Jarrod's grip on her chin was firm, effectively silencing her. “You want me to leave?" His voice was icy and threatening. “Then what?"

"Then.." Her head pounding, Nicole mumbled, "Just.. I don't want you.. Leave.. Get lost!"

"Whom do you want to get lost?" Jarrod's eyes were cold and piercing.

Despite her disoriented state, Nicole seemed surprisingly lucid.

"You, Jarrod Schultz... You bastard.. Go away!"

If not for Nicole's slurred speech, Jarrod might have believed she was entirely sober. She pronounced his name with startling clarity.

“Only you..." Jarrod's grip on her chin tightened, his voice cold and firm. “Only you dare to speak to me like this.”

Every woman who approached Jarrod typically did so with either flattery or fear. Nicole, however, always seemed to challenge him.

Despite moments of clarity, Nicole was evidently not fully sober. She stammered, "Go away.. Go.. Go..""

Jarrod's expression darkened with irritation. "You want me to leave? Then you go find one of those male escorts to resolve your condition?"

Nicole nodded and shook her head erratically, her words and actions beyond her control.

"Just not you.. Devil.. Bad man!"

Jarrod's tone grew icy. “If I were truly the bad man you claim, do you think you'd still be here?"

Those who crossed Jarrod tended to vanish, yet here Nicole was, boldly provoking him. He had no patience for a futile argument with an incoherent woman outside the club.

“Get in the car!" Jarrod ordered sharply.

Nicole resisted, struggling against his hold.

Losing his patience, Jarrod hoisted her over his shoulder.

"Ah. Let go of me... You bastard." Nicole's attempts to fight off his grip were feeble, barely registering.

Silently, Jarrod placed her in the back seat of the car, following her in and securing her hands behind her back with his tie.

"Mmm.."" Nicole's protests resisted.