A shiver coursed through Nicole. Even if the elevator came to a stop, cameras were still watching. She gripped Jarrod's arm tightly, her face pale and cold. “How dare you!"

Jarrod laughed even harder, his laughter taking on a mischievous tone.

He lowered his head, gently pressing his forehead against hers in a teasing manner. "Nicole, have you forgotten who I am?"

He tilted his head slightly, a playful smirk on his face. "If it's something I desire, there's no barrier I wouldn't cross."

While talking, his hand continued to explore, moving further without hesitation. He seemed unwavering in his intentions.

Nicole's body tensed from the tingling sensation, her anger boiling to the point where she could only respond with laughter. Then, she reached out her slim fingers and pinched his chin. “I said no, Jarrod. Are you going to make me?"

Jarrod's deep, dark eyes met Nicole's bright blue ones. Noticing the disdain and chill in her gaze, he hesitated for a brief moment.

She gently tapped his cheek. "Try anything, and I won't hesitate to call the cops on you."

Just when Nicole was sure he would argue, he surprisingly chose to withdraw. His voice was even. “You think you're clever, playing games with me."

It was a declaration, not a question.

Nicole gazed up at Jarrod, her lips curling into a taunting smile.

“And what if I am? Maybe it's time you stopped playing games too."

"I'm in," Jarrod said, gripping her wrist, his voice deep and resonant. "I'll play your game, but you're not to play with anyone else."

Nicole let out a scoff. "Jarrod, who I spend my time with and how I spend it is up to me. Do you really believe you have any say in that?"

Jarrod's heart skipped a beat. He knew all too well that his past behavior gave him no grounds to ask anything of her. Yet, despite this realization, he found himself unable to let go.

He looked at her, his voice gentle. "Nicole, I understand what's going through your mind. You despise me and seek retribution. I have my boundaries. Please don't push me too far. You're free to handle me however you see fit."

Nicole simply chuckled. "How am I supposed to know where your limits are if I don't test them a bit? Do you really think a person who's faced death would fear your so-called bottom-line boundaries?"

Nicole's brazen and arrogant demeanor left Jarrod feeling powerless to retaliate. Unable to bite back, he clenched his molars and vehemently uttered, “Alright, Nicole. Have it your way."

Nicole gave a small smile. "I appreciate the acknowledgment."

The atmosphere in the elevator grew tense. She began to feel uneasy, her face turning a shade lighter. “Could you please release me now?"