Nicole was shocked and then quickly became angry with Jarrod. "Jarrod, are you even human?" Jarrod had the audacity to suggest having sex right here, with the car door still open. That was insane!

Jarrod fought to keep his desires in check, considering Nicole's health and deciding to hold back. “I'll spare you today, but once you're healed, you'll make up for it, right?"

Nicole wished she could just ignore him. He was definitely losing it.

Jarrod made his way back to the driver's seat and calmly started the engine.

Jarrod was visibly relaxed. He assumed Nicole's failed attempt to bring him down wasn't a complete bad thing. The suffering he had endured in the prison, coupled with the injuries Nicole had caused him, seemed to lessen his sense of guilt toward her. He had already retaliated, and now he felt they were ready to move on and start anew.

The car finally pulled up to Nicole's apartment, and Jarrod insisted on walking her to her door.

Nicole looked at him cautiously, worried that he might still have intentions to get laid with her, and said softly, "You can come to the doorstep but not inside."

Jarrod chuckled at her unexpectedly shy gesture and replied with a cough, “I've been up for several nights. I'm too tired for anything else."

“Who would believe that!" Nicole retorted as she stepped into the elevator. Jarrod's desire was too apparent moments ago.

Jarrod stopped in his tracks and then followed her, his grin growing wider. Since Nicole's return, he hadn't laughed this much, yet his mistrustful side remained. He questioned, “Nicole, are you up to something?"

Nicole averted her gaze, her face a mask of sarcasm, and responded, "You already suspect me. Even if I say no, would you believe it?”

Jarrod didn't reply but posed another question. “Can I trust you?"

The silence stretched between them, and Jarrod's dark eyes deepened as he repeated, "Can I trust you, Nicole?"

“Jarrod, the biggest mistake of my life was meeting you. Now that my parents are gone and my reputation ruined, do you really think I can say I don't hate you?"

Jarrod watched Nicole silently, not surprised by her answer.

Nicole gave a bitter smile. "I'm limited in what I can do since I can't stand against you. I don't even know how long I have left to live. I can't fight anymore, and I give up. From now on, you can do whatever you want with me. Is that okay?"

Her voice was hollow and weak, and her pale face made her seem even more exhausted, as if even her breath was strained.

In an instant, Jarrod's doubts disappeared.

Nicole's voice was low as she added faintly, "I've said my piece. Whether you believe it or not is up to you."

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open.