Nicole, however, continued to resist, writhing despite her restrained wrists.

The housekeeper hesitated to apply too much force, wary of causing harm, and appeared rather helpless in the situation.

Finally, Jarrod took control, firmly holding Nicole down. "Give her the injection," he instructed the doctor.

Once the sedative was administered, Nicole's demeanor softened significantly, becoming as docile as a timid deer.

Jarrod then directed the housekeeper to take Nicole for a bath while he went upstairs to cleanse himself.

In his room, Jarrod removed his soiled clothes and stepped into the shower, naked.

As the water washed over Jarrod, he felt a sharp sting on his lip.

Touching it, he remembered Nicole had bitten him during their intense kiss. The incident stirred thoughts he typically suppressed.

Jarrod was not devoid of desire, but he generally chose to control it. The overt advances from women rarely interested him. Often, they even repelled him.

Publicly, Jarrod acknowledged only Vicki, yet their relationship had not progressed beyond platonic interactions.

Vicki had made advances, but Jarrod had maintained his boundaries, clear about his disinterest in deepening their physical connection.

If they were to marry, Jarrod expected Vicki to embrace a celibate life. She had already consented to not have children. Imposing further would be unfair.

Thus, Jarrod had Alec subtly introduce the notion of a vasectomy as a litmus test for Vicki. If she accepted, all would proceed. If not, it would simplify his decisions.

Despite rumors, Jarrod knew his disinterest wasn't due to work stress but something more personal. His desires only emerged in solitude, always fixated on one particular woman, Nicole.

Nicole's recent kiss with Jarrod had unexpectedly reawakened his dormant longings. Annoyed with himself, he turned on the cold water, hoping to quell the heat within.

Feeling somewhat composed after his cold shower, Jarrod donned a silk robe. Leaving his hair damp, he exited his room. He encountered the housekeeper in the hallway, carrying a hairdryer likely intended for Nicole.

Jarrod extended his hand, his voice low and firm. "Give it to me."

In the room, Nicole lay on the bed.

Her damp hair, still wet from the bath, framed her face. She wore a silk nightgown that the housekeeper had helped her into. The neckline was slightly loose, threatening to reveal more with any small movement.

Jarrod approached with a hairdryer in hand and began to gently dry her hair.