Instinctively, Nicole shied away from his touch.

Jarrod scoffed at her reaction. “Consider yourself lucky. There are plenty of women who want to get laid with me."

Jarrod demanded her attention, his tone laced with dissatisfaction.

"You ought to be grateful I have sex with you. Do you get that?"

Confidence in this regard was not foreign to Jarrod. Beyond his allure, he prided himself on his prowess.

The condition was his willingness to be gentle.

Amongst the women in Ardlens he was willing to be gentle, Nicole stood out in her reluctance, a stark contrast to Jamie.

Unimpressed, Nicole replied icily, "The water's getting cold."

Her retort cut through Jarrod's words.

Although he was in a foul mood, he nonetheless wrapped her in a towel and carried her to the bed.

Exhausted, Nicole lay there silently. She thought Jarrod wouldn't spend the night here because of his wedding tomorrow.

Tormented by an excruciating stomachache, Nicole desperately needed rest. However, her attempt to close her eyes was thwarted by the sharp pain.

Half-asleep, she heard the door open and assumed Jarrod had left.

Later, she was roused by the sound of Jarrod returning with water and medicine, urging her to take the pills.

Burrowed in the quilt, Nicole's muffled voice rejected the offer, "I don't want it."

The painkiller she relied on was specific to her condition. Any other medicine needed a doctor's approval.

Undeterred, Jarrod insisted, pulling her up. “Take it before you sleep."

"I don't want it," Nicole repeated, shaking her head.

Ignoring her protests, Jarrod forced the pills into her mouth, causing them to get lodged in her throat.

“Ewww..." Nicole gagged, on the verge of vomiting. Jarrod quickly offered water, but she refused. Left with no choice, he held her chin, attempting to pour the water into her mouth, inadvertently soaking her clothes.