Chapter 446
Chapter 446
Nicole was tempted to throttle Jarrod, but she took a deep breath to fight back the urge. She grabbed a towel and wrapped it around him from behind.
But as she did, her fingers accidentally brushed against his skin. She felt his tense and tight muscles were as hot as a kiln.
Nicole ensured Jarrod was covered before she looked at him and said softly, "Go ahead. You're ready."
Jarrod glanced at her before stepping into the non-slip mat and easing into the bathtub. When he first submerged himself in the water, he felt like countless sharp needles pricked his skin.
Nicole squatted beside him, pressed his shoulder, and said solicitously, "Submerge your whole body. The water's temperature is just right. The doctor said a hot soak is good for you."
Jarrod's brows furrowed tightly. The water's temperature was just right? Damn! It was even too far from warm. It w actually almost scalding. The bathtub was filled to the brim with almost boiling water. There was not a single drop cold water mixed into it. Nicole must do it on purpose.
When Nicole saw Jarrod's efforts of suppressing his anger, she relished her moment of victory. She won this round. "Is something wrong? Are you not satisfied with the bathtub I prepared for you?" she asked in a voice dripping with sarcasm.
Teasing was a backhanded compliment, and Nicole had a gift for dishing it out. She threw Jarrod's words right back at him, leaving him dumbstruck.
Actually, Nicole didn't mix it with cold water because Jarrod was still on the road to recovery. If he soaked in cool water, his condition would only worsen. The cool water might only hinder his recovery, and she'd be stuck nursing him. It would only make her plans harder to pull off.
But she was unwilling to assist him in taking a bath, so she decided to give him a little dose of his own medicine. Anyway, it wouldn't cause him any serious harm. It would only make him feel distressed for a while. After all, how much damage could a little bit of heat truly inflict?
The heat in the large bathtub dissipated quickly, as well as their time to talk. At this moment, the water's temperature had already cooled down to only one hundred and eighty degrees Fahrenheit.
Jarrod endured it. He lay there with his eyes closed, not saying anything. His whole body had turned rosy red from the heat, but he never complained.
"Are you kidding? You personally prepared this bath for me. How can I not be satisfied?" Jarrod's voice was calm, but he was obviously enduring. His wound had a fresh scab, and it became itchy when exposed to hot water. The discomfort made him want to scratch it and tear his limb apart.
In a fit of pique, Jarrod reached out his lanky arm and yanked Nicole, who was watching the proceedings with glee, into the bathtub.
"Ah!" Nicole screamed in shock.
The water in the bathtub overflowed from the impact, drenching the floor.
"Jarrod, you bastard!" Nicole roared furiously, her entire body soaked to the bone.
Fortunately, the water had already cooled down a bit. The heat was tolerable.
Nicole wriggled, attempting to sit up, but was yanked down and settled onto Jarrod's lap, his arms snaking around her from the back.
Nicole was so angry that she trembled all over. She grabbed the rim of the bathtub, desperately trying to stand up. Jarrod just tightened his grasp, pinning her firmly in place. Then, he leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "Didn't you need to assist me in bathing? Just relax, okay? I promise not to behave like a bastard."
His touch made Nicole's muscles stiffen.NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.
It took her a while to react. She said through clenched teeth, "You jerk!"
But Jarrod just ignored her. The treasure he had longed for was now in his grasp. How could he not be pleased? A contented smile crept across his face. "Whatever you want me to be, I'll be."
For a moment, Nicole's breath caught in her throat. Jarrod's touch sent shivers down her spine. She felt like countless snakes crawled on her body. It gave her goosebumps.
The steam from the bathtub billowed around the bathroom. Since Nicole was drenched, her nightgown clung to her body, outlining her delicate and perfect curves.
Such an alluring sight caught Jarrod's eyes, and he found it extremely attractive. Instantly, a burning sensation overwhelmed his lower abdomen.
Nicole's brow furrowed with anger, her voice tinged with disgust as she demanded, "Let me go, you shameless bastard!"
But Jarrod refused to let her go. He fixed his eyes on her. Unfortunately, he couldn't vent his desire on her, so he could only endure it. He said hoarsely, "Bathe me properly, and I promise not to touch you."
