Despite his initial hesitance, Nicole’s plea influenced Jarrod.
He handed her an unlit fire stick for self-protection.
“Keep vignt and defend yourself,” he instructed before moving to the rear of the lotus tform where Roscoe was bound.
Jarrod swiftly severed the bindings, revealing his proficiency.
Roscoe was visibly surprised by Jarrod’s aid, given their strained history.
He managed a genuine, “Thank you.
”
However, Jarrod’s response was chilling.
He kept his knife drawn, pressing it slightly against Roscoe’s throat with a menacing whisper.
“Stay away from my wife, or next time, I won’t hesitate.
”
Roscoe remained silent, his expression stern.
Nicole, alert to the encroaching parasites, called out, “Are you done?”
Jarrod, after a final look at Roscoe, sheathed his knife and replied, “Yes.
”
Nicole turned and saw Roscoe, fatigued and pale, leaning against the lotus tform.
“Jarrod, carry him out of here,” Nicolemanded.
Jarrod paused, a hint of reluctance in his voice.
“Carry him?” He believed he had already done his part by not leaving Roscoe behind.
Nicole, noticing Jarrod’s hesitation, urged, “We need to move fast.
He’s been drugged and can’t walk.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.
”
She knew the drug’s effects well, having experienced its potent but paralyzing impact before.
It left the user incapacitated for a couple of hours while it worked.
Recovery for Roscoe could take even longer, given the dosage he had been fed.
Jarrod looked at Roscoe, who showed no desire to be carried, and seemed conflicted.
Roscoe, not wanting to leave Nicole in a pickle, insisted, “No need.
Get Nicole to safety and leave me.
”
Nicole quickly retorted, “This isn’t the time for valor.
We can’t waste time.
”
The parasites were relentless, hunger driving them to attack.
Any moment of hesitation would make them prey.
While Roscoe stayed quiet, Nicole’s gaze at Jarrod was pleading.
Jarrod raised an eyebrow and remarked, “Didn’t you hear? He doesn’t want help.
”
Nicole, growing frustrated with the dy, couldn’t hide her irritation.
Nicole was incredulous at their interaction, which seemed childish given the dire circumstances.
“If you’re not going to carry him, then I will,” Nicole dered, beginning to bend down despite her injuries.
But she doubted her strength to even lift Austin, much less Roscoe.
Jarrod, with a frosty look, begrudgingly bent down.
“Fine, I’ll do it.
”
Roscoe, however, continued to sulk and was uncooperative.
Nicole had no option but to manually ce Roscoe’s arm over Jarrod’s shoulders to ensurepliance.