Chapter 58
[ 499 words ]
Chapter 58:
“Do not use my name like it’s a curse,” Jarrod commanded, his voice thick and raspy. “Do not use it to push me away. Not ever again.”
Caroline couldn’t speak. Her lungs were burning. She just stared at him, completely mesmerized by the raw hunger in his face.
Jarrod lowered his head again, his lips brushing against the corner of her mouth.
“Say my name, Caroline,” he whispered against her skin.
The sensory overload was too much. Caroline’s defenses crumbled into dust. She opened her mouth.
“Jarrod,” she breathed.
The sound of his name on her lips was a physical blow to him. The violent tension in Jarrod’s shoulders instantly vanished.
He let out a deep, ragged sigh. He released her wrists, moved his hand to the back of her neck, and kissed her again. This time, it was slow, deep, and completely devastating.
The kiss felt like it lasted for hours.
Inѕ𝘵𝗮n𝘵 ac𝘤es𝘴 on g𝘢l𝘯о𝗏𝗲l𝗌.c𝗼𝗆
When Jarrod finally pulled away, Caroline slumped back against the leather seat. Her entire body felt like it had been turned to liquid.
She dragged oxygen into her burning lungs. Her cheeks were flushed a violent, hot crimson. She couldn’t even look at him.
Jarrod sat back in his seat. He used his left hand to slowly, methodically adjust his dark tie. The violent edge was gone from his posture, replaced by a dark, satisfied calm.
He reached forward and pressed the intercom button on the door panel.
“Drive, Bell,” Jarrod ordered. His voice was perfectly steady.
The massive SUV rumbled to life and pulled smoothly into the sparse nighttime traffic.
Caroline turned her head, resting her hot cheek against the cool glass of the window. She watched the streetlights blur past.
After a few minutes, her racing heart began to slow down. She realized they were crossing the bridge.
“This isn’t the way to Alexandria,” Caroline said softly, turning to look at him. “Where are we going?”
Jarrod leaned his head back against the headrest. He closed his eyes.
“We are going to fulfill your obligations as Mrs. Romero,” he stated flatly.
Caroline’s stomach plummeted. The words hit her like a bucket of ice water.
Twenty minutes later, the SUV turned onto a quiet, cobblestone street in the heart of Georgetown.
The car stopped in front of a historic, federal-style red brick building. There were no signs. No window displays. It looked like a private, heavily guarded residence.
K.C. Bell opened the door.
Jarrod stepped out onto the sidewalk. He turned and held his left hand out to Caroline.
She stared at his large, calloused palm for a second. Reluctantly, she placed her hand in his. His fingers closed around hers, warm and completely unyielding.
He led her up the stone steps. Before he could knock, the heavy oak double doors were pulled open from the inside.
A middle-aged Asian woman in a flawless black tailored suit stood in the foyer. She had sharp eyes and an aura of absolute, intimidating competence.
“Good evening, Mr. Romero,” the woman said, bowing her head slightly. “I am Linda Powell. We have been expecting you.”
Jarrod gave a curt nod. He pulled Caroline inside.
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