Rendered utterly speechless by his audacity, Nicole decided further debate was pointless. As she got up to leave, he caught her wrist again. Her face flushed with fury, she asked angrily, “What more do you want?"

Jarrod's reminder was almost casual, saying, “Just remember not to cross my lines, alright?"

This was his second warning.

Bottom line? Absurd. Nicole scrutinized Jarrod's expression but didn't detect any signs of him realizing anything.

Masking her true feelings, Nicole retorted sarcastically, "Jarrod, do you even know what a line is?"

Jarrod released her, offering a slight smile, and said, "I don't intend to harm you."

This was the essence of Jarrod, stripped of any guise. A madman who would go to any Length to fulfill his desires.

Tears welled up in Nicole's eyes as she silently regarded him, and said, "Jarrod, spare me your justifications. Whenever you say that, it's just an excuse to manipulate me through hurting me. I won't let you have that satisfaction!"

Jarrod arched an eyebrow, seemingly unaffected by Nicole's insight into his true intentions. "Just keep in mind, we're in this together, for better or worse."

Nicole felt disgust wash over her, her entire body breaking out in goosebumps. She couldn't wait to get away from him, wanting to Leave that very instant!

"Be back tonight," Jarrod declared in an even tone.

"What do you mean by that?" Nicole asked, confused.

"You'll need to look after me during the nights until I'm fully recovered," Jarrod explained, offering a slight smile. "I apologize for not making it clear earlier. That kiss was merely a down payment for your daytime absence."

"How dare you!" Nicole clenched her teeth in fury.

Jarrod's face remained stoic as he mockingly retorted, “You pride yourself on being morally superior, so according to the morals of the righteous, isn't it expected to care for someone you've injured?"

Nicole responded with a cold laugh, “That depends on whether the injured party is a human or a monster!"

Jarrod's patience started to fray, his tone becoming menacing, saying, “You seem reluctant to leave."

"I'm eager to leave!" Nicole was aware he wouldn't release her without a fuss, but any time away from him felt like a reprieve.

She eyed him cautiously, worried he might retract his statement, and said, “Reneging on your promise isn't the mark of a true man."

Jarrod appeared amused by her comment, and his mood seemed to Lighten.