue finding her pulsing artery, sucking on it ruthlessly.

Nicole gasped, her body shaking, tears streaming down her cheeks.

That was her artery, a vulnerable spot where a bit more force could be fatal.

Jarrod loomed over her, his whisper sinister.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure you'll never want another man."

His hand moved beneath, feeling her warmth.

In moments like this, he was reminded she was alive.