Chapter 873:
Smiling, Elyse set her phone down and thought about returning to the banquet hall—she still had room for more food. But as she took her first step, a hand clamped down on her shoulder. She shrieked in shock, and before she could turn, another hand covered her mouth, yanking her backward forcefully.
It was a man—tall and imposing, with an iron grip. Panic surged through Elyse, and she thrashed desperately. Terrified, she struggled against his superior strength. Soon, exhausted, she grew weak. The man easily overpowered her, dragging her into the stairwell and forcing her up the stairs.
She didn’t know how many floors they climbed. All she could manage were soft, frightened whimpers. The man leaned close, whispering, “Keep it down. I’m already having a rough time—don’t make it worse.”
That voice—it was unmistakably Jayden’s.
Elyse spun around, her heart skipping a beat at the unusual flush on Jayden’s face. His breathing was labored, as if he were fighting to control something.
The moment Jayden realized Elyse recognized him, the pretense dropped. He released her, leaning heavily against the wall, still panting. “Did I scare you? Thought you’d met your end, didn’t you?”
Despite his condition, Jayden chuckled. Furious and relieved, Elyse punched his arm. “How can you joke about that? Do you have any idea how terrified I was? I thought I was going to be killed!”
“Does your hand hurt?” Jayden grinned, reaching for her hand, but Elyse pulled away.
Elyse eyed him warily. “What’s wrong with you? You don’t look well. Do you have a fever?”
Jayden’s eyes locked onto hers, intense and unwavering. “Care to find out?” he murmured.
Elyse hesitated, torn between caution and concern, but stepped closer. “Didn’t you dress warmly enough? How did you get sick?” As she moved, her scent wafted to Jayden, captivating him. The closer she came, the stronger his yearning grew.
Seeing his chance, Jayden swiftly wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. Startled, Elyse pounded his back, her voice rising. “Why are you holding me so tight? You’re burning up! Let me go!”
Jayden felt Elyse’s warmth and softness as he leaned in, his lips grazing her ear. “I’ve been drugged,” he murmured, his voice husky with desperation and desire. “And I need you to cure me. That’s why I found you.”
Elyse’s emotions swirled between embarrassment and fury. She tried to push Jayden away, but his grip tightened. The more she resisted, the closer he pulled her. “You have some nerve! Go to your girlfriend. I’m not her, so I’m not obligated to help!” Elyse snapped.
Jayden shook his head, his voice low and insistent. “I want you to do it. Besides, that crazy woman drugged me. Can’t you see I need your help?”
Elyse was bewildered. “Why would she drug you? Isn’t she your girlfriend? You shouldn’t need tricks like that.”