Nicole was seething with anger, knowing she could no longer hurt him like before. Besides, his punishment was severe. No matter how hard she endured it, her efforts would be in vain once he became alert.
Nicole was left with no choice. She reluctantly grabbed a towel and snapped, "Fine! I'll bathe you."
Jarrod responded with a satisfied grin. He let go of Nicole, held the rim of the bathtub, and leaned back, enjoying
ministrations.
When Nicole had to lather his hair, she could only face him because her posture was inconvenient.
Jarrod kept his eyes shut, saving her from his piercing stare.
Although Jarrod's face was cold, he was still as handsome as ever. Every part of his facial features was chiseled and sharp. They were so perfect that they were difficult to ignore. But what good was a handsome face if he was a beast? He was a perfect example of the old saying. "A human's heart is inherently wicked."
Jarrod was so selfish that he imposed his dark thoughts on Nicole. If Nicole obeyed, he'd toss her a bone like she was a trained pet. If she resisted, he would lock her in a cage and torment her until she yielded.
After living abroad for three years, Jarrod's last shred of humanity wore away. What was left in him now was only the devil's spawn.
Nicole must have washed Jarrod's hair so long that Jarrod had gotten impatient. He suddenly opened his eyes.
Their gazes met in the murky glow of the bathroom. And Jarrod saw the undisguised hatred in Nicole's eyes. The way she looked at him, it was as if she wanted to tear his flesh off his bones. It was only then that Jarrod realized this was the real Nicole, no disguise or pretense.
Nicole's loathing for Jarrod was as undiluted and resolute as it could be, an engulfing fire that left no space for uncertainty.
Jarrod's smirk was like a beacon of detached amusement, illuminating his lips with a mix of charm and mischief. "Well... Is that the kind of look you give someone you want to kill?"
Nicole was past the point of mincing words. It wasn't like Jarrod didn't know she hated him. "What else could it be?" Nicole retorted coldly. "Do you expect me to look at you affectionately as if I'm in love with you? I'm in love with the thought of you being six feet under."
Jarrod reached out and stroked her chin with his index finger. He frowned slightly and said, "You are always defiant. Tell me. How would you like to be punished?"
Nicole brushed off his hand and sneered, "Do you think you can still intimidate me? I'd better die sooner than yield to a man like you."
*Really?" Jarrod replied, his voice taking on a darker hue. He brought her hand to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Nicole, don't provoke me. You know the consequences," he said softly, a hint of threat in his voice.
But Nicole didn't show any signs of fear. Instead, she got angrier and snapped, "What do you think you're doing?" "Quenching my thirst, Jarrod replied bluntly. He wasn't after her assistance in bathing him. Being a man with such fierce desires, years of abstinence were taking their toll. He needed to quench his thirst, one way or another.
The water temperature in the bathtub was still high, but Jarrod's body was even hotter. It was like a furnace that threatened to consume them both.
Nicole was taken aback for a moment. She didn't expect him to say such a thing shamelessly. She felt so disgusted that she wanted to throw up.
Jarrod held her hand even tighter and said in a hoarse and seductive voice, "Just stay still. I won't enter you."
The tension in the bathroom grew thicker. Nicole was like a puppet, following Jarrod's words. Fortunately, he kept his promise and did not enter her.
A low growl broke out from his throat. He was so overwhelmed by his desire that he couldn't help biting her neck gently. He kissed her hair and whispered softly, "Let's not fight anymore. You don't have to love me back. But please, allow me to love and cherish you. Let's give us a shot."
Nicole was utterly shocked. How could Jarrod be so ridiculous? She was at a loss for words for a moment.
Jarrod thought she took in his words and added in a soothing tone, "Nicole, listen to me. I will love you the way you loved me before. Just give me a chance to show it to you. We still have a long life ahead of us. We can take it one step at a time."
With a gentleness that was unlike him, Jarrod made an earnest plea to Nicole.
Nicole couldn't help but chuckle at his words. Long life? One step at a time? Where on earth did Jarrod get the audacity to say these words? After trampling on her dignity, belittling her self-worth, and plotting to kill her family, why didn't it seem easy for him to say these things? How dare he coax her like this!