A Rose 453


    As Nancy nuzzled against him, Jacob’s body went rigid He nced down, suppressing a surge of


    unfamiliar emotions, and gently tapped her forehead with his long, graceful fingers.


    “No biting. Sit still, and I’ll take you home,” he reprimanded.


    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    “If you won’t let me bite, I’m not going home with you. Nancy pouted in defiance and turned to dash


    out of the car, but her drunken state got the better of her. She wobbled after just one step and


    nearly fell t on the pavement.


    “Watch it.” Jacob’s reflexes kicked in as he caught her, pulling her back firmly. His tone was low and


    commanding as he said, “Sit tight and stop messing around.”


    “Don’t tell me what to do. Let go of me.” Thoughpletely intoxicated, Nancy fought against him


    with surprising force.


    “You’re asking for trouble-”


    Before Jacob could finish, Nancy sank her teeth into his hand.


    Jacob hissed in pain, instinctively letting go. Nancy seized the opportunity, jumping out of the car


    and tossing him a smug look as if daring him to try and stop her.


    Jacob’s patience thinned as his dark eyes narrowed dangerously. Not only was she acting up, but


    now she was outright challenging him. She was courting punishment.


    As Nancy staggered toward Royal Pavilion, Jacob extended his arm and swiftly pulled her back into


    his hold.


    “Let go of me.”


    Seeing Nancy still struggling restlessly, Jacob’s gaze darkened. Without a second thought, he


    swatted her lightly on the butt. It wasn’t hard, but the embarrassment it stirred was unmistakable.


    Nancy’s dazed eyes locked onto his, brimming with hurt. “You… you hit me,” she said pitifully.


    Hearing her frail protest, Jacob snapped back to reality. His brows furrowed tightly as surprise and


    regret flickered in his eyes.


    This wasn’t how an older man should act toward a youngerdy.


    A deep flush spread across Jacob’s ears. For the first time, he found himself at a loss. He was


    unsure why he’d acted so out of line.


    “I’m sorry…”


    11


    “Even my mom and dad never hit me, but you did.” Nancy’s voice cracked, tears welling up as she


    sobbed softly.


    Jacob’s flush deepened as he scrambled to console her. “Nance, it’s my fault. When you sober up,


    you can punish me however you want, okay?”


    After much coaxing, Nancy finally drifted off to sleep, her breathing even and calm. Jacob’s eyes


    were a stormy abyss as he took off his gold–rimmed sses and rubbed his brow.


    A rare hint of confusion clouded his handsome features. What on earth was wrong with him?


    Back at Murray Manor, Wilson blocked Adam’s path as he tried to take Yvette back inside.


    2/2


    Adam clicked his tongue impatiently. “You’ve got ten minutes, no more. It’ste, and Yvie needs her


    rest.”


    “Okay, Adam.” Wilson smiled obediently.


    Adam didn’t bother with further argument and simply turned away, striding back into the house.


    Inside, he immediately bumped into Sean and Ashton.


    “Adam, what’s up with you? How could you leave Yvie alone with that old lecher?”