No smell here. I didn't take off my jacket back in the chamber."

Raegan awkwardly looked away, criticizing, “Have you no dignity?"

“Well, it seems I don't have such a thing in your presence." Mitchel placed his hand on the back of her seat, subtly enclosing her, his tone deep. "Does this bother you?"

Feeling her ears heat up and frustrated, Raegan replied, “I'm not interested in someone who's been with others. It's repulsive."

Mitchel faced her, lifting his hand as though taking an oath. "I assure you, I haven't been with any other woman. You can ask Matteo.

I never let any other woman beyond you get close to me. My only mistake was sharing the same air with them."

Matteo, keeping his eyes on the road, confirmed, "Yes, Mr. Dixon is disciplined. He didn't let other women make advances."

Feeling her face warm up, Raegan pushed Mitchel's hand away, her Lips parting to speak, yet she hesitated, aware of Matteo's presence. She then turned her gaze outside, watching the world beyond the car window.

Mitchel sensed her shyness and chose not to tease her further, maintaining a respectful distance, a mark of his consideration.

When they arrived at their stop, Matteo tactfully exited the vehicle to give them some privacy.

Raegan reached for the door, attempting to leave, but found her movement halted by Mitchel's arm pressing down on the door handle.

“Raegan..." Mitchel's action created a protective gesture as if he was encircling her, his cool breath surrounding her. "I regret letting jealousy get the better part of me. I grasped I should have trusted you more and not let my temper flare just because I see you with another man. I'm committed to making amends, though I've struggled to change in the past. My self-control isn't perfect, but I vow to make a genuine effort to improve..."

His sincere apology and the softness in his voice were new to Raegan, It was a surprise to see the usually confident and somewhat arrogant Mitchel display such openness and vulnerability.

Mitchel then gently lifted his arm from the door, drawing Raegan into his embrace.

In a soft tone, he added, "Just as you're uneasy about the woman in the chamber, I face my own insecurities. Henley knew you from school, and Stefan was by your side for the past five years. Those were the days I was absent from your life. That's why I'm jealous. Do you see where I'm coming from?"

Raegan's posture tensed up. This vulnerability was a side of Mitchel she hadn't seen before. His displays of jealousy, it seemed, had deeper roots. Despite being wounded by his past actions, her heart softened at his downcast expression.

Mitchel, interpreting her silence as ongoing displeasure, promised, “From now on, I'll consult with you about everything, no more jumping to conclusions. I'll work on curbing my jealousy, alright?"

He didn't promise to eliminate his jealousy entirely. He knew that was too much to ask of himself. His sense of possessiveness was just too ingrained.

Raegan, who had been quite upset, felt her anger ebbing away. Her tone mellowed. "I prepared quite a few dishes tonight."

Mitchel's face lit up with hope. "I apologize. I'll eat them now."