Chapter 373

Jayden squeezed Elyse's breasts so hard she cried out in pain. "Ouch! That hurts!" Tears welled in her eyes. Seeing this, Jayden released her, gently wiping away her tears. "Good girl," he coaxed, "take your underwear off."

Elyse froze, realizing his intentions. "Is this the 'proof' you want? You just want to sleep with me. I don't want this. I have to visit Cody's studio tomorrow. Go away. I'm going to sleep."

She got off him, covered her breasts, and reached for her pajamas. Jayden frowned. "You're not going to... appease me? I'm done. I won't do that anymore," she snorted, her tone dismissive.

Jayden's face darkened. How could she seduce him and then stop? He pulled her back into his arms.

"What do you want?" Elyse demanded. "I'm telling you, I don't want to do it. Since you don't want to talk to me, let's stop talking and live our own lives."

Jayden clenched his teeth. "You're quite bold, aren't you?"

"Of course I am," Elyse retorted, head held high. "Is this the first day you've known me?" As she tried to turn away, Jayden pressed her down, his teeth sinking into her nipple, his tongue swirling and teasing, eliciting a stream of moans.

His hand trailed down, grazing her underwear. With a gentle tug, it slipped to her knees. Pinned to the bed, Elyse struggled, her legs writhing, her underwear falling to the floor.

"It's you who refused to speak to me first! If you don't want to talk, then don't. I won't either. Just stay away from me. You're hurting me with your bite!" she seethed, unable to escape his attentions.

Jayden maneuvered so Elyse was beneath him. Her head swam; she barely registered the shift in position. Surveying her dazed form, his mood lifted. He playfully pinched her cheek, enjoying her irritation. Nibbling her ear, he murmured, "Behave. Spread your legs."

Initially resistant, Elyse found her legs forced apart as Jayden initiated intercourse. Sleep evaded Elyse that night.

The following morning, Elyse entered the living room with a somber expression, arms crossed. Jayden looked embarrassed. As they approached the table, he tried to take her hand, but she evaded him, keeping her distance. He wordlessly withdrew his hand. Driscoll shook his head and sighed. Yesterday's scenario had repeated itself, only this time Elyse was seething with anger.

Furious at Jayden's behavior, she felt a profound sense of injustice. He had rejected her touch earlier, yet he had slept with her. It rankled. She glared at him; he met her gaze impassively. Driscoll interjected, "Mrs. Owen, I've given the driver your new workplace address. He'll ensure you arrive on time."

"Thank you," Elyse replied, picking up a sandwich. After breakfast, her anger had subsided. She stood and walked out of the villa. Noticing Jayden following, she felt uneasy. "Why are you following me?"

"I'll accompany you to work," he replied calmly.

"I don't need it. It's a short journey," she said, frustration evident. Jayden frowned. "Driscoll mentioned you'd be with Cody's three male apprentices."

Elyse nodded, then paused. Did he care that she would be around other men? She quickly dismissed the thought. "He wasn't the jealous type."

In the car, Elyse stared out the window, seemingly lost in thought. Jayden, unable to resist, took her hand; she didn't notice. He held it the entire drive. When they arrived, he said, "Practice your violin and try to avoid unnecessary socializing."

Elyse rolled her eyes. "There are only a few people at the studio. If I don't socialize, who will I have lunch with?"

"I'll ask Driscoll to join you for lunch every day," Jayden offered, his concern obvious.

"No way," Elyse snapped. "I want to build relationships with the others. Stay out of my social life."

